In a letter issued Tuesday, Kane Superintendent Brock Benson confirmed that all Kane students, grades K-12, will transition to remote learning today through Friday. Ridgway Middle/High School is also required to close for three days. Both districts will monitor case metrics, with the hope of returning to in-person instruction Monday.

KANE

“Over the last few days Kane Area School District has witnessed a notable rise in COVID cases among our students and staff. As of today, our district has a total of five positive cases and several others are awaiting test results,” Benson said. “We also have nearly seventy students out on quarantine. Based on an increased number of confirmed cases of COVID-19, the safest path forward is to temporarily close our buildings to prevent further spread.”

Benson explained that students and staff have been preparing for the transition and all students have been issued a Chromebook. Students have been using Google Classroom during the year and will utilize this for remote learning as well.

“I know this is disappointing news. The vast majority of students learn best when they are physically in school and a transition to remote learning, even a temporary one, causes strain on working families. However, the health, safety, and well-being of our school community remains our top priority,” Benson said. “We are following publicized guidance from the Pennsylvania Department of Education and health experts to ensure we are doing everything we can to minimize risk and ensure the learning process can continue.”

The online schedule for each building was sent out to families. Also, meal pickup will be available from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. today. Meals will be distributed drive-thru style from the middle school cafeteria/gym entrance. Breakfast and lunch for all three days will be distributed at this time. All students are eligible.

Benson asked that families continue to watch for symptoms of COVID-19, including shortness of breath, coughing, and fever or chills. Other symptoms include congestion, sore throat, diarrhea, abdominal pain, body aches, and loss of taste or smell. If parents or children begin to experience symptoms, they are asked to consult a healthcare provider and notify the school office.

RIDGWAY

An update posted to social media Tuesday announced that the “Ridgway Middle High School had its second positive case of COVID 19 in the school setting within the 14-day window.”

With the newest guidelines issued by the Secretary of Health and the attestation agreement that the District signed with PDE, the school is required to close for a minimum of three days.

RMHS was in school for in-person instruction Tuesday. Beginning today, the students will follow a remote learning schedule through Friday. This means that all extra-curricular activities and athletic practices are also canceled.

The statement also explained that the district’s core pandemic team will be reviewing school and community data at the end of the week to determine if students can return to in-person instruction on Dec. 14. This decision will be announced by Friday.

During the period of the closure, parents and guardians can pick up breakfast and lunch for students at the middle high cafeteria doors from 8:45 to 9:45 a.m. Wednesday. This pickup will include meals for Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. Parents should remain in their vehicle and must wear a face covering.