All Hendricks County public and parochial schools close to prevent COVID-19 following Governor Holcomb’s new guidelines
The Plainfield Community School Corporation and Brownsburg Community School Corporation both announced Thursday that the districts will close on Friday and the week of March 16-20, with students not physically returning to classes until after spring break on April 6, at the earliest. Both districts will conduct eLearning starting Monday, March 16.
“There are no confirmed cases of COVID-19 at Brownsburg Schools,” states BCSC Supertintent Jim Snapp, in a letter to parents.
BASE (Before and After School Enrichment) and PEAK with Brownsburg Parks is also closed until further notice. BCSC teachers will be working on Friday to coordinate at-home learning that will be posted online starting Monday. BCSC Nutrition Services will also be supplying food to BCSC families to supplement meals at home.
“At this time, we do not know the overall length of the closure. The Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) will be providing more guidance on the waiver days offered by the Governor. We are working diligently to avoid a lengthy extension to the school year as we gain a full understanding of how to use these waiver days. We expect to communicate with families frequently to keep your students connected to school as we work together through this unique time,” said Snapp.
Plainfield Community Schools had a similar announcement on Thursday to district families.
” Based on the guidance of Governor Holcomb, Plainfield Community School Corporation will be closed beginning tomorrow, Friday, March 13. Schools will open no sooner than the return from spring break, which will be Monday, April 6,” states Plainfield Community School Corporation Superintendent Dr. Scott Olinger.
“Please note that this situation continues to be fluid, and the return date could possibly extend,” said Olinger.
The Plainfield district will also conduct online learning and provide daily sack lunch deliveries to numerous neighborhoods throughout Plainfield and have lunches available at the PCSC Administration Building.
Danville Community School Corporation, a district that also has no confirmed cases, of the virus will operate normally on Friday but will close schools starting Monday, March 16 and continue eLearning.
The district decisions come after Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb announced new steps on Thursday for the state to reduce the spread of COVID-coronavirus in Indiana.
As of Thursday, Indiana has 12 Hoosiers who have tested positive for COVID-19, including two in Hendricks County.
“This is a time when we must do all we can to reduce the spread of COVID-19, protect our most vulnerable populations and reduce their potential to acquire or spread this virus,” said Gov. Holcomb.
“While some actions are drastic, now, not later, is the time to act.”
The state guidelines say non-essential gatherings must be limited to no more than 250 people. This includes any event or gathering of people who are in one room or a single space at the same time, such as cafeterias, churches, stadiums, meeting and conference rooms, auditoriums and the like. This guidance applies to professional, social, community and similar other gatherings.
The Avon Community School Corporation announced at the beginning of the week it would close for two weeks and then head into spring break after a Hickory Elementary student tested positive for the virus, and another student displayed symptoms.
Churches, including Connection Pointe in Brownsburg, have already announced live streaming. Large activities, including the Brownsburg Education Foundation Gala that was scheduled for Friday, March 13 has been rescheduled for July. Organizations and groups continue to make announcements following the recommendations.
