November 16, 2020 - January 15, 2021

Marion County Public Health Department has moved all K-12 learning to remote learning.

Hopefully you were able to watch Governor Holcomb’s press conference on Wednesday, November 11 and Mayor Hogsett’s press conference with Dr. Caine today, Thursday, November 12. As they indicated, we are at a very important time in the midst of this ongoing pandemic. And, as a result, changes are necessary to reduce the spread of the coronavirus.

Since November 1, Indiana has set five single-day highs for positive COVID-19 cases and eight straight for coronavirus hospitalizations. Marion County has set three single-day highs for positive cases as well. The percent of positive COVID-19 cases for Marion County students in high school are 18%, 14% for middle school students, and elementary age students are 8%. Dr. Caine predicted that the positive COVID-19 cases for elementary students will top 12% by the end of next week. And, in the M.S.D. of Wayne Township, our daily cases for COVID+ individuals, those with symptoms who have not yet been tested or are awaiting test results, and those quarantined as a result of a close contact are trending in the same direction. The result has been a reduction in learning opportunities for students and increased concern for student and staff safety in our schools.

As a district, the M.S.D. of Wayne Township remains focused on the education, safety, and services we provide to our students, staff, and families. The planning of our M.S.D. of Wayne Township Return to School Task Force, and the willingness of our students, staff, parents, and community to follow the guidelines put into place were instrumental in our ability to conduct in-person learning over the past 12 ½ weeks. However, at the direction of the MCPHD and out of an abundance of caution, we are communicating a change in our models of instruction through the Martin Luther King Junior holiday.

With the most recent COVID-19 data for Indiana, Marion County, and the M.S.D. of Wayne Township, all students PK - 12 will move to a fully remote model of learning beginning Monday, November 16, 2020. Following the guidance of the MCPHD, we are planning for our students return on Wednesday, January 20, 2021.

As we await the administration of vaccinations and effective treatment plans of COVID-19, we must all continue to do our part individually. Indiana State Health Commissioner, Dr. Kris Box, shared on Wednesday that this will be a difficult holiday season for many people and was firm that it simply can't look like a normal year. Both Mayor Hogsett and Dr. Caine reiterated this point today. Dr. Box shared that the state will issue holiday guidance at next week's COVID press conference on Wednesday, November 18, 2020 at 2:30 p.m. EST. We will be sure to pass that guidance along to M.S.D. of Wayne families once we receive it.

Please continue to monitor your ParentSquare messages for additional information from your child’s teacher(s), school, Child Nutrition Department, and others. Our school offices will remain open while we are providing remote instruction to assist you and answer any questions you have.

We apologize, in advance, for any inconvenience this may cause. And, we thank you for the support you are providing to your child(ren) and their learning. In these extremely challenging times, we know that together we can continue to provide our children with quality experiences. Thank you in advance for all that you are doing!!

Dr. Jeffrey K. Butts, Superintendent