BRIMFIELD, Ohio — EDITOR'S NOTE: The above video is from a previous story.
Field Local Schools in Portage County has announced it will be making all in-person classes optional through at least Dec. 21 -- the last day before winter break -- due to "a significant rise in COVID cases" within the district, Superintendent David Heflinger announced Monday.
In a message sent to parents and students, Heflinger said that while buses will run as normal and all kids must still complete their assigned work, they will not be required to report to any of the school buildings. In addition, high school exams as well as all holiday concerts are postponed until January, and all middle and high school sporting events will either be canceled or made up at a later date.
"It is my sincere hope that taking these steps will help slow down the spread of cases in the district," Heflinger added.
According to the Ohio Department of Health, 33 Field students and two staff members have contracted the coronavirus in the last week alone. The district does not require all of its students to wear masks (despite the recommendations of Gov. Mike DeWine and others), but does mandate that any pupil who is exposed to the virus to wear a face covering for at least eight days and receive a negative test, in line with ODH guidelines.
COVID vaccines now have at least emergency approval for Americans ages 5 and above, making the vast majority of Field's student population eligible. However, the district is banned by Ohio law from mandating the shots since they haven't received full FDA approval for lower age groups.
Heflinger did not indicate if the district would be willing to extend the optional period, if necessary. While winter break doesn't end until January, sports teams for the moment can resume practicing on Dec. 22, and there are several games scheduled from then until the conclusion of the calendar year.
Field Local Schools serves students in both Brimfield and Suffield Townships, as well as the southern portion of Kent.