Virtual learning in place until at least Nov. 30
By Michael S. Hoey
Correspondent
Darien Elementary School closed on Nov. 11 and will not re-open until Nov. 30 because of a possible exposure to COVID-19 as well as staffing issues.
A letter was sent home to parents explaining the need for the closure but no more details were provided about what specifically caused it.
The Delavan-Darien School Board had just discussed several COVID-related issues at its Nov. 9 meeting, including whether or not to move forward with the winter sports season, which the board voted 6-1 in favor of. The board also voted to continue to require the use of face coverings in district schools even if the state mandate ends.
District Administrator Jill Sorbie told the board on Nov. 9 staffing was an issue district-wide as staff members were quarantined and there were not very many substitute teachers available. She said teachers and staff stay home if they have two or more symptoms and that can lead to them missing several days of school with other staff and even principals covering the classroom.
Darien Elementary was the only school closed last week and learning continued virtually. Sorbie said in her letter students were expected to engage in the learning process during this period. School materials and Chromebooks were sent home with students.
Sorbie encouraged parents to continue to closely monitor their children for symptoms of COVID-19 and notify health care providers immediately if they become sick. She said if any Darien student develops symptoms and test positive parents should contact the school by calling 262-233-6400.
According to Sorbie, siblings and household members can continue to attend other schools in the district as long as no one in the household tests positive for COVID-19. If anyone in the household develops a fever, cough, or has difficulty breathing, a health care provider should be contacted to report the symptoms and determine if medical assistance is required.
During the school closure at Darien Elementary, families can order free, to-go breakfasts and lunches. Pre-ordered meals can be picked up in front of the school between 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. on school days.
According to the school district’s website, there were nine confirmed cases of COVID-19 for the week of Oct. 26 among students and adults – four at the high school, three at the middle school, and two in the elementary schools. There were only two conformed cases for the week of Nov. 2, both at the middle school.
For more stories from the Delavan Darien School District see the Nov. 19 edition of the Delavan Enterprise.
