MILWAUKEE — Three MPS elementary schools will be going virtual after COVID-19 cases were reported.
Garland Elementary, Eighty First Street and the Milwaukee German Immersion schools will switch to virtual learning for 14 days due to three positive COVID-19 cases being reported, a spokesperson for MPS tells TMJ4.
"MPS remains committed to a safe and healthy environment for students and staff, while providing the best education possible whether virtual or in-person. Based on public health guidance, we encourage all our families to monitor themselves and their children for COVID-19 symptoms and to stay home if either sick or exposed to someone who tests positive," according to the statement from MPS.
The teachers union, the Milwaukee Teachers' Education Association, called on the MPS School Board to "reassess the situation immediately."
"It has been exactly 2 weeks since MPS schools reopened to students and we already see 3 schools closing due to COVID-19. This was entirely predictable and our members’ frustration, anger, and anxiety with this situation continues to grow," according to a statement from the union.
"The B117 COVID-19 variant is spreading rapidly in Milwaukee, especially amongst children now. This is serious and MHD, MPS, and our School Board need to reassess the situation immediately and communicate to the public how they plan to contain the spread in our schools and in our communities," the union's statement reads.
The principal of Garland Elementary School, Dr. Steve Krull, previously announced that the entire school would be going virtual for 14 days Wednesday, April 28.
The shift to virtual learning was decided after MPS identified three positive COVID-19 cases over the past 14 days at Garland School.
After the 14 day hiatus, the students will return to in-person learning on May 11.
Milwaukee German Immersion School will also be going virtual for 14 days beginning April 29 after three positive COVID-19 cases were reported.
Students at MGIS will return to in-person learning on May 13.