Local coronavirus surge triggers virtual learning for Avonworth students

The Avonworth School District is switching to full-time virtual learning for all students Thursday through at least Tuesday, Nov. 24.

Superintendent Thomas W. Ralston indicated that decision was driven by rising coronavirus cases among district students and staff and in communities the district serves.

In a letter and video message posted on the district website, Ralston reported Wednesday that there are five positive coronavirus cases among district schools.

He added that there are 101 people who are restricted from coming to school because they have tested positive for the disease, have been identified as having close contact with a positive case or have the illness’ symptoms.

“What we’ve seen recently is an ever-increasing number of cases that are coming into our schools,” Ralston said. “This has led to a large number of quarantines.

“It certainly makes things very difficult for us to adjust and adapt to all those cases.”

He said one of the recent positive case has about 22 known close contacts.

While online instruction is provided for quarantined students, Raltson noted staff quarantines have “created issues of having to cover their classes. This comes at a time when substitutes are very difficult to come by.”

District athletics and extracurricular activities are suspended while the district remains in a virtual learning mode.

Ralston said Avonworth officials will monitor the coronavirus impact on the district in determining when students may return to a hybrid model, which includes in-person instruction.

The district on Wednesday reported the five active coronavirus cases, including one at the primary center and two each at the elementary school and secondary campus.

Those under attendance restriction include 51 at the secondary campus and 25 each at the primary center and elementary school.

The district didn’t distinguish how many of the cases involve students versus staff.

Ralston said the district also is concerned about surging coronavirus positivity rates in local municipalities: 18% in Emsworth, 16% in Ohio Township and 14% in Kilbuck Township.

“A lot of these cases, according to the Department of Health, are being driven by things that are happening in the community,” he said. “What we’re seeing are Halloween parties, sleepovers, other social gatherings, when these cases are traced back, which are then leading to issues here at school.”

He said there have been instances of students reporting to school who have fevers or are otherwise ill, in contradiction of the district’s coronavirus mitigation guidelines.

He urged parents to be vigilant in monitoring students for symptoms of illness and asked community members to wash their hands often, practice social distancing and wear face masks when near others.