Students in the De Soto School District will return to virtual learning tomorrow (Nov. 20).
In a letter to parents, Superintendent Josh Isaacson said in-person classes are scheduled to resume on Tuesday, Dec. 8.
District officials said more than 50 staff members will be out over the next few weeks, either because they tested positive for the COVID-19 novel coronavirus or because of contact tracing.
“We have reached a point where we are unable to continue district operations with the needed number of staff members present,” according to a post on the district’s social media sites that accompanied Isaacson’s letter read.
District officials last week moved all instruction to virtual learning for Nov. 11-13 with hopes of being able to resume the regular Tuesday-through-Friday in-person schedule this week, but case numbers increased.
The district uses Mondays as an all-virtual day, and that will continue throughout the first semester.
“Our goal has always been to keep as many students on site as possible throughout this pandemic. We recognize the importance of students being on campus for their learning, mental health and socialization, and structure and routine. We also recognize the importance of consistent school schedules for our working families,” Isaacson said in his letter.
Classes are being held today (Nov. 19) to allow faculty and students time to prepare for the closure.
Classes will be held remotely Friday (Nov. 20), Monday (Nov. 23) and Tuesday (Nov. 24).
The district is closed for Thanksgiving break from Wednesday, Nov. 25, through Monday, Nov. 30.
Virtual learning will then continue Dec. 1-4 and Monday, Dec. 7.
“At this time, our plan is to return to on-site learning starting Tuesday, Dec. 8,” said the letter.
The letter stressed that students are expected to participate in virtual classes and turn in assignments.
All students are eligible for free meals. For information, call Sara Brinkman at 217-316-2125.
