On Friday, Hamilton Heights Superintendent Dr. Derek Arrowood announced five Hamilton Heights High School students have tested positive this week for COVID-19.
The district announced, due to the increasing number of students testing positive for the virus, the high school would shift to e-learning.
A statement from Arrowood said:
Arrowood
As much as we had hoped we could bring this week to a close without additional notifications, it is with concern and empathy that we share a 5th student at the high school received a COVID-19 positive test confirmation today. The student, after exhibiting several of the classic symptoms, sought testing and was confirmed positive. Through our contract tracing we have reached out to those families of students considered a close contact. All will quarantine at home as a precaution.
Due to the number of students impacted and the recommendation of our partners at the Hamilton County Health Department, we will shift all high school students to E-learning beginning this Monday, November 2 through Friday, November 13. All after school activities at the high school, including athletic practices, games, and any club activities will be cancelled during this time as well. In-person classes at the high school will resume Monday, November 16.
Please note there is no change for elementary and middle school students. The elementary school and middle school will remain open and continue to have on-site instruction during this time.
We have planned for this scenario. It will provide the time needed for us to reset and stop the spread of COVID-19 amongst our student body and the resulting quarantines that go with these positive cases. Our expectation is that all high school students will be able to return to class in two weeks. Our educators at the high school will continue to provide meaningful and impactful lessons in this virtual format through Canvas. High school administrators have sent specific information and details to high school families on the process of the days ahead.
Please continue to be mindful in your interactions and do your best to follow distancing guidelines and other recommended precautions to prevent the transmission and spread of this virus. Also, if you or anyone in your family is experiencing symptoms in line with COVID-19, cold, or flu, please contact your healthcare provider for further guidance. Continue to self-monitor for symptoms of COVID-19 including loss of taste and/or smell, fever, dry cough, body aches, and shortness of breath. Because COVID-19, cold, and flu can present with some similarities, as a precaution please keep students at home while awaiting test results.
We encourage anyone not considered a close contact, but who may still be concerned about exposure, to self-monitor over the next 10 to 14 days and seek medical care if they exhibit COVID-19, cold, or flu symptoms.
Thank you for staying the course as we make this temporary shift in the high school’s learning environment. We’re sending healing hopes for those engaged in the care for COVID-19 positive patients, anxious about a loved one with the virus, and/or those suffering from the virus. #WeAreHuskies