NEW PALESTINE — New Palestine High School is switching to virtual learning for at least two weeks after evidence shows community spread is happening at the school, according to the district.
Administrators were notified Saturday of at least six students and staff members who have tested positive for COVID-19, according to a letter sent to parents from Community School Corporation of Southern Hancock County.
Students are scheduled to return to class on Nov. 30, but the virtual learning period may need to be extended due to additional cases in the county.
Contact tracing of these cases is complete and everyone who is considered a close contact of someone who tested positive has been notified, according to the letter.
ISTEP+ testing scheduled for this week has been postponed and extracurricular activities will continue.
All other schools in the district will remain in-person, but the district is encouraging parents to prepare for virtual or hybrid learning if positive cases increase, there is community spread, or the color on the Indiana State Department of Health map changes.
"Families should have a plan for the potential of changes to the school schedule on short notice," Superintendent Lisa Lantrip said.
You can read the full letter below:
