Winchester High School has suddenly postponed in-person learning after a student tested positive for coronavirus amid reports of student social gatherings.
Superintendent Judith Evans sent a letter to families Wednesday night, directing high school students not to report to school Thursday and Friday as previously scheduled. Classes will take place online instead.
The town's health department needs more time to conduct contact tracing after recent "unapproved student social gatherings," according to Evans. The superintendent urged any high school students who recently attended a group gathering to get tested.
People who came in close contact will be notified by the health department and asked to get tested and self-quarantine for 14 days, regardless of the result.
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"We have been planning for this scenario during our reopening planning process and have a comprehensive plan in place to inform those at risk of exposure or in close contact outside of the school building and will support those affected as they navigate this stressful experience," Evans wrote.
Under the district's hybrid learning model, students are split into two cohorts titled "AA" and "BB."
The BB Cohort was set to attend class in-person on Sept. 17 and 18. The high school principal posted that the "AA" cohort will start in-person learning as scheduled on Monday, Sept. 21.
The first day of remote learning for all students was on Wednesday. All PreK-8 students will attend school as planned Thursday.
