Pierre T.F. Riggs High School students begin a hybrid schedule starting Monday (Sept. 21) because many of the students are required to quarantine because they’re considered close contacts of the nearly 20 students at the school who have tested positive for COVID-19.
Schedules for Pierre’s middle and grade schools will remain normal.
Principal Kevin Mutchelknaus says accommodations will be made for Pierre High School students who don’t have internet access at home.
This hybrid schedule applies to large size classes. Classes with fewer students or classes in spaces where there’s room to social distance– such as shop or physical education– will meet every day, as normal.
During a special school board meeting Friday, each of the five school board members expressed extreme disappointment in the low number of high school students who wear a mask at school. The Pierre School District’s current policy is that masks are “strongly recommended.” Board members said they didn’t want to mandate masks because that puts another task on teachers, but they will consider a mandate if necessary.
This week’s Pierre Homecoming festivities have been postponed until the week of Oct. 12.
As of Friday, 18 high school students had active cases of COVID-19 and five others have recovered. Supt. Dr. Kelly Glodt says so far, no staff members have tested positive.
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