Schools restrict visitors; Franklin on 2-hour delay

<p>Students at Franklin Community Schools will have a two-hour delay Friday in response to a pandemic outbreak that’s reached Johnson County.</p><p>The delay will allow staff to prepare for the possibility of virtual learning in the event of an extended closure, according to an email sent to parents on Thursday, spokesperson Robin Betts said.</p><p>“If we were closing for an extended period of time, we would want (students’) at-home learning to be extremely robust and extremely interactive,” Betts said. “We are giving teachers different technology tools that will allow them to interact with students throughout the day, whether it’s Google Classroom or Google Hangout.”</p><p>The coronavirus, or COVID-19, reached Johnson County Wednesday, when three positive cases of the respiratory disease were reported. The three local cases made up a quarter of the 12 confirmed cases in the state as of Thursday, according to the Indiana State Department of Health.</p><p>For students without internet access, Franklin schools will extend deadlines on assignments in the case of a lengthy school cancellation, Betts said.</p><p>The two largest school districts in Johnson County rolled out visitor restrictions Thursday that will be in place for several weeks.</p><p>Clark-Pleasant Community Schools isn’t allowing visitors during the school day from now until the end of spring break April 5. School officials made the decision Wednesday afternoon, and sent an email to parents and staff. They also announced students will be sent home if they display symptoms of the virus, such as coughing wheezing or shortness of breath, according to the email.</p><p>Clark-Pleasant schools canceled the vast majority of extra-curricular activities scheduled between now and the end of spring break, according to its events calendar, which is available on its website.</p><p>Clark-Pleasant school officials are monitoring the situation closely, Venter said.</p><p>“We’re going to be meeting all the time, as new information comes in by the hour,” Venter said. “We’re in constant communication with health departments, nurses and administrators.&quot;</p><p>At Center Grove Community Schools, visitors will no longer be allowed to eat lunch with students at schools. School officials also advised principals to postpone field trips through the end of the month, spokesperson Stacy Conrad said.</p><p>Indian Creek Schools also enacted extensive restrictions Thursday.</p><p>School officials postponed all extra-curricular activities, non-school sponsored team competitions, programs, performances and other events. Visitors will be limited to students’ immediate household members during the school day, according to an email Indian Creek schools sent to parents on Thursday.</p><p>&quot;We are in an unprecedented circumstance,&quot; the email said. &quot;Health and safety are always out first priority.&quot;</p>