ZEIGLER (WSIL) -- After reopening for face-to-face learning at the beginning of the week, Zeigler-Royalton is expected to transition to remote learning starting Monday.
Zeigler-Royalton initially was on a blended schedule with in-person and virtual learning.
This week, students with last names starting with A through L attended in-person classes on Monday and Wednesday, while students with last names M through Z attended on Tuesday.
This plan came to a halt due to ongoing concerns in the community. Now, all students are expected to participate in remote learning.
School officials say there were too many positive COVID-19 cases in the community, along with too many people who came in contact with positive cases.
"It came down to a personnel issue to where we didn't have enough to maintain the safety of the students at all times, so we decided let's do some remote learning," said Zeigler-Royalton Superintendent Quent Hamilton.
Lacey McGuire-Mitchell has two sons that attend Zeigler-Royalton Elementary School. She said her youngest child had a hard time transitioning to remote learning last year for kindergarten, but she knows her children's teachers are looking out for the kids.
"Our teachers have always had the best interest of the students in mind when making these decisions. No matter how long our remote learning lasts, I know my kids will be ready for next year because of their amazing teachers," McGuire-Mitchell said.
Zeigler-Royalton has plans to go back to their blended schedule when they can.
"Once we see if we can get enough personnel, then we will go back to our plan," Hamilton said.
According to a statement from the district, full remote learning is expected to continue until Labor Day.
