Whitman County Gazette 

Garfield-Palouse High School is empty of kids

Teaching is remote for 14 days due to absences

 

September 23, 2021

File photo

PALOUSE - More than 40% of Garfield-Palouse High School students are sick so the school district shut the school for 14 days.

A letter was sent to parents to alert them to the high school returning to remote learning until at least Oct. 4.

"The letter was generated by a large number of absences that we noticed," said Superintendent and Principal Mike Jones. "Everything's on hold."

Classes and extracurricular actives, including sports, are paused.

The Whitman County Public Health Department made the recommendation to halt in-person education and switch to remote learning. The absences are for a variety of illnesses, but it is suspected the bulk of them are COVID.

"This decision has not been entered into lightly and we apologize for any inconvenience this may cause for our families and students," the letter states.

The elementary and middle schools continue in-person learning as Jones and the school staff are closely monitoring students' absences.

The COVID exposure is believed to have come from sources outside of the school, "based on contact tracing and the department of health."

The school went empty on Sept. 20 and in 14 days, Oct. 4, the students could return or see the pause extended based on the health of the students.

"There's always a chance we could extend it. We don't want to if we don't have to," said Jones.

High school classes are being held in one-hour blocks starting at 8:30 a.m. and finishing by 12:30 p.m. when staff is streaming their classes online. Teachers are posting their assignments.

Students are to keep in contact with their teachers through Google Classroom, Google meets, and by email and phone.

"Teachers will be available for parents and students at the school. From 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. they will be meeting with kids and we will be doing meals as necessary," said Jones.

If a student needs some materials from the school, it can be arranged for them to pick materials up or have the items delivered.

Jones said he is thankful for how parents and the community have reacted.

"Our community has been very responsive and great to work with. We appreciate their support as we work through this," said Jones.

 

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