Updated: Good afternoon. East Knox received further guidance from Knox Public Health this morning regarding individuals testing COVID-19 positive as well as those who are found to be close contacts. Just this morning alone, East Knox staff notified the parents of over 15 students to come pick up their quarantined student due to close contact with someone testing positive and the list has grown since then. I wrote in earlier communications this month that East Knox would adjust COVID protocols as needed. Unfortunately, we are already at that point after three instructional days.
Effective tomorrow morning, East Knox returns to the indoor mask rules that were in effect during the 2020-2021 school year. Anyone entering an East Knox building is required to wear a mask due to rapidly rising quarantine rates amongst our students and staff. Masks will continue to be strongly encouraged at outdoor events, but will not be required at this time. We will continue to evaluate the situation and make further adjustments either way as the data leads us.
East Knox did not start a separate online school this year. However, the District did purchase the APEX online program for Grades 7-12 again. This program is meant to provide flexibility for temporary learning situations such as medical issues, credit recovery, etc. The current quarantine situation should certainly qualify for course enrollment. Parents of students in Grades 7-12 should contact our Guidance Department at (740) 599-7000 extension 2004 to enroll their student if interested. Students enrolling in APEX will need to remain in the program for the duration of the first semester to ensure they receive credit towards graduation requirements. Please keep in mind that it may take several days before your student’s online schedule is activated due to the numerous class scheduling activities already taking place with new student enrollments.
Sincerely,
Steve Larcomb, Supt.