Hybrid learning at Carroll High School (CHS) will be coming to an end when students return to class following the Christmas break. The topic was discussed during last night’s (Monday) Carroll Community School District (CCSD) Board of Education meeting. According to Superintendent, Dr. Casey Berlau, CHS has been in the hybrid model since the second week of classes after student and staff quarantines climbed to unmanageable levels. Active cases among students and staff at the high school have been in the single digits since they made the move. Berlau says it is time they begin to prepare for the transition back towards normal.
As it stands, high school students are scheduled to be back in the classroom every day beginning Jan. 4, the first day after Christmas break. A concerned staff member submitted written comments during the public hearing portion of the meeting expressing concerns about returning too quickly with many families likely to gather during the holidays. Berlau says they too were worried about spread prior to Thanksgiving, but those fears were not realized.
As of Monday, CHS had four students and one staff member with active cases and 32 students in quarantine. Berlau adds they will continue to keep a close eye on COVID-19 numbers in the county and building populations and adjust if required. High School Principal, Tammie McKenzie, says, the fall semester has been difficult for many reasons. However, she credits students and staff for their commitment to making the most of a challenging situation.
The board unanimously approved a mask mandate for students and staff on Nov. 11 and face coverings will still be required by all individuals inside the district’s buildings after Christmas break. School officials plan to reevaluate that mandate at their Jan. 18 meeting.
