HANOVER COUNTY, Va. -- In-person classes at Liberty Middle School in Hanover County will begin Tuesday after students faced a delayed started to the new school year last week because of three employee positive COVID cases.
"After consultation with the Hanover Health Department, Hanover County Public Schools has determined that face-to-face learning can begin at Liberty Middle School on Tuesday, September 15," Principal Donald Latham posted on the school's website. "As a reminder, Monday, September 14 is a student holiday and teacher professional learning day."
Latham also praised custodians for their efforts to "thoroughly clean our building."
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The school offered these health and safety reminders:
- Check your student’s temperature and for any other signs of illness every morning.
- DO NOT send your student to school if they display any signs of illness.
- Masks are required at all times and should cover the nose and mouth, except when eating or drinking.
- Pack extra hand sanitizer and a spare mask.
- Remind your student(s) to maintain the greatest amount of social distancing possible and clean their hands frequently with soap and water or hand sanitizer.
Last week, three LMS employees tested positive for COVID-19before the school year even began. At least 15 employees were also in isolation due to potential exposure and will remain in quarantine for 14 days, as required by official health guidance.
As a result, students started the new school year remotely Thursday.
"Thank you for your continued patience, support, and understanding as we work to make the best decisions for our students, faculty, and staff," Principal Latham wrote in a notice to families. "We are looking forward to getting our school year underway."
Hanover Schools allowed families to choose whether their student would begin the school year fully virtual or attend classes in-person. Of the 17,500 HCPS students, 61 percent opted for in-person instruction, and 39 percent decided to go fully virtual.
Hanover County is the largest school district in Central Virginia to send some students back to classrooms.
