Schools, town hall announce closures

The Whitehall School district announced last Tuesday they will be closing the campus and moving to remote learning from Monday, November 16 to Monday, November 30. Accounting for the Thanksgiving holiday, students will have eight days of remote learning. The Cardwell School has also decided to close on-site learning the week of November 16 to November 20.

Two Whitehall elementary school classes were quarantined last week due to 2 positive COVID-19 cases associated with the school.

In a letter to parents sent last week, Superintendent Hannah Nieskens said the district expected 20 to 25 staff members gone from work each day for the rest of the week and many of these individuals have been placed in a 14-day quarantine with County Health Department orders.

"We will have 8 days of remote learning during this closure, but a full 15 days off from school (including the break) so that hopefully, the majority of our staff (and students) can get well and/or get out of quarantine during that time," Nieskens said in the letter.

District teachers have planned for the transition to remote learning and kids were given instructions last week.

School meals will not be available during the closure.

"I am terribly sorry for the inconvenience and burden that the school closure puts on families. It is my sincere hope that the period of time from November 16 through Thanksgiving will allow staff and students to get well and return ready and able to continue in-session until Christmas break," Nieskens said.

TOWN OF WHITEHALL

Town Hall in Whitehall is officially closed until December 1.

According to Clerk Angela Japhet, at that time they will evaluate the current COVID-19 situation and proceed from that point.

She added while closed to foot traffics, the office will be staffed with a person every day to take phone calls.

For payments, please use the black drop box in front of the office.