TOWER - Vermilion Country School switched to distance learning mode on Monday as they awaited testing results for two staff members who developed symptoms of illness over the weekend.
The switch meant the VCS fall camping trip to the High Adventure Camp in Ely is put on hold, after two staff members fell ill with symptoms of what could have been COVID-19.
“The kids are going to think we never want to do these overnight trips,” said Vermilion Country School Administrator Frank Zobitz. “A lot of them were looking forward to it, and it is a perfect week weather-wise. Unfortunately, canceling the trip was our best option, out of concern for everyone’s health.”
Two staff members contacted Zobitz over the weekend, reporting symptoms which may or may not have been COVID-19 related, and both were tested on Monday. On Wednesday, both staffers reported that their COVID-19 tests were negative. In-person schooling is set to resume on Monday. Staff and students had prepared for possible switches between in-person and at-home learning during the first couple of weeks of school. The school was able to deliver classroom assignments as well as food to students during the distance learning episode.
As of Wednesday, Zobitz said, no other staff or students have reported feeling sick.
School staff and students had been set to leave this week on the overnight camping trip.
This is the second time COVID-19 issues have forced cancellation of a school overnight trip. Last March, a week-long trip to the Osprey Wilds Environmental Learning Center in Sandstone had to be canceled when schools were shut down statewide. Plans are to reschedule that trip this school year. The fall camping trip, Zobitz hopes, will also be rescheduled.
Zobitz told students and their parents that the disruptions caused by COVID-19 will continue.
“We need to adapt and change at a moment’s notice, which is not always easy to do,” he said. “I realize you may be feeling apprehensive about this news.   We want to remain as transparent as the situation allows.”