Cloverdale goes to e-learning through Nov. 3

Positive COVID test, quarantines, substitute shortage force closure

CLOVERDALE -- Cloverdale Schools will go back to e-learning through early November after a teacher tested positive for COVID-19.

Superintendent Greg Linton made an announcement on the school corporation’s website Thursday afternoon stating that six students and several teachers were traced back to this individual.

“Due to the shortage of available substitute teachers, Cloverdale Community School Corporation will be implementing eLearning beginning Friday, Oct. 23, 2020 through Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2020.”

Due to confidentiality, only the parents of students who have been identified as close contacts with the staff member have been contacted.

Linton cautioned students and parents about wearing masks, washing hands and practicing social distancing. He also stressed the importance of self-screening for symptoms.

“I regret the inconvenience this situation puts on our families; however, the safety and health of students and staff must be our top priority,” Linton closed the announcement.

Close contact, Linton wrote, is defined as contact within six feet for a total of 15 minutes or more. Individuals who test positive or are close contacts will be provided guidance from local health officials.

Linton told the Banner Graphic Thursday evening that the majority of two different grade levels worth of teachers had to go into quarantine for 14 days. Coupled with how many were already out, all those classrooms could not be covered with substitutes.

Linton iterated that this was the only confirmed positive case within the school corporation.

As to e-learning, teachers and students will be expected to engage in online activities from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. each day.

“For the eight days that students are off, the expectation will be that learning will continue just as if students were here at school,” Linton said.

Linton added that a corporation-wide employee meeting would be held Friday to review social distancing policies and expectations for e-learning moving forward.

“I just regret any of the hardship that it will cause on our families and students,” he said. “I know parents need to be at work; and when kids are at home, that definitely provides a hardship for families.

“But I know that hopefully we can all work together to get through the next eight days, and get back to normal.”