Start of PreK classes delayed - Ken McLemore

HOPE – The start of classes for the ABC Preschool at the Clinton Primary School campus of the Hope Public Schools will be delayed until Aug. 30, HPS Superintendent Dr. Jonathan Crossley announced today.

“We will postpone the start of the three-year old and four-year old program until August 30,” Dr. Crossley said in a statement to parents. “This week, we have been notified of a positive case of COVID-19 on our campus.”

He said the impact of the exposure is the basis for the delay.

“Additionally, a few staff members have been quarantined due to exposure,” Crossley said. “This measure is taken in an abundance of caution. Safety is the most important factor for us at the Pre-K Center.”

Notification protocols have been put into place, he said.

“All close contacts have already been notified,” Crossley said.

ABC Preschool Principal Marilyn Hampton said PreK parents are being notified of the change.

“We are calling every parent with the information,” Hampton said.

The Bobcat Clinic on the Hope High School campus conducts COVID-19 testing for HPS staff and students from 9-10 a.m. and 1:30-2:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

“Anyone needing COVID testing will need to come to the clinic front door, ring the doorbell, and someone will come to the door with the appropriate paperwork,” Bobcat Clinic/HPS COVID-19 Point of Contact Gretchen Carlton, RN, BSHA, said. “Since the Bobcat Clinic is a healthcare setting, masks will be required to enter.”

Face masks are currently required and temperature screenings conducted for entrance into all HPS facilities and campuses.