Princeton High School To Go Remote After 3 Positive COVID Cases

PRINCETON, NJ — Princeton High School (PHS) will go remote beginning Monday through Nov. 9 after three confirmed COVID-19 cases, said Superintendent Barry Galasso.

This comes a week after PHS brought back students for the hybrid learning model.

Two staff members and a student have tested positive for coronavirus in the past few days. None of the cases originated or were transmitted at the school, said Galasso. Two of the cases originated from out-of-school sports programs.

The three cases have caused several teachers to quarantine for 14 days, making it difficult for the school to conduct in-person classes.

“When we approved our phased-in return to hybrid learning, the district was aware that there could be instances when it would be necessary to pivot to all-remote learning if the number of teachers required to participate in quarantines increased dramatically, as it has in the last 24 hours,” Galasso said in a statement.

Students from second through fifth-grade came back for in-person classes on Oct. 12, and on Oct. 19, students returned to middle school and Princeton High School.

Read More Here: Princeton Schools To Begin Hybrid Learning Earlier Than Planned

Galasso said that while many parents are happy to have a few days of in-person classes for their children, many were disappointed their children can't return to school.

“I understand that this is a hardship for all our students, their families, and our staff and that there are mental health and financial implications as well as many serious inconveniences. We are working hard to support staff, students and families while at the same time working to keep our school community healthy,” he said.

Galasso urged parents to be mindful of travel and quarantine restrictions during the upcoming school holidays.

The district requires all students who are returning from locations on the travel advisory list to participate in remote learning while they are under quarantine for 14 days.

“We encourage you to select your travel destinations carefully,” he said.

Only PHS will pivot to all-remote learning. The middle school will open for in-person classes on Monday and the district’s four elementary schools will continue with hybrid learning.

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