Ken McLemore

HOPE – Three campuses of the Hope Public Schools will pivot to virtual learning exclusively through the remainder of the week, HPS Superintendent Dr. Jonathan Crossley announced today.

“Beginning tomorrow, September 14, through Friday, September 17, three of our campuses will pivot to virtual only instruction,” Dr. Crossley said. “We are basing this decision on the increased number of quarantined students at Clinton Primary, Beryl Henry Elementary, and the Hope Academy of Public Service. While classes will be virtual at these three campuses, we will disinfect and clean our campuses to ensure that we are ready for face-to-face instruction next week, September 20.”

Crossley said questions should be directed to a student’s teacher.

“If they cannot answer your question, please reach out to the school’s main office,” he said.

Crossley said classes will be conducted on-campus as usual through the week at Hope High School, Yerger Middle School and Creative Action Team School. The Hope Pre-K Center will conduct classes Monday through Wednesday and Friday, but will be closed only on Thursday.

Meals for affected students will be provided for the entire week from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 14, in the bus line at Clinton Primary School. Crossley said this will be the only meal distribution for the week.

“I know this may cause inconvenience in scheduling, but we are making this decision out of an abundance of caution,” Crossley said. “Our first priority is to keep our students safe.”

He asked parents and students to remain vigilant in response to COVID-19.

“As a reminder, we strongly urge students to stay home if they are exhibiting symptoms,” Crossley said. “Our required masks and extended opportunities for vaccination has helped a great deal, but we need additional vigilance from everyone in the Bobcat Family.”