WCS Takes Numerous Steps To Limit Exposure
WARSAWS – The Warsaw Schools district is implementing temporary changes in response to the coronavirus outbreak.
Warsaw Community Schools Superintendent Dr. Hoffert issued a statement Thursday night, March 12, concerning the district’s new precautions and actions being taken that will extend through spring break.
“There are times when we face unique challenges within our schools, community, nation and world. These last few weeks are one of those times with the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) outbreak,” Hoffert said in a prepared statement.
“At WCS, safety is our first priority,” Hoffert said.
Hoffert announced the measures below to limit outside exposure. The steps will be re-evaluated after spring break.
Academic/Extra-Curricular: LIMITED
- Following IHSAA Guidance
- Practices that are directly related to school teams
- All competitions canceled
Out of Town Travel: CANCELED
- Field Trips
- Conferences
- Academic competitions
After-Hour Events Held on School Property: CANCELED
- PTO gatherings
- Give Back Nights
- Robotics
- Carnivals
- Craft Fairs
Community Hours: CANCELED
- Pool
- TRAC
- Weight room
- Fitness classes
Students re-entering the country will follow the federal guidelines
WCS is working closely with local, state and federal health departments. Hoffert said he is grateful to WCS staff for the extreme professionalism that is being shown.
Staff and students are urged to continue best practices including frequent hand washing, use of sanitizers, awareness of social space and staying home if feeling ill.
Warsaw’s local health department is monitoring the situation closely to identify any positive cases and review potential existence that could lead to a community spread. At the time of this posting, there are no positive cases within Kosciusko County according to the local health department. But there are cases still awaiting results.
In another development, Gov. Holcomb has announced Indiana public schools will be granted waiver days if community spread or direct cases within the school are found. Once again, WCS is working directly with the health department to monitor this closely and create the safest solutions for the students, employees and community. While monitoring, it is important to plan accordingly with E-Learning lessons and contingency plans.
Hoffert said there are many legal questions being addressed behind the scenes. Some include wages for hourly staff if a shutdown were to occur, state testing, special needs and El accommodations, food for disadvantaged students and multiple possible scenarios. Please know these are being addressed.
Hoffert said he appreciates the incredible professionalism and caring hearts of all during this challenge.
Updates will be posted to warsawschools.org