Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

Franklin City Public Schools staff absences since the return from winter break continue to rise daily due to COVID-19, prompting Superintendent Dr. Tamara Sterling to recommend Samuel P. Morton Elementary School and Joseph P. King Jr. Middle School students go virtual with instruction from Tuesday, Jan. 18, through Thursday, Jan. 20.  

A press release from FCPS continued with Director of Elementary Education Clint Walters sharing specifically how the surge in COVID-19 cases has impacted the elementary school and how switching to remote learning will help.

“As the numbers continue to rise where COVID-19 is concerned, we have also seen its effects on the staff attendance at S.P. Morton Elementary School,” he said. “We have experienced significantly higher teacher and student absences. 

“By moving to three days of virtual instruction, our custodial team will have the opportunity to conduct a deep cleaning throughout the school,” he continued. “Students in grades pre-K through second grade are being provided packets to complete, and students in third through fifth grades will be meeting via Zoom to complete assignments uploaded in Canvas.” 

A shortage of teachers has been a major concern due to COVID-19 and quarantine.

Though students will not be going to school facilities Jan. 18-20, teachers and administrators will continue to physically go to work. 

Breakfast and lunch will be available for all students via bus distribution at designated locations. 

In-person learning is scheduled to resume on Friday, Jan. 21.