LIVONIA, Mich. (WWJ) -- Two Livonia high schools will be moving to remote learning through next week due to a high number of students testing positive for COVID-19 or in quarantine.
A letter sent to parents from superintendent Andrea Oquist says in-person classes at Franklin and Stevenson High Schools will be paused beginning Thursday, April 15 through Friday, April 23.
Administrators had hoped that post-spring break case numbers would decline by early this week, but that has not been the case.
A total of 70 students between the two schools have tested positive for the virus over the last two weeks, according to the letter.
Oquist noted the Franklin Transition Program would not be part of the in-person pause.
“Throughout this year, we have made these decisions on a school-by-school basis whenever we can, as was the case last fall with a pause at CHS (Churchill High School) and this past spring with SHS,” the letter to parents said. “We take this decision very seriously and make it with the understanding that it impacts our students, staff and families greatly when there is a change in the mode of instruction.”
Churchill High School and the Livonia Career Technical Center, along with all other PreK, K-8 and post secondary programs will remain open for in-person learning, according to Oquist’s letter.
“We are pleased that the case numbers and related quarantines have not necessitated a pause at this time, and in-person learning can continue.”
Franklin and Stevenson students who attend the LCTC may still do so if they are not on close contact quarantine and the bus between the schools and the tech center will continue to run during the pause period.
The letter also notes students at the two paused schools who wish to pick up meals during the next week and a half may do so after filling out proper forms prior to noon on Friday, April 16.
Spring sports will continue, as they all take place outdoors and there is a required regular testing program for all spring athletes, as well as strict safety protocols.
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“Thank you, once again, for your patience and understanding as we continue to monitor the health data in our region and specifically our school district,” the letter concludes.
Students will receive further instructions from the school as they pivot to remote learning for the next number of days. Any students in need of assistance are asked to reach out to their counselors and if social-emotional support is needed, students are asked to call (734) 744-2737 or (734) 744-2SES or email ses@livoniapublichschools.org.