Ken McLemore

HOPE – The Hope High School and Hope Academy of Public Service campuses of the Hope Public Schools will pivot to an all virtual format beginning Tuesday, Jan. 12, as a result of COVID-19 concerns, HPS Superintendent Dr. Bobby Hart announced Monday.

“Due to the large number of quarantined staff, Hope High School and the Hope Academy of Public Service will pivot to a virtual setting for students and staff beginning Tuesday, January 12,” Dr. Hart said. “The HHS campus will be pivoted through Thursday, January 14, and will open for Flex Friday on Friday, January 15.”

HAPS will pivot for the entire week, he said.

“The HAPS campus will pivot beginning Tuesday, January 12, through Friday, January 15,” Hart said.

All HPS campuses will be closed for the annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. holiday on Monday, Jan. 18.

HHS and HAPS campus buildings will be closed to students and the public throughout the pivot period, he said.

Teachers will be in contact with parents concerning continuing instruction during the pivot period.

Students at HHS and HAPS will use the Lincoln Learning platform to continue their daily studies online as outlined in the district’s response plan for COVID-19. Parents should direct questions by email or telephone to their student’s classroom teacher.

HPS Child Nutrition Services Director Deanna Gilbert said all HHS and HAPS students will be eligible to receive meal services for the remainder of the week via drive-by pickup at the HHS bus line from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 12.

All meals are free, Gilbert said.

HPS Transportation and Facilities Director Maurice Henry said the HHS and HAPS campuses will undergo a “deep clean” and a disinfection treatment during the pivot period. Currently, students in the HPS may either attend classes on campus or virtually through the Hope from Home Virtual Academy platform. All students in the HPS have been provided access to wifi services or alternatives to allow off-site study in the event of a pivot to online learning.