NORTH CLAY MIDDLE SCHOOL moves to eLearning due to COVID-19

Heightened number positive cases of COVID-19 in the community, contact tracing that leads to people being quarantined to limit the spread of the disease, and whether or not that impact on the staffing of schools has officials closing local schools.

Superintendent Jeff Fritz said the goal is and will be "keeping our schools open in a safe manner for students and staff members."

New positive COVID-19 cases, deaths, and tests have occurred over a range of dates but this information for Clay County was reported to the Indiana State Department of Health in the last 24 hours as of noon 11-07-20.

North Clay Middle School Principal Chris Ross sent an email to parents of students Friday night, which reads:

"Dear North Clay Middle School parents:

We were informed on Friday, November 6, 2020, that a student tested positive for COVID-19. Our school corporation will follow the guidance of Clay County health officials. Although confidentiality is required, parents of students identified as close contacts, at school or on the bus, with the person who tested positive will be contacted. Close contact is defined as contact within six feet for 15 minutes or more. Individuals who test positive or are close contacts will be provided guidance from local health officials.

Due to this positive Covid case and contact tracing, NCMS will move to the eLearning Platform starting on Monday, November 9, 2020, for a two week period of time.

In-person Learning is currently scheduled to resume on Monday, November 23rd.

All E.C.A. events, Athletic practices, and Athletic contests are postponed. E.C.A. and Athletic practices are currently scheduled to resume on Monday, November 23rd, 2020.

Breakfast and Lunch will be available for NCMS students from 10:00 a.m. to Noon each day, Monday through Friday, for the next two weeks while we are out on eLearning. Students may pick up their Breakfast and Lunches on the West side of the NCMS building, in the Car Rider drop off area.

To reduce the spread of COVID-19, it is important for parents to remind their children the importance of wearing face coverings, washing their hands, and social distancing, when possible.

It is also vital for parents to conduct self-screening of their children each morning and to keep children home if they display any symptoms.

Please contact the Clay County Health Department or our office if you have any questions."

Fritz explained that parents of students at school facilities closed due to COVID-19 have to do nothing to prepare for the change at this time because students are automatically moved over to the eLearning process.

"They do have to make sure their student checks in every day online to be considered in attendance, and to do their homework," said Fritz, who explains that COVID-19 is definitely a fluid situation, and "things can change on a dime. But there's no reason to panic. We will get through this together."

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