WCSD No. 1 schools see increase in COVID-19

Alexis Barker
NLJ News Editor
 
Over the past week, Weston County School District No. 1 has seen an increase in COVID-19 positives and related quarantines, according to Superintendent Brad LaCroix. 
“As of Friday (Oct. 8), unofficially, we have seen a jump,” LaCroix said. “Total in all three schools, we are at 12 and 12.” 
This means that there are currently 12 students or staff that are home ill or positive and another 12 students or staff that are quarantined due to close contact situations, according to LaCroix. The week before, LaCroix said, the school district was at two ill or positive and five additional quarantined. 
The elementary school specifically experienced a hit after the Mallo camping trip for fifth graders Sept. 29-Oct. 1. He noted that all the positive cases in the district are not related to Mallo but that there was “quite the impact” following the excursion. 
Due to the increase in case numbers, the superintendent said that the schools have been flexible in staffing to try to cover some of the absences. 
“We are feeling more tension than we did a month ago,” he said. 
To date, little at the schools has changed due to the spike, according to LaCroix. 
“At this time, WCSD#1 has decided to postpone some staff development training sessions scheduled for this week, in addition to making other minor adjustments to decrease the opportunity to spread the virus,” an Oct. 8 release from the district says. 
“No classes or student activities have been cancelled at this time, and we are encouraging students and staff members to observe social distancing in our buildings and wear masks if their own comfort and preference allows in those situations where social distancing is not possible,” the release continues. 
LaCroix noted during his conversation with the News Letter Journal that two field trips scheduled for this week have been postponed due to weather forecasts this week, not because of the increase in COVID-19. 
According to the release, the Wyoming Department of Health has been notified of
the increase in cases and the district will
continue to monitor the situation, providing updates as available. 
LaCroix reiterated that the school district is not mandating vaccines, masks or social distancing but suggested that people may want to consider them. He noted that these measures can also help lessen the impact of cold and flu on the schools and community. 
“Eating right and getting rest, being a healthy person. … Those are important as we navigate this,” LaCroix said. 
Those wishing to learn more about combating COVID-19 or preventing its spread can go to the Weston County School District No. 1 website at wcsd1.org and click on the “WDH Covid Information” tab. 
Students and parents who have immediate questions or concerns are encouraged to contact their respective school offices. LaCroix can be reached through the district’s administrative office at 746-4451.