SALT LAKE COUNTY, Utah, Sept. 23, 2020 (Gephardt Daily) — Granger High School in West Valley City and Olympus High School in Holladay will transition to online learning for two weeks as each has at least 15 confirmed cases of COVID-19.
“The dismissal means all in-person instruction at both schools will cease, and distance education will begin Thursday, Sept. 24 and conclude Thursday, Oct. 8,” said a news release from Granite School District.
“The buildings will be closed for the next two days for deep cleaning, after which teachers will work from their classrooms to provide distance education during the dismissal.”
Despite the dismissal, extracurricular activities and sporting events will be able to proceed with limitations on spectators, the news release said. No sports teams at either school currently has three or more cases of COVID-19, and the Salt Lake County Health Department does not recommend that these activities be dismissed. This is consistent with provisions in the State Health Department COVID-19 School Manual. However, if any team has case counts that rise to three or more, it is anticipated that the health department will recommend a 14-day dismissal of that team.
“Our board of education is committed to abiding by the state and local health department guidance and recommendations,” said Granite board president Karyn Winder. We are not inclined to disregard these scientifically based recommendations. Safety for our students, their families, and employees will continue to be paramount above all else.”
The district and local health departments strongly encourage students and families to adhere to current countywide health orders by avoiding large gatherings and wearing a mask in public in circumstances where social distancing is not possible, the news release said. Granite School District will continue to follow guidance and recommendations from local health experts, regardless of the actions of other educational institutions.
Alta High School in Sandy and Brighton High School in Cottonwood Heights will also transition to online learning for 14 days following a sustained increase in COVID-19 cases, Canyons School District officials said.
