Following new guidance from the local health department, Jonathan Alder Local Schools will be transitioning to 100% remote learning following Thanksgiving.
An advisory released by Madison County Public Health Monday said COVID-19 is spreading at an “uncontrolled rate” and required that schools close to students, effective until Jan. 1 unless extended.
“With no recovery time between holidays, COVID-19 is likely to spread in a way that will sicken hundreds of residents, push the healthcare system to the limit and cause tragic and unnecessary loss of life,” the MCPH statement included.
All pre-kindergarten through 12th grade students in the district will begin online instruction on Tuesday, Dec. 1, according to a statement from Jonathan Alder.
Monday, Nov. 30 will be used as a “transition day” for teachers and staff to prepare for remote learning.
MCPH also required that all “school sports, club sports, travel sports and other school activities are suspended.”
“During the last two weeks, cases in schools have increased by five times and quarantined contacts have quadrupled,” in Madison County, according to MCPH.
Jonathan Alder indicated the directive will be reevaluated by the health department in conjunction with local case numbers and “evolving conditions of the pandemic.”
The district statement indicated this data will determine how students return to school in January.
“We want more than anything to reopen our buildings and get students back into classrooms on Jan. 4, but we need your help,” the statement included.
Jonathan Alder and MCPH encouraged residents to wear a mask, wash their hands regularly and social distance to slow the spread of the virus.