Covid-19 Positive Case Shuts Valley Regional High School Down

ESSEX, CHESTER, DEEP RIVER, CT — Another positive case of COVID-19, which impacted 49 VRHS students and 13 staff members at that school, caused the high school to shut down, partway through the day on Monday, due to a staffing shortage. The positive case also impacted four students at John Winthrop Junior High School, who rode the bus with the student who tested positive. In addition, buses at Essex Elementary School had to double up some routes due to a lack of bus drivers, because drivers also had to quarantine due to the positive case of Covid-19.

Superintendent of Region 4 Schools, Brian White wrote this letter to the community Monday afternoon, explaining the circumstances:

Dear Chester, Deep River, Essex, and Region 4 School Communities,
This morning we were notified of a positive COVID-19 case impacting Valley Regional High School and John Winthrop Middle School. The last date the individual attended VRHS and rode the bus with JWMS students was Thursday, January 14, 2021. Valley Regional High School dismissed early today due to a staffing shortage in the building due to the quarantine.
This case impacts 49 students and 13 staff members at VRHS. It also impacts 4 students at JWMS. The administration at both schools have notified families of students and staff members who had verified close contact with the known positive case. All individuals who had close contact with the known case will also be contacted by local health departments.
In keeping with our commitment to provide an in-person learning option for all students Valley Regional High School is expected to re-open tomorrow, January 20th for in-person learning at its regularly scheduled time. Mr. Barile will be in communication with the VRHS community regarding expectations for teaching and learning tomorrow.
Please know that we will communicate any necessary changes in as timely a manner as possible.
Sincerely,
Brian J. White
Superintendent of Schools

Several hours later an updated message was sent out to VRHS families and students by Principal Mike Barile, stating that the high school will continue in-person learning on January 20.

"Please know that, due to teacher quarantine, we will need to combine some classes. Although classes will be combined, students will be spaced as far as possible. Students should bring headphones or earbuds if available as they may need to meet remotely with their teachers," Barile said in the letter.