WESTHAMPTON — A member of the Westhampton Elementary School community tested positive for COVID-19, but students are continuing with a hybrid learning model this week as the school rolls out cleaning and quarantine protocols.
On Saturday, the Westhampton School Committee and its COVID-19 subcommittee convened to discuss metrics in the county and at the elementary school, according to Principal Deane Bates, as the community had met two metrics that prompt discussion with the teachers union.
“We’re seeing an increase in COVID cases around our area … so we’re really trying to make sure that we’re making thoughtful choices for staff and students, trying to keep them safe,” Bates said.
In a letter to parents and guardians in the Hampshire Regional School Districts sent out on Tuesday, school officials said that the district is taking steps to mitigate spread within the community.
“We have been planning for this scenario during our reopening planning process and have a comprehensive plan in place to sanitize the school, inform families whose students were at risk of exposure or in close contact, and support the affected family as they navigate this stressful experience,” the letter states.
Staff members and parents of families who had close contact with the community member who tested positive were notified privately and directed to quarantine.
The school was sanitized “with a focus on those areas frequented by the community member that tested positive,” according to the notice.
Jacquelyn Voghel can be reached at jvoghel@gazettenet.com.