Getting kids back to schools has been a contentious issue across the state, with districts uncertain how to react to the pandemic.
Many districts have been out of session since March or April, but confirmed cases have seen an uptick around the state in recent weeks.
As more students interact with one another—whether that’s through athletics or in classrooms—positive COVID-19 tests are inevitable.
Here’s a look at the cases reported in central Indiana since July:
Avon High School: A staff member tested positive and had been in the building since July 29 (Aug. 3); a student tested positive (Aug. 5); school officials also said another staff member tested positive but didn’t come to school. The district shifted high school to e-learning on Aug. 11 after another student tested positive (Aug. 9).
Beech Grove High School: Workouts were suspended for football and boys basketball after student-athletes came in contact with someone who tested positive (July 22)
Brownsburg High School: A student tested positive; other students and staff members who were in contact with the student were ordered into quarantine (Aug. 4)
Cascade High School: Mill Creek Community School Corporation announced a student tested positive. The school corporation said they are following Hendricks County Health Department guidelines, and potentially affected students’ parents and guardians have been notified with quarantine information. (Aug. 10)
Decatur Central High School: A student tested positive for the coronavirus on August 7 and called DCHS administration from home on August 10 to tell staff the results. The staff traced the student’s movement and interactions and identified a small number of students who may have been exposed. Those students are in quarantine at home.
Delaware Community School Corporation: Over 200 Delta High School and Delta Middle School students are in quarantine due to possible exposure to the coronavirus. Delaware Community School Corporation resumed in-person classes on Thursday, August 6. The following day, August 7, Superintendent Reece Mann announced the first positive case of COVID-19 at the high school. (Aug. 12)
Eastern Hancock Schools: The district sent a message to parents after a second student tested positive for COVID-19. The student’s classmates, teachers and families of close contacts have been notified. Close contacts will be quarantined for 14 days; the school said it will continue in-person learning for now. (Aug. 10)
Edinburgh High School: A student tested positive; school started on July 30, and the superintendent said “all recommendations were being followed” according to the district’s re-entry plan (Aug. 4)
Fishers High School: A football player tested positive for COVID-19, leading to a temporary suspension of workouts and quarantine for more than a dozen players for 14 days (July 8)
Franklin Township Schools: A staff member tested positive after having contact with a positive person outside of the school system. The school corporation said they have followed contract tracing procedures and have notified students and staff deemed necessary to quarantine (Aug. 10)
Greenfield-Central Junior High School: A student tested positive on the first day of school; the district says other students who were in contact with the student were quarantined (July 30)
Greenwood High School: A Greenwood High School student tested positive, the school has confirmed. The district found out on the morning of Aug. 10. The student was last in class on Aug. 6. Any individuals who’ve been in close contact have been notified, according to school officials. (Aug. 10)
Indian Creek High School: A football coach tested positive, leading to cancellation of team activities for two days (July 27)
Marion Community Schools: Marion Community Schools said two people who were on campus Friday at Marion High School tested positive for COVID-19. All people determined to be a school-related close contact of the individuals have been informed and instructed to quarantine. (Aug. 10)
Mooresville High School: Mooresville Schools announced Monday that a student at Mooresville High School has tested positive for COVID-19.
“Upon learning about this case, we immediately began following school protocols and all state guidelines. A letter is being emailed to all students and staff who have been in the same area as a person who has recently tested positive. Anyone who is determined to have been a “close contact” per Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH) guidelines is being contacted directly by the Morgan County Health Department this evening and will be advised to quarantine per ISDH guidelines,” said Mooresville Schools in a statement.
New Palestine High School: A football player tested positive, leading to quarantine for an unspecified number of teammates (July 30). Astudent who’d tested positive attended the first day of school because of an incorrect return-to-school date from their doctor; district says other students were contacted and quarantined (Aug. 3). A student who was last at school on Aug. 3 tested positive for COVID-19 on Friday. School officials say the case is not connected to the previous case. Families of all students who were in close contact with the student have been notified.
Noblesville High School: Noblesville High School said an individual tested positivefor the coronavirus. Officials said the student didn’t attend class; however, the individual did go to an NHS athletic practice. The district said they were able to quickly contact trace and individuals who have had a direct exposure have already been contacted personally and are isolating at home. (Aug. 7)
Northeastern High School: A staff member tested positive, and at least 10 Northeastern High School students were placed on a 14-day quarantine period as a result. On July 31, an event was held at the Williamsburg Community Gym and anyone who attended may have been exposed. Anyone who is experiencing COVID-19 symptoms and attended the event should self-quarantine for 10 days from the start of the symptoms. Those who attended the event and have questions can call the health department at 765-973-9145.
Pine Tree Elementary School (Avon School District): The school learned Thursday (Aug. 6) that a student tested positive for COVID-19. School officials say the student may return to school upon the direction of county health officials.
Tri-West High School: A Tri-West student tested positive for COVID-19, but school officials said the student was already in quarantine before school started because they’d been in close contact with someone who’d had the coronavirus. Tri-West High School and North West Hendricks School Corporation Administration are in contact with the Hendricks County Health Department to ensure health and safety guidelines are being followed. (Aug. 9)
Warren Central High School: A Warren Central football player tested positive, leading to quarantine for an unspecified number of teammates (Aug. 1)
Westfield Washington Schools: Four Westfield Washington Schools employees in the transportation department tested positive for COVID-19. All are isolating at home. Those with close contact are being notified and buses will be disinfected. Westfield schools do not start until Thursday, Aug. 13. (Aug. 11)
Zionsville Middle School: School officials say eighth graders at Zionsville Middle School will pivot to online instruction until the week on August 24 after the school learned of a COVID-19 exposure Monday.
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