Waynesville School District changes start date for in person classes due to COVID-19

Waynesville High School and Waynesville Career Center traditional students, scheduled to be in the seated classroom, will start school virtually on Aug. 25 after the district was notified that two Waynesville High School students have tested positive for COVID-19. Due to the large number of students who were potentially exposed to these positive cases, the decision was made in consultation with the Reopening Task Force and the Pulaski County Health Department.

Traditional WHS and WCC students may obtain their Chromebooks and class-related materials on Friday, Aug. 21, and Monday, Aug. 24. Details about the pickup schedules will be announced on or before Thursday.

“Going virtual for students in grades 9-12 is an effort to help prevent the potential spread of COVID-19 in our community,” said Dr. Brian Henry, superintendent. “We are exercising an abundance of caution and meeting and exceeding recommendations.”

All high school sports practices and events will be canceled until students return to the classroom. Waynesville Middle School practices and competitions will continue as scheduled.

At this time, WHS students are projected to return to the classroom on Aug. 31.

All traditional students in grades K-8 will attend school in person as planned. This only impacts the high school and career center.

The Waynesville R-VI School District, in cooperation with the Pulaski County Health Department, has notified via email the parents of students who had close contact with the students. Those who came in close contact will be in isolation for 14 days. The district is making arrangements for drive-up testing on Thursday for the students who had direct exposure to the positive cases. Additional information on that testing opportunity will be forthcoming. Being in close contact does not necessarily mean that your child will become positive.