Durango School District 9-R advises families who travel for spring break to be cautious about sending students back to school because of the coronavirus pandemic.
The district has the right to not admit students or staff members “based upon risk and potential exposure,” the district said on its website.
Wednesday, 9-R encouraged students and families who travel to high-risk areas for spring break “to be extra vigilant” for signs of COVID-19 infection, including fever, cough, fatigue and shortness of breath.
Families who choose to self-quarantine will be offered “resources to support students who are unable to attend school,” a message to parents said Wednesday.
Resources for support include software that allows teachers to assign schoolwork online – programs such as Google Classroom or i-Ready currently are used at Durango High School, said Julie Popp, district spokeswoman.
School administrators have developed a preparedness plan with San Juan Basin Public Health, which includes a strategy for closing campuses if public health officials recommend it, Popp said. Fort Lewis College on Wednesday announced that classes will be held online only from March 25 through April 6.
The Durango School District has not canceled any school-related trip, but it reminded parents they may opt out of any trip planned through schools.
“The district, however, strongly encourages that students and families do not participate in CHSAA-related out-of-state travel,” 9-R’s website said. “Additionally, the district reserves the right to cancel any trips based on the direction from local health authorities.”
High school sports have not been canceled in response to the coronavirus pandemic. The Colorado High School Activities Association left the decision to cancel sporting events to local schools and school districts. But, late Wednesday night, CHSAA announced it would close this weekend’s state basketball tournament to all non-essential team personnel. Each played will be permitted four family members or guests to attend the games, but nobody else would be able to get into the arenas.
Ignacio boys and girls basketball teams traveled Wednesday to Loveland for the state basketball tournaments.
In an earlier statement, CHSAA also announced spring sports teams would still be eligible for postseason play even if several games are canceled. The cancellation of games will not impair a team’s chance of making the state tournament or affect its seeding. Under ordinary circumstances, teams must play a certain amount of games to become postseason eligible.
“Spring sports competition, and decisions regarding the regular season events, are up to local schools and school districts,” the CHSAA statement said.
Sports editor John Livingston contributed to this report.
bhauff@durangoherald.com
