South Putnam middle/high schools out this week

Students at South Putnam Middle/High School will be on e-learning this week with COVID-19 cases and a reduced staff leading to the building being closed.

Superintendent Bruce Bernhardt made an announcement to parents Monday afternoon that grades 6-12 would go online beginning Tuesday and continue through this Friday. However, neither of South Putnam’s elementary schools will be closed in kind.

Bernhardt told the Banner Graphic that the closure was due to a lack of staff needed to cover classes. He said he was aware of one teacher who had tested positive for COVID-19, while a middle school student tested positive over the weekend.

After contact tracing to these individuals, students and staff were being sent home to quarantine. This period normally lasts 14 days.

Bernhardt emphasized that after-school activities will not be affected by the closure. He added that the building will be thoroughly sanitized while everyone is out.

“Our hopes are that we will be back to normal,” Bernhardt said about coming back next week.

Cloverdale Schools went to e-learning last Friday after a teacher there tested positive. The corporation closed due to not having enough substitutes. Their closure will go until Nov. 3.