On behalf of the Superintendent, this message is to update you to the fact that the number of COVID-19 cases in both Cherokee County and across the country is on the rise, and what happens outside of our schools impacts what happens inside our schools and our ability to keep schools open.  
 
As we approach Thanksgiving Break, and throughout that week of increased social activities, we need everyone to please: stay home when you’re sick (use this checklist: https://bit.ly/CDCchecks); get tested if you’re symptomatic; report your child’s positive test to their school (you can email the Principal over the break); if you are directed to quarantine, follow the instructions and limit interaction with non-family members; social distance when you can and wear a mask when you can’t. 
 
The Superintendent also asked that I advise you that we are aware of the rumors circulating that all CCSD schools will close for in-person learning after the Thanksgiving Break – those rumors are false.

One school – River Ridge HS – is temporarily closed this week due to high quarantine totals and CCSD and health officials’ shared concerns about signs of potential spread; all CCSD schools and offices are closed Nov. 23-27 for Thanksgiving Break.  All CCSD schools will reopen for in-person learning on Monday, Nov. 30; the only possible exception to this would be if an individual school sees high quarantine levels and signs of potential spread that necessitates its temporary closure.  
 
There is no set “tipping point” for school closures – these decisions are taken very seriously and made with the support of the School Board and Department of Public Health (DPH).  While we require mask usage of our employees and strongly recommend mask usage of our students, this usage is not a waiver from the DPH-mandated precautionary quarantines, and, as long as we’re operating in-person school during the pandemic, there will be positive cases among students and staff, and resulting quarantines and possible temporary school closures.