Union Public Schools Transitions High School Students To Distance Learning Due To COVID-19

Union Public Schools has announced it is shifting grades 9-12 to distance learning starting Thursday with an expected return to in-person learning on Feb. 8. 

This decision comes as COVID-19 cases are on the rise in those older grades. District-wide Union’s website said they have over 1,400 students and teachers in isolation or quarantine at this time. 

Union Public School’s Superintendent Kirt Hartzler said in a statement that the shift is the best decision they could make right now. 

“Due to significant teacher absences at the secondary level, we’ve reached the point where we do not have enough substitutes available to adequately cover classrooms at these grade levels,” said Hartzler. “As a result, we will shift to distance learning for grades 9-12 beginning tomorrow, with students returning to school on Feb. 8.” 

Hartzler said he knows students can still be successful during this time because they have done so before. 

“The shift to distance Learning is one we are well prepared for. Our students have proven to be quite resilient at adapting to the changes brought by COVID,” Hartzler said. “We will work closely with students and parents to ensure learning continues.” 

He added that sports and any after school activities will continue as scheduled during the time of virtual learning.