STEVENS POINT, WI (WSAU) — Students in Stevens Point will return to class next Monday after a week of e-learning.
In a letter sent to parents on Wednesday, Superintendent Craig Gerlach said the district is now seeing a decline in the number of students and staff in quarantine due to COVID-19, clearing the way for a return to in-person learning.
The district had switched over to e-learning this week due to the high number of students and staff who were experiencing COVID-19 symptoms or had tested positive for the disease.
Gerlach’s statement goes on to ask that parents consider self-transporting students to school instead of putting them on the bus each day as the district continues to battle a shortage of bus drivers along with the virus:
That said, we continue to see significant staffing shortages in transportation. These shortages have caused delayed and interrupted routes and threaten our ability to consistently hold in-person school. As we continue to recruit and train team members, we are also asking families to please consider self-transporting students if it is an option for your individual situation. Reducing the overall number of students on buses allows us to reduce the number of overall routes, relieving some of the pressure on current team members. If your family is able and willing to self-transport, please complete this form. I also want to personally thank families who have been flexible with bus routes, we know these disruptions are difficult.
As we continue to address the challenges and successes of this school year, please continue to have a backup plan for your student if the school schedule is altered (this may include early release, late start, and/or E-Learning days).
Gerlach thanked parents for their patience and understanding as the district continues to navigate COVID-19, and added that students and staff members should continue to self-monitor for COVID-19 symptoms and stay home if they are sick.
