CAMERON, Okla. — Cameron Public School students will be switching virtual learning starting August 24 through September 6 due to an increase of COVID-19 cases.
John Long Superintendent of Cameron Schools in LeFlore County had to make the switch after COVID positive students exposed more than hundreds to the virus, forcing the district to switch to virtual learning.
"The health and safety of our students is our number one priority and this will give our students a better opportunity to remain healthy while still providing them with the opportunity to continue their education from their homes," Superintendent John Long said in a press release. "We will come back on the 7th. Will monitor and see where we're at."
Long says packets will be sent home with the students to continue their educational process.
Classes are set to resume as normal on Tuesday, September 7, 2021, at the regular time.
Alma Schools Superintendent David Woolly says the main goal is to keep kids in school and, even though the school district does not require masks, is asking students and parents to do their part to slow the spread of COVID.
" When in doubt, get tested. If in doubt go to your doctor, starting with going to your school nurse," said Woolly.
As COVID-19 cases continue to rise across Arkansas, schools in the area continue to lead with the most cases, including Bentonville, Rogers, Fort Smith, and Springdale. So far, no district has had to pivot to virtual learning but the Alma School District says it is taking it case by case.
"It could be just a school building. Because that's where there's a concentration of quarantining or can we just a grade. Or it could be just a classroom," said Woolly.
The Alma School District says it will find out the best decision for its students by relying heavily on contact tracing and interviewing students who've tested positive. The school district says they will also offer the COVID-19 vaccine to all eligible students every Thursday at the high schools and middle schools.