WARSAW – Two more school districts – Tippecanoe Valley and Whitko – are ceasing classes out of concern for the coronavirus.

Warsaw, Wawasee, Triton and Manchester school districts announced closure plans earlier Friday, March 13.

Tippecanoe Valley outlined a details schedule for the next few weeks. The school district issued the following statement:

Tippecanoe Valley School Corporation officials, in coordination with federal, state, and local government and health officials have been very closely monitoring the Coronavirus (CO-VID2019).  

All schools in the Tippecanoe Valley School Corporation will follow the schedule below.  Students will gather and organize all of their belongings and all medications to take home at the conclusion of the school day on Monday, March 16^th.  Additional information regarding the following schedule will be forthcoming in the next week from our dedicated educators and staff.

Monday, March 16 – School in Session:  2-hour delay

Tuesday, March 17 – Waiver Day: Teachers & Staff Report

Wednesday, March 18 – Waiver Day: Teachers & Staff Report

Thursday, March 19 – E-Learning

Friday, March 20 – E-Learning

 March 23 – March 27

Monday, Wednesday, Friday – E-Learning Days

Tuesday & Thursday – Waiver Days

 Monday, March 30 – E-Learning

Tuesday, March 31 – Waiver Day

Wednesday, April 1 – E-Learning

Thursday, April 2 – E-Learning  

Friday, April 3 – Waiver

 April 6 – 10 – Spring Break

Whitko Community Schools issued a lengthy statement on its website. The statement reads in part:

After meeting today with our COVID-19 Response Team, we have chosen a proactive response to COVID-19. While we are thankful it has not reached Whitko’s community, at this time we are making preparations to begin DISTANCE LEARNING.

Beginning now, students will no longer be allowed at our buildings for their regular learning day. This also means all sports, practices, programs and events are currently being postponed or canceled. We will have a full listing of cancellations later, but for now, we are officially closed due to COVID-19.

However, we will use distance learning to provide a strong academic experience. We realize this is different than an e-learning day and that’s because our goal is to provide both same day education and distance away from possible contact with COVID-19.  Our distance learning days will be Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday of each week, with the exception of Spring Break, which is April 6-10.  We are meeting to finalize what those days will look like, so please check your email often for more information. 

For now, we will begin DISTANCE LEARNING on Tuesday, March 17th, and continuing through April 10th, with traditional classes back in session on April 13th. It is also important to remember that at any moment, our situation could change. Whether a decision is made at the State level, or new information sheds light on our current situation, we may choose to extend distance learning beyond our initial timeline.

We will also be sending home electronic devices for students to use. Beginning today, your student will have their Chromebook and chargers at home. We recommend designating a workspace in your home for distance learning away from distractions (tv, video games, loud noises), and remembering to recharge the device regularly and often. 

Finally, we have a list of prevention methods that everyone can benefit from.  For now, please keep your phone/email/texts handy in case we need to send out any further communications. And as always, we appreciate your support and flexibility during these rapidly changing times!