In-person classes are due to resume on Monday, October 12. A high school student tested positive for COVID-19 and the district was directed to close the high school for two weeks.
Supt. says primary and middle schools remain open
ALMONT — Almont Schools Supt. Dr. William Kalmar announced Sunday, Sept. 27, that because a student was diagnosed with the COVID-19 virus, Almont High School has been closed for in-person instruction until Monday, Oct. 12.
He said Almont Middle School and Orchard Primary School will remain open, pending any new cases.
On Tuesday (Sept. 29) morning, Kalmar reported no additional confirmed cases, but warned of a possible caveat.
“As of today we have the one (confirmed) case and two probables, which are the student’s siblings,” Kalmar said. “All three are at the high school.”
Kalmar noted that Almont High School teachers will continue to teach classes remotely, an option that is available to all teaching staff members.
“None of our teachers are prohibited from teaching classes remotely, which is one of the positives of this situation,” he said.
Kalmar added that high school Principal Elizabeth Gallagher will provide updates and details regarding the high school.
“Mrs. Gallagher is working on an amazing plan for students for the next two weeks (of quarantine),” he said.
Letter to community
Kalmar on Sunday shared the following letter with Almont parents, students and community members, advising them of the situation.
“Because we had a student with COVID-19 present at Almont High School last week, we are regretfully closing the high school for all in-person instruction until October 12, 2020.
“Orchard Primary School and Almont Middle School will both remain open with normal operations.”
Kalmar said that since becoming aware of of the positive diagnosis, the district has been working with the Lapeer County Health Dept. regarding how to address this situation.
Because a number of teachers and students were potentially exposed to this COVID-19 positive student, it would have been difficult for the district to use contact tracing alone to isolate those affected.
As a result, Kalmar said Almont was directed to close the high school.
“As of now we have no evidence that this student has given COVID-19 to any other Almont High School employees or students, but due to the strict protocols associated with mitigating the spread of COVID-19, this closure is required,” he said.
Kalmar added that the district will be contacting a number of Almont High School students and staff believed to have had close contact with the affected student; all of whom will be required to quarantine for 14 days. He said those individuals will be notified.
Kalmar said Almont High School administration will be sharing information with all in-person students regarding instruction for the next two weeks.
He added that nothing will change for Almont High School students who have been taking classes online.
Those with questions or concerns may email to Dr. Kalmar at bkalmar@almontschools.org.
Tom Wearing started at the Tri-City Times in 1989, covering the Village of Capac as a beat reporter. He later served stints as assistant editor and editor. Today, he covers Imlay City and Almont as a staff writer. He enjoys music and plays drums and sings with various musical groups in the Detroit Metropolitan area.
