Good morning. This is Mike Allison, principal of Hopewell High School. This is a very important message for our Viking community.
This morning, we have been made aware of multiple probable COVID cases in our school district. At this time, we have been notified or have identified 4 probable COVID cases with students at the high school. Three are 9th graders and one is an 11th grader. We are identifying any close contacts of these students at this time. Probable cases are identified as a person with COVID symptoms who has been exposed to a person who has tested positive.
We have also identified two staff members as probable COVID cases. One staff member is at the Junior High and one is at Hopewell Elementary. Close contacts of these staff members are only adults, not students. These close contacts have already been notified.
Because Beaver County is identified as “substantial” rate of transmission and because of lack of staffing due to the probable cases and close contacts identified this morning, we will have our Junior and Senior High buildings released early today.
Junior High students will be released at 10:45 and Senior High will be released at 11:30. Transportation will be provided. Students will be able to use their personal cell phones to communicate with parents during the remainder of the school day. Additionally, students may use school phones to communicate with parents, if needed.
If a parent wishes to pick up their child, please come to the school prior to bus dismissal. A staff member will greet you at your car and will contact your child to meet you.
Students at the Junior High and Senior High will be virtual for the next for the next 14 days. Most likely, this will be extended due to our county “substantial” identification. More information will be sent next week.
At this time, we are seeing minor symptoms of headache, stuffy noses, or congestion as signs of COVID. Please take all minor symptoms seriously and reduce exposure to others by self-quarantining if you or a family member experience these symptoms.
A letter will be posted on the website shortly. Thank you for your cooperation and patience as we continue to keep our students, staff, and community as safe as possible.