April 25, 2024
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LaMoille School District will utilize e-learning days; return Dec. 9

High COVID-19 positivity rate among staff leads to decision

By Derek Barichello

LaMoille High School (Shaw Media File Photo)

The LaMoille School District will be installing five e-learning days through Wednesday, Dec. 8, because of an increase in COVID-19 positivity rates among staff, said LaMoille Superintendent Brent Ziegler.

The district is unable to fill classroom positions and working in collaboration with the Bureau County Health Department, decided to make the switch.

The district will return to in-person learning Thursday, Dec. 9.

“There seems to be an uptick in community spread at this time,” said an email issued to parents. “(Illinois Department of Public Health) recommends adherence to masking, social distancing and hand hygiene. In addition, crowded indoor spaces increase the risk of contracting COVID-19. As we partner together, we can get back to in-school learning and have a successful and healthy school year.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there were 87 COVID-19 cases among Bureau County residents in the past seven days as of Thursday. The community transmission is considered at a high level, with 266.64 cases per 100,000 residents. There were three new hospitalizations for COVID-19 in this seven-day period across Bureau County.

During e-learning days, janitorial staff will focus on deep cleaning, the administration wrote.

Meals will be available by calling the District Office at 815-638-2144 by 9 a.m. each morning. Meals will be distributed at the junior/senior high school and will follow the high school menu. Distribution will take place from 11:30 a.m. to noon.

All school-related activities, such as basketball games and holiday concerts, will be canceled during this remote time period.

“We have been so pleased to be able to remain in person for almost a full semester, and we are sorry to have to go into a remote setting for any length of time. It is out of necessity that we do so,” the administration wrote. “We express our deep appreciation for your understanding of this change, but we must take decisive steps to ensure the safety of our students and staff. If you have questions, please do not hesitate to contact the administration.”