Littleton Public Schools Closes Amid Spread Of New Coronavirus

LITTLETON, CO — Littleton Public Schools will close until March 29, school officials announced Thursday. Classes were held Friday and students were encouraged to make sure they had their belongings, as all buildings were set to close after the school day. The closure was announced after dozens of presumptive positive coronavirus tests were confirmed Thursday in Colorado.

All after-school activities, athletics, events and performances will remain suspended through April 5, district officials said.

All buildings, including the district office, are included in the closure. Only authorized personnel will be able to access schools for important cleaning and disinfecting.

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When schools are closed, School Age Child Care is also closed. Parents will receive a credit for the child care during the closure, officials said.

In a letter to families and staff, Littleton Public Schools Supt. Brian Ewart said that more information about optional learning opportunities will be shared soon.

"LPS is unable to replace core instruction and special services with online learning and services due to issues of capacity, equity and access," the letter read, in part. "We will provide optional supplemental resources and activities that are designed to provide students and parents with opportunities to extend learning beyond the classroom. "

Ewart said the district will continue to send updates with support resources.

"I am proud and appreciative of our staff and their continued support of our students during this unsettled time," the letter read. "They have shown themselves to be leaders and have embodied our vision and commitment that in LPS, students are the priority!"

More information is available on the district website.

Denver Public Schools, Jeffco Public Schools and many other districts in Colorado have also announced temporary closures.

Other information on COVID-19:

• Colorado's First Drive-Up Coronavirus Testing Center Opens
• Coronavirus Testing Criteria Updated, Expanded In Colorado
• Colorado Colleges Hold Classes Remotely Amid Coronavirus Outbreak
• Americans Over 60 Should Hunker Down To Avoid Coronavirus: CDC
• Coronavirus And The Prospect Of Working From Home: Helpful Tips
• Coronavirus: Tips To Prepare Your Home