The move to virtual learning does not mean that students should socialize during or gather for collaborative learning opportunities.”

BHS Principal Joe Hurley

Families of Barrington High School students received an unexpected phone call on Sunday afternoon, alerting them to a shift to virtual learning for the majority of high school students.

The call, recorded by Superintendent Michael Messore, stated that the shift to virtual learning would take place from Monday, Nov. 30 to Friday, Dec. 4, and was due to a high number of teachers and other staff members currently under quarantine.

An email from Barrington High School Principal Joe Hurley further explained that "It is important to note that we have not had an increase in staff testing positive..."

He wrote that the move to virtual learning was a result of safety measures related to quarantines.

Mr. Hurley added that officials hope to return all students to in-person learning on Monday, Dec. 7.

"The switch to virtual learning for Barrington High School was not recommended by RIDOH (Rhode Island Department of Health) due to increased cases, but out of a logistical need to safely cover classes," Mr. Hurley wrote.

Barrington High School is the only public school in the district to move to virtual learning — the middle school, Hampden Meadows, Nayatt, Primrose Hill and Sowams all remained "in-person learning" this week.

While the majority of Barrington High School students moved to virtual learning this week, students who are requiring special services and/or the "five-day" students will remain in-person at BHS.

All teachers, staff, and substitutes who are not on quarantine or out for another approved reason are teaching in-person from Barrington High School this week, stated the call from Mr. Messore.

The shift to virtual or distance learning for BHS for most students follows the district's decision to keep the high school in-person. On Thursday, Nov. 19, just hours after the governor extended permission to districts to shift to "limited in-person" plans, Barrington officials announced that the high school would remain in its "full in-school phase."

Mr. Messore said that due to the low number of COVID positive cases at the school, district officials saw no immediate need to move to distance learning. And while the school community continues to experience low case numbers, it has been impacted by quarantining guidelines.

In his email, Mr. Hurley reminded local families to continue to play their part in limiting "the spread in Barrington."

"The move to virtual learning does not mean that students should socialize during or gather for collaborative learning opportunities," he wrote, adding "…we should all do our part by avoiding social activities, including unsanctioned sports and activities. We are certain that if we all do our part, we will be able to return to in-person learning sooner."

Updated case numbers

Following is a list of the six public schools in Barrington and the number of positive Covid-19 cases identified among teachers, support staff and students through Nov. 30:

• Barrington High School — 12 (4 of the 10 students who tested positive are distance learners); 2 cases in September, 2 in October, 8 in November

• Barrington Middle School — 8; 0 in September, 1 in October, 7 in November

• Hampden Meadows — 5.5; 0 in September, 1 in October, 4.5 in November

• Nayatt — 2; 0 in September, 1 in October, 1 in November

• Primrose — 1; 0 in September, 1 in October, 0 in November

• Sowams — 0.5; 0 in September; 0 in October, .5 in November

• District — 2

• Total — 31