MSD Of Lawrence Township: Secondary Return To On-Site Instruction

Press release from Metropolitan School District of Lawrence Township:

March 08, 2021

The MSD of Lawrence Township continues to do an excellent job implementing protections against the spread of COVID-19, as evidenced by our low number of infections among both students and staff. I am pleased to share that Marion County has now reached a blue advisory level with a positivity rate of 3.1 percent, the lowest in months.

It is because of your efforts, along with the most current data on the rate of spread in Marion County, that changes are forthcoming to the current secondary instructional model.  With the full support of the Marion County Public Health Department, students in grades 7-12 currently participating in a hybrid schedule will be returning to on-site instruction four days per week with virtual instruction on Fridays. Given the logistical planning required to make this transition, secondary students will return four days per week on Monday, April 5, 2021.

Dr. Virginia Caine, Executive Director of the Marion County Public Health Department has been watching the positivity rate closely within secondary schools in Marion County and has spoken with colleagues across the country that have large schools operating in-person with students maintaining three feet of social distance. She believes that with masks, three feet is acceptable distancing, and this flexibility supports our ability to welcome back all students. 

We know that schools are vital in supporting our community’s basic needs, social fabric, and economy and believe that having schools open to all students daily has far-reaching benefits. We also recognize that there may be extenuating circumstances for others that preclude them from attending school in-person. Full virtual instruction will continue to be available for the remainder of the academic year.

The discontinuation of a hybrid model will not impact our commitment to maintaining a safe and clean learning and working environment. COVID-19 safety and cleaning protocols will remain in effect, with masks required for all students and staff.

I am confident that this is the right time to return and believe we are prepared to do this safely.  I want to thank you for your patience as we have navigated the challenges of this pandemic.  Please remain connected with your school building(s) as additional logistical information about this transition becomes available.

Sincerely,

Dr. Shawn A. Smith

Superintendent of Schools

This press release was produced by Metropolitan School District of Lawrence Township. The views expressed here are the author’s own.