Coronavirus Surge Sends Peabody High To Remote Learning

PEABODY, MA — Peabody Veterans Memorial High School will go to remote learning for at least one week due to a surge in positive coronavirus cases and quarantine requirements among staff.

Superintendent Dr. Josh Vadala said in a letter to families that the high school — which he said has been impacted more than any other school in the district — is scheduled to return to hybrid learning on Jan. 19.

All other Peabody Public Schools will remain in a hybrid learning model.

"As you know, our community has seen a dramatic increase in positive cases over the past several weeks," Vadala said. "In addition to the devastating impact this virus has on individuals testing positive, the number of close contacts requiring quarantine continues to grow.

"We currently have no conclusive evidence of spread in our schools. The majority of positive cases seem to come from household exposure and attendance at social gatherings."

Vadala said from Dec. 1 through Jan. 8 there were 90 students or staff at the school who tested positive and another 121 who required quarantine.

"I have previously stated that we will remain committed to our hybrid learning model until I have evidence of in-school transmission or if we are unable to safely supervise our students in school," he said. "Unfortunately, PVMHS has reached a critical point where the number of staff needing to quarantine due to positive cases or being close contacts prohibits our ability to effectively remain in an in-person learning model."

Peabody High athletics will continue at this time for in-season sports, while out-of-season practices are suspended until Jan. 19.

"We will continue to closely monitor this situation as we navigate the challenges and complexities of COVID-19 together," he said. "Please be assured that the health, welfare and safety of our school community will remain paramount."