LATEST INFO: All Dubois County Schools Cancel Classes Due to Coronavirus Fears
JASPER -- Local schools are announcing they will close between March 16 - April 3rd due to fears over the coronavirus.
Those schools include the following....
- Greater Jasper Schools CLOSED March 16 - April 3
- Southeast Dubois Schools CLOSED March 16 - April 3
- Southwest Dubois Schools CLOSED March 16 - April 3
- Shoals Community School Corporation CLOSED March 16 - April 3
- Northeast Dubois Schools CLOSED March 16- April 3
Many schools are implementing E-Learning days as part of the closures.
Get the full list of closures and cancellations HERE: https://www.witzamfm.com/n…/local-closings-and-cancellations
See more from Jasper Schools Below....
March 13, 2020
Dear Parent/Guardian,
GJCS continues to monitor and follow all guidance and required actions from Governor Eric Holcomb, the Indiana Department of Education, the Indiana Department of Health and the Dubois County Health Department.
The safety of students, staff and community members is of the utmost priority. As a means to prevent spread of Coronavirus and the potential effects on our community, all GJCS schools will be closed beginning at 5:00 p.m. today.
Currently, school buildings and all GJCS facilities will remain closed through Friday, April 3, 2020.
The following actions will be implemented during that time:
Monday, March 16 à School WILL BE CANCELLED for students; no make-up day required. This day will be used for teachers to plan and communicate eLearning lessons. This day will also be used for food service to ready meals for participating students.
Tuesday, March 17 through Friday, March 20 à eLearning Days eLearning days will be utilized to continue instruction for all students in grades K-12. Teachers will maintain regular work hours to support online instructional needs and to answer student questions.
Parents can access information regarding eLearning days here. Parents and students should also look for communication from their classroom teacher.
Monday, March 23 through Friday, March 27 à Spring Break; school will not be in session for students or staff.
Monday, March 30 à School WILL BE CANCELLED for students; no make-up day required. This day will be used for teachers to plan and communicate eLearning lessons.
Tuesday, March 31 through Friday, April 3 à eLearning Days eLearning days will be utilized to continue instruction for all students in grades K-12. Teachers will maintain regular work hours to support online instructional needs and to answer student questions.
We will continue to stay in close contact with state and local health officials to determine any prolonged closure and the need for eLearning beyond April 3, 2020.
All extra-curricular events and practices are cancelled until school facilities are reopened. Any previously scheduled events during the closure period are cancelled. School facilities will be closed to everyone with the exception of minimal personnel needed to assist with essential school functions.
If your student takes DAILY PRESCRIPTION MEDICATION at school and you will need that supply at home during the extended break, please follow this guidance. Rules and regulations prohibit medication to be sent home with students in grades K-8. Medicine for students in those grades must be picked up by the student’s parent/guardian or an individual (over 18 years of age), authorized in writing by the parents for medication pick up.
Medication may be picked up on Monday, March 16 and Tuesday, March 17 from 8 am to 3 pm. No medication will be disbursed after 3:00 pm on Tuesday, March 17.
Cafeteria personnel intend to provide “grab and go” meals to students who wish to participate during the closure period. Anyone interested in participating needs to complete the jotform linked below.
More detailed information regarding meal pickup participation will be provided as soon as possible.
All maintenance and custodial staff will thoroughly clean, disinfect and sanitize school facilities prior to resuming normal operations. Regular communication with students and parents will occur through School Messenger, social media sites and school apps.
To help us further prepare to support students, please complete the School Closure Preparedness Survey using the following link: https://form.jotform.com/200721967253051
Further guidance and communications will continue as this situation continues to change as updated information is provided.
The Department of Health also continues to stress that during this extended school closure, it will be important to limit interaction with those outside of your household.
The school closure is not an appropriate time for large gatherings of students. Students should use this time to focus on their eLearning activities.
The decision to alter our established school operations is one that is not taken lightly. We understand the potential concerns and hardships this may cause as families try to manage the changes. However, it is vital that we play our part in minimizing spread of the virus to vulnerable populations.
Sincerely, Tracy Lorey, Ph.D. Superintendent, GJCS