Fletcher Middle School moving to online learning due to spike in COVID-19

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Fletcher Middle School is moving to online learning starting Thurs. Aug. 26, due to COVID-19 cases.

Principal McKenzie left a message for parents informing them of the change and said students should not come to school tomorrow.

“Your students should log-on to their first period class through Microsoft Teams. Again, please plan to have your student attend school online tomorrow beginning at our normal first period time of 9:30 a.m.”

The school will remain with online learning through the end of August and will return to normal instruction on Sept. 2.

RELATED: Baldwin Middle-Senior High School begins first day of virtual learning

Principal McKenzie’s message also said, “Students should have their school technology with them, but if they do not, please call the school in the morning and we will make arrangements to ensure your student has technology to connect to online instruction.

On behalf of the leadership, teachers and staff at Fletcher Middle, we will continue to work to make the online experience the best it can be and look forward to regathering as a school community on September 2nd.”

STORY: Clay parents start Facebook group to warn about potential COVID-19 exposures in the classroom

As of Wed. Aug 24, Fletcher had a total of 33 COVID-19 cases, 32 students, and 1 staff case, according to the DCPS COVID dashboard.

The entire district has a total of 943 COVID cases, 826 students, and 117 faculty and staff.

“I honestly was not surprised. I felt like this was coming since last week,” said Katie Hathaway.

Hathaway has a seven grader who attends Fletcher Middle School, and she thinks this is the right decision.

“I’m grateful my child will be learning remotely until there is a mask mandate. And I think between now and then, we will continue to see schools like this closing daily,” Hathaway said.

The closure at Fletcher Middle School also puts a halt on all extracurricular activities, including athletics and arts events. Those are now suspended and will start again when in-person instruction comes back.

Fletcher Middle School leaders said students should be prepared for online learning starting tomorrow; Hathaway thinks it should be a smooth transition but doesn’t think a week is long enough.

“Honestly, I think I’m going to keep my child home one more day until after Labor Day and send him back when there’s a mandate for masks,” Hathaway said.

This is now the second school to close in Duval County due to COVID-19. Action News Jax told you just last night Baldwin Middle-Senior High has gone virtual through Aug. 31.

©2021 Cox Media Group