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As of Saturday, Jan. 23, I have been notified of employees at Byrd Avenue school who have tested positive for COVID. Due to the positive tests, the CDC has recommended that, at this time, Byrd Avenue close to hybrid learning, and remain virtual. During this time, all teachers and administration will work from home.

Therefore, virtual learning will continue until Feb. 1 at Byrd Avenue only. High School and Central Elementary will continue as planned with hybrid learning, beginning Monday, Jan. 25.

It is extremely unfortunate that we have to make this decision, but it is for the safety of all concerned. Remember, students will return to Byrd on Feb. 1 as hybrid students. The school will be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized, prior to this reopening.

It is imperative that we all continue to follow COVID prevention protocols with mask wearing, hand washing and social distancing. Hybrid learning affords us this opportunity, as we can limit the number of students in rooms at one time.

Food service will continue to provide food for virtual students, but it will be served at High School and Central Elementary only on Wednesdays, from 10:30 a.m. until noon. Byrd Avenue will resume this service beginning Feb. 3, when they reopen. Until then, please pickup your food from the other two locations.

Thank you as always for your continued patience as we maneuver through these unprecedented times. Things change daily, and it is our job to make decisions to the best of our ability for the safety of all concerned. We appreciate you and look forward to getting back to a time where things are normal, and our children can return to school without hesitiation.

This article was submitted by Lisa Tanner, superintendent of the Bogalusa City Schools.