October 29, 2020 Dear Bethel Local Schools Supporters,
I have spent the past few weeks and months researching and monitoring the rapidly changing COVID-19 health issues in our region and in our school district. Every step we have taken has been done with thoughtful consideration and deep discussions with many who are interested in both the education and the well-being of our students and staff. I have also been working closely with our district leadership, school nurses, school board, educators, our local health department and neighboring school districts to plan for the CDC requirements in our daily routines at school.
At this time, I believe it is time to make an important shift with the recent COVID-19 cases and the number of students that have had to quarantine for precautionary reasons at Bethel Middle School and Bethel High School. As of Monday, November 2, Bethel Middle School and Bethel High School will be moving to remote learning for all students and staff until Monday, November 16, 2020. We will communicate plans on Friday to our students in Grades 6-12 to transition to Google Classrooms. All students at Bethel Middle School and Bethel High School should anticipate returning to campus for classes on Monday, November 16, 2020. Athletics and extra-curricular activities will continue as scheduled for the time being. All student-athletes that are already in quarantine will need to finish their quarantine restrictions prior to returning to practice and/or games.
With that being said, I want to emphasize that we WILL continue to provide distance learning and expect all students to engage in the process, through the end of this temporary shutdown for all students at Bethel Middle School and Bethel High School. While I know this is not ideal, and it might be creating extra burden on families, I hope that the instruction, support and guidance you will receive from our teachers, paraprofessionals, and administrators will help you as you work with your children.
This decision will not impact Bethel Elementary School at this time. Students and families should plan to attend traditional school on Monday, November 2, 2020. Transportation will continue to be provided for bus riders each day that we are in session both to and from school.
For those students in Bethel Middle School and Bethel High School that are currently utilizing the SchoolsPLP remote learning option, you will remain on this platform to receive classroom instructions and assignments as well.
In closing, we will continue to have challenges in front of us, and I know that we can meet these challenges; together, all things are possible.
With Bethel Pride,
Justin M. Firks
Bethel Local Schools Superintendent
*** CLICK HERE to see Remote Learning Plan
To view the official announcement from Mr Firks, click here.
Please submit any questions to FAQ@blsk12.org