By BRENT MARTIN
St. Joseph Post
Benton High School will go online after staff members tested positive for COVID-19.
St. Joseph school officials made the announcement this evening in a news release. Benton will be temporarily closed through October the 5th with plans calling for the south St. Joseph high school to reopen on Tuesday, the 6th.
School officials say they made the decision after staff members tested positive for the coronavirus and a significant number of staff and students had to be quarantined. Remote learning for Benton High School students will begin Wednesday and run for the next two weeks in accordance with health official quarantined recommendations when someone tests positive for COVID-19. Officials say the decision was made in the best interest of students and staff.
School officials ask parents and students to make note of the following important information:
- Teachers will reach out to students during the day on Sept. 22 regarding their online schedule and assignments.
- Free meals will be provided to students during the two weeks of remote learning. Parents will receive a link to sign up for meals which are available for pickup on Tuesdays and Fridays from 9:45-10:15 a.m. In the meantime, if you need to pick up meals on Tuesday, Sept. 22, but are not already signed up, please contact Nutrition Services tomorrow after 8 am at 816-671-4140.
- If you are in need of a hotspot because of lack of internet services at your home, please contact the Benton High School Office at 816-671-4030.
- During the next two weeks of remote learning, parents are strongly encouraged to keep their children at home and away from large crowds or gatherings where they could become exposed to COVID-19.
- Please continue to monitor your children and other family members daily for symptoms to help keep everyone healthy!
The two-week closure does not impact Benton students who are part of the SJSD Virtual Academy.