Good afternoon.
Due to an increase in COVID-related activity in the Groton Area Middle School, including an increase in positive COVID-19 cases, close contact quarantines, and staff exposures, the Groton Area Middle School (grades 6-8) will transition to remote learning beginning on Tuesday, October 6, 2020 for the remainder of the week. We will actively monitor the situation throughout the remainder of the week as we have been since last spring and make a determination about what the best course of action will be for next week.
Barring any changes to our current situation, Groton Area Elementary and Groton Area High School (grades 9-12) will continue with in-person instruction this week.
Parent/Teacher conferences will take place virtually, as planned, on Thursday, October 8. Friday, October 9 remains a day for staff in-service and Monday, October 12 will remain a day for instructional planning.
During the period of remote learning, students must continue to engage with their instructors and the course content.
While this isn't a situation that we've hoped for, it is one for which we've planned. It is our goal to keep students in school as much as possible, and doing so will require the cooperation of the entire school community.
Please follow all SD Department of Health recommendations for close contacts, including the 14 day quarantine period for confirmed close contacts.
Other measures that can be taken to slow the rate of infection include avoiding large gatherings, maintaining a physical distance of 6' between yourself and other people, wearing a face mask especially when 6' distancing is not possible, washing your hands, and avoiding touching your face.
Perhaps most importantly, is to be aware of the symptoms of COVID-19 and staying home and away from others when displaying symptoms. Common symptoms of COVID-19 include
- Fever or chills
- Cough
- Shortness of Breath/Difficulty Breathing
- Fatigue
- Muscle or Body Aches
- Headache
- Loss of Taste or Smell
- Sore Throat
- Congestion or Runny Nose
- Nausea, Vomiting, or Diarrhea
If you or your child are experiencing any symptoms consistent with COVID-19, please contact your medical provider.
Sincerely,
Joe Schwan
Superintendent