Due to what Interim Superintendent Nikki Nash called “ongoing community spread of both COVID-19 and other seasonal illnesses,” Three Rivers High School, Middle School, and Hoppin Elementary will temporarily transition to remote learning on Friday.

“Due to this uptick, we have made the difficult decision to suspend in-person learning and transition the High School, Middle School and Hoppin Elementary to remote learning from Friday, January 21, 2022 through Friday, January 28, 2022;  it is our intention to resume in-person learning on  Monday, January 31, 2022,” Nash wrote an email sent to parents, guardians and staff Thursday.

Nash urged parents to make sure students participate in remote learning each day, as state law requires schools have a 75 percent pupil accounting each school day or days may have to be made up at the end of the academic year. Extra curricular activities will continue, unless 20 percent or more of the participants are absent, in which case that particular activity would be suspended for seven days.

Families who depend on school meals for their children can do a “one time pick up of five days of breakfast and lunch meals” at the high school on Friday, January 21 (tomorrow) from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. or Monday, January 24 from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.

“Although this transition affects TRHS, TRMS & Hoppin, we still encourage all students and staff to follow precautionary measures against the spread of  COVID-19, especially as we approach flu season,” Nash said.

“Please continue to  monitor for the onset of symptoms related to COVID-19; including cough, shortness of breath, fever (Temp>100.4 F), chills, repeated shaking with chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, or new loss of taste or smell. If you notice any change in the health of your child, please keep your child home until symptoms subside or contact your regular medical provider. Thank you for your flexibility, understanding and continued support during these challenging times.”

Alek Haak-Frost is executive editor of Watershed Voice.