GCSC goes to virtual learning for all grade levels

All grade levels at Greencastle Community Schools will be on virtual learning until after Thanksgiving break.

Supt. Jeff Gibboney made the announcement to parents Sunday afternoon, saying that an additional staff member had tested positive for COVID-19.

Gibboney said the total number of active cases currently in the school corporation, between both students and staff members, is nine.

Due to contact tracing guidelines, the corporation is now experiencing a staff shortage, causing the move to virtual learning for all students.

Students in middle school and high school were already scheduled for virtual learning until after break following an announcement late last week. Sunday’s announcement simply makes the same true for elementary students on Monday and Tuesday, after which the corporation will be on Thanksgiving break until Monday, Nov. 30.

After break, the corporation will move to Stage 2 of its COVID-19 protocol.

Under Stage 2, students at Ridpath, Deer Meadow and Tzouanakis will return to in-person learning.

However, Greencastle Middle School and Greencastle High School students will move to a hybrid model, under which students will attend school in person two days a week. Students with last names beginning 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.