ROCKINGHAM, N.C. — Based on a Facebook post from Rockingham County Schools from Nicole Lancaster, principal of Holmes Middle School, the school will close from September 28-October 11 due to over five confirmed and/or presumptive cases of COVID-19.
"Based on our district plan, if we have five presumptive and/or confirmed cases of COVID-19 that are related in a cluster, this would require a school closure. This notice is for the entire school. We have consulted with the health department closely and they have advised us to close all of Holmes Middle School School," Lancaster said.
Lancaster said the school has followed all safety protocols recommended by the health department and cannot release the individual names of those affected due to confidentiality protocols.
"If any staff member or student was directly exposed, they have already been notified and asked to quarantine in addition to all people in their household. If you have not received an additional phone call from me saying you were directly exposed, you do not need to get a COVID-19 test," said Lancaster.
In-person learning at the school is scheduled to resume on October 12 but for now, all learning will continue to take place through virtual/remote learning during the in-person learning closure.
"We will also engage in extra cleaning practices of the school during this time as well. Safety is a top priority and we appreciate your support as we work very hard to keep all of our students and staff safe. Thank you for your support," Lancaster said in closing.