WACO, TX — University High School is temporarily transitioning to remote learning starting tomorrow after an increase in COVID-19 cases.
“Starting tomorrow (Monday, Nov. 9), all of our students will be learning remotely. University High School will be closed for in-person instruction through Friday and will reopen for in-person instruction on Nov. 16," Dr. Ricky Edison, principal of University High School said in a message to families and employees.
The school was briefly closed for in-person instruction in October after COVID-19 cases on campus.
“We have learned that three more people, who have been at University High School, tested positive for COVID-19. We have already notified the families of any students and any employees who were in close contact with one or both people, and those students and employees have been told to stay home for 14 days from their last contact with someone who tested positive," Edison said.
Edison said other people have also reported symptoms that could be a sign of COVID-19 or potential exposure to the virus and are awaiting test results.
"In fact, a significant number of campus administrators and teachers would be out this week following close contact with someone who tested positive, waiting for test results, or for other reasons. While most of our teachers who are out are able to teach remotely, the total number of employees out presents a challenge for appropriately supervising students without bringing large groups of students together in the same space. That is the main reason that we have decided to transition to fully remote instruction starting tomorrow."
“All of our in-person students have a Chromebook that they take home with them each day. If there are any in-person students without internet access at home that do not already have a mobile hotspot, they can check one out by contacting the campus. If you need technical assistance with a Chromebook or a mobile hotspot, you can reach our student help desk between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. Monday through Friday by calling 254-284-1072."
The school is continuing to work closely with the Waco-McLennan County Public Health District. All areas of the campus will be deep cleaned and sanitized using hospital-grade disinfectants before the campus reopens for in-person instruction.
“Free COVID-19 testing is available in our community, and I would encourage you to consider taking advantage of it. You can find a list of community testing sites and hours at covidwaco.com. Please note that pre-registration is required.
“Thank you for helping us make this second transition to remote learning as smooth as possible for our students. As always, if there is something that your student needs to be successful, please let us know.”
