Greencastle on at-home learning for 6-12 students until Thanksgiving break, hybrid model thereafter

Due to a staff shortage, students at Greencastle Middle School and Greencastle High School are on at-home learning until Thanksgiving break.

Thereafter, students in grades 6-12 will participate in a hybrid instructional model.

Students in pre-kindergarten through fifth grade will continue with in-person learning both before and after Thanksgiving.

Supt. Jeffrey Gibboney made the announcement Wednesday that one student and three staff members had tested postiive for COVID-19. Staff members and parents of students identified as close contacts were contacted by GCSC officials.

Gibboney noted in his announcement that there were eight active positive cases in the school corporation as of Wednesday.

“As a result of contact tracing guidelines, Gibboney wrote, “GCSC is experiencing a district-wide shortage of staff members,” which he noted included teachers, nurses, food service and other employees.

The move to at-home learning is due to the staff shortage. Gibboney also noted that staff members have been reallocated to keep elementary students learning in person.

“Decisions regarding extra-curricular activities and Area 30 will be communicated by building administrators,” Gibboney said.

The move to hybrid learning for secondary students is part of Stage 2 of GCSC COVID-19 protocols.

Under the hybrid model, the middle school and high school students will attend school in person two days a week. Students with last names begininning with the letters A-K will attend Monday and Thursday. Those with last names beginning L-Z will attend Tuesdays and Fridays.

All students will participate in at-home learning on Wednesdays.

All students will be expected to engage in activities five days a week regardless of whether they are participating via live instructions or at-home learning on that particular day.

“I regret the inconvenience this situation puts on our families,” Gibboney said. “However, the safety and health of students and staff must remain our top priority.”

Stage 3 of the corporation’s COVID-19 protocol, should it ever be implemented, would include at-home learning for all students in the corporation.