Rangely School District Superintendent Matt Scoggins announced early Tuesday the entire district would be transitioning to remote learning until January.
“Unfortunately, and with a sense of sadness, the school district will be transitioning to a distance learning platform effective tomorrow, Dec. 9, 2020. As many of you are aware, there has been a significant increase in positive cases in the community, which has translated to a high student absentee rate, a high number of students quarantined, a high number of staff members quarantined, a shortage of subs, and a recommendation from County Public Health to go to distance-learning. Students will be expected to participate through the distance learning platform, and grades will reflect attendance and work completion. If internet connectivity is a concern, please let us know, and we can work together to find a solution. As of today, we plan to be back to in-person learning in January; however, watch for updates as more information becomes available.
Rangely recorded 43 new positive cases last week, and those numbers were continuing to climb as of Tuesday. Each positive case increases the number of students and staff required to quarantine. According to data shared by the district, 17 out of 103 staff were in quarantine, including eight teachers, and 80 students. As of Tuesday, there were no recorded transmissions within the school setting.
“We are in this together, so let’s stay safe and healthy,” Scoggins said via email and social media, adding, “Remember, be kind, be patient, and be flexible.”
CORRECTION: An earlier version of this article reported that the entire school district had returned to in-person learning following Thanksgiving break. In fact, all grades except third and fifth have been in-person up until now. Parkview Elementary’s third and fifth grade classes were quarantined until Dec. 3. Rangely Junior/Senior High School was canceled Monday, Dec. 7, following a positive COVID-19 test. The HT regrets the error.
