Today parents and guardians of students attending E.S. Richardson Elementary, Doyline High School, and Lakeside Jr/Sr High School received a letter from the Webster Parish School board informing them that the students’ education will transition to 100% virtual learning for the remainder of this week starting tomorrow, Tuesday Nov. 17.
This decision was made due to an “increased number of positive COVID-19 cases in both our student and staff populations” according to the letter.
The respective schools will alert parents/guardians on Nov. 27 whether or not education will continue to take place 100% virtually or not.
They also clarified that “there will be no athletic or extra-curricular activities of any kind. This includes meetings, practices, games, etc.”
Parents will still be able to pick-up school lunches for the students. Meals will be available through their “Grab and Go” system. “[They’re] served from 10:30 AM until 1:00 PM at your child’s school. You will remain in your car and a school food service worker will hand you your child’s meal(s). The “Grab and Go” service is for this week only,” the letter read.
They were also clear that this was not a decision that they made lightly, and ultimately it was one they made in the best interests of their students’ and staff’s health and safety.
“We hope your family can stay safe and healthy during the days to come. We strongly encourage you to follow current CDC guidelines and protocols while we are out so that we can re-open school and continue with our school year in a safe manner,” the letter read. “We appreciate your support and encouragement as we navigate through this pandemic.”