KINGWOOD, W.Va. – Preston County Schools have announce a move to remote learning through September 27 due to the current coronavirus surge. Superintendent Stephen Wotring says remote learning will begin Tuesday, September 14 through September 27.
On Monday, September 13, 1,000 Preston County students are absent from classes, according to Wotring.
“I can’t conform all of those are COVID-related even though we know that many are COVID positive or quarantined because of an exposure to a person who has tested positive,” Wotring said.
For the next two days, teachers will be preparing lesson plans for the coming weeks.
” They will spend tomorrow and Wednesday preparing for full remote learning,” Wotring said,” Remote learning will officially begin Thursday, September 16.”
The Preston County Health Department reported 224 new cases confirmed last week. Health department officials continue to encourage residents to get the shot. DHHR officials are tracking 381 active cases in Preston County.
“Today I have eight classrooms who are unfilled because just don’t have enough substitutes to fill all the vacancies that we have,” Wotring said,” This includes service personnel and professional personnel.”
While teachers are planning remote learning lesson plans Wotring is asking students and families to continue academic progress as best they can.
“Students should continue lessons already assigned and practice reading and math skills on i-ready k through 8 and Exact Path 9 through 12,” Wotring said.
Families are asked to go to the Preston County Schools website to complete a survey in order to effectively continue the school meal program through the remote learning period.
“By tomorrow evening (Tuesday, September 14) you must have completed the survey if you want meals for this week,” Wotring said,” They will be delivered by FedEx to your doorstep.”