Wyoming — Gladiola Elementary School has moved to remote learning for two weeks until Oct. 28 due to a positive COVID-19 test result.
The Kent County Health Department notified Superintendent Craig Hoekstra of the positive case, and due to the extent of possible students and staff who made contact with the individual recommended the school close for in-person instruction. All other district school buildings will remain open for in-person learning.
“Out of an abundance of caution and in collaboration with the Kent County Health Department, it has been determined that closing the building will give the KCHD the necessary time to complete contract tracing and contact any staff and/or student(s) that may have come in contact with those who have tested positive,” Hoekstra said in a press release. “This will also allow us to slow any potential community spread. During the closure, the district will thoroughly clean and disinfect the school building while staff and students are not present.”
Joann Hoganson, Kent County Health Department community wellness division director, said she and Hoekstra discussed the number of contacts the individual had before making the call to shift to remote.
“We talked through the circumstances of how many people would be impacted. When we weighed in all the circumstances, we determined together that going virtual was the best option for limiting spread of the virus.”
The district urges all staff and students district-wide who experience symptoms or who may have been exposed to COVID-19 to get tested and self-quarantine. Parents are encouraged to monitor their children for the onset of any symptoms related to COVID-19. If there is any change in your child’s health, please contact your medical provider.
On Tuesday, the district announced that Wyoming Junior High School would also switch to virtual learning for the remainder of the week after an individual tested positive. The closure will allow time for contact tracing and cleaning, according to a letter to parents.
