Distance learning in place until Jan. 31 due to COVID-19

Ashland.news staff

This coming week, Ashland High School teachers will offer flexible, alternative options for finals to students starting the week of Jan. 24, following the school’s transition to short term distance learning on Monday, Jan. 13.

The move to distance learning not long after returning from winter break was prompted by a spike in COVID-19 cases and exposures among staff and students. On Monday,  Ashland Superintendent Samuel Bogdanove said the district saw a rapid rise in confirmed cases and exposures among student athletic teams as well as spread among students and staff at some sites.

Active cases and increased numbers of exposures, mostly from offsite social gatherings, have  resulted in isolation or quarantines, and have prompted the transition to short-term distance learning through until Jan. 31.  Sports and activities are also postponed until that date.

A limited pool of available substitutes in all areas of the school, from operations and instruction to administration, also prompted the transition to distance learning, according to Bogdanove.

The school district is trying to be flexible during the transition, allowing students to use the school’s library for learning and accessing devices.

Buses will continue to transport students to and from school and meals will continue to be provided.

One class at John Muir Outdoor School has also gone online due to COVID-19.

Ashland Middle School, Helman Elementary, and most classes at John Muir Outdoor School are both continuing to offer in-person instruction at this time.

For updated information about the status of distance learning at AHS or John Muir Outdoor School, click here.