COVID Update 3/23/2021

The intent of this communication is to notify our school community of recent Covid-19 situations involving students within the district.

On March 22, 2021, we were notified that three students at the Jr/Sr High School have been deemed positive COVID-19 cases. The last day these individuals were in school was Friday, March 19, 2021. Potential close contacts have been identified and informed to not return to school until approved to do so based on CDC and DOH quarantine guidelines.

Based on the Department of Education's School Closure Matrix, the Towanda Jr/Sr High School will remain in virtual instruction through March 31, 2021. The Jr/Sr High School currently has 7 positive cases that count towards the 14-day rolling period of the matrix. Classified as a medium sized building, the Jr/Sr High School would need to close for a period of 14 days when Bradford County is in the Substantial category. With required cleaning and contact tracing completed, I will be seeking guidance from the DOH on whether the Jr/Sr High School could possibly return to in-person instruction at an earlier date. At this time, all extracurricular activities remain paused. We will continue to reevaluate the situation with outdoor activities and adjust if possible.

Also, we currently have one staff case at J. Andrew Morrow primary school and one student case at the Towanda Area Elementary School. Due to the physical distancing protocols in place, no close contacts have been identified at this time. Based on the Department of Education's School Closure Matrix, these two buildings will remain in person at this time.

As a community, the key to our success is to continue working together as we strive to keep our students, faculty, and staff safe and healthy. Thank you again for working collaboratively with the district as we navigate through this public health crisis together. Stay safe and stay healthy.