A Middle Tennessee school district has extended virtual learning into the spring 2021 semester.
Wilson County Schools director Dr. Donna Wright said the district will extend its online program due in part to an increase of COVID-19 cases in schools during a recent County Commissioners meeting, FOX 17 News reports.
"There are absolutely no discipline problems in school, none. The kids are just thrilled to be back. However with that, we are seeing an uptick [in coronavirus cases.] To keep everyone informed, we are getting into the critical range again," Wright said.
Wright did not provide specific information on the reported cases but noted that several were district-wide. She also acknowledged several positive flu cases within Wilson County Schools and is encouraging students and teachers to get vaccinations.
Wright said the program is also being extended because it is showing success.
"If this continues to be successful as we are seeing now, this will be something post-coronavirus. We have seen some kids that have had issues attending a regular, traditional school thrive in a virtual setting," Wright said.
Wright said recent assessments showed students are excelling in reading and literacy, but are losing ground in mathematics. The deadline to sign up for the Spring 2021 virtual learning program is Friday, October 30, according to Wilson County Schools spokesman Bart Barker.
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