Fishers Health Department OKs return to in-person learning for some grade levels

FISHERS, Ind. (WISH) — Hamilton Southeastern Schools students are learning virtually during this stage of the coronavirus pandemic.

Fishers High School senior Lauren Castillo, 18, and her classmates are learning virtually.

“I’d be OK with staying on virtual. But, I think I’d like to go back just to see my friends and actually come in contact with my teachers that I haven’t actually met in person,” Castillo told News 8.

On Tuesday, the Fishers Health Department lowered the COVID-19 community risk level from Level 3, known as “orange significant,” to Level 2, “yellow moderate.”

The department also recommends Fishers-based schools reinstate or continue full in-person learning for elementary schools. The department advises middle schools and high schools may reinstate or continue full in-person learning if the same students can be kept together through the school day.

Castillo said, “I think it’s a better idea to have the younger students go back in person because I feel like it’s really hard to teach kids in elementary school. They’re really hard to stay focused.”

Some parents in the area do not feel the same way.

“I don’t agree,” parent Shawnte Riggs told News 8. “I believe the children should stay home until we get this coronavirus understood a little bit more.”

Emily Pace Abbots, director of school and community relations for Hamilton Southeastern Schools, said in a statement: “At this time, PreK-4 will be going back to school on September 8 at 50% capacity. In addition, as it stands currently, 5-12 will remain 100% virtual. But we have a special School Board meeting taking place on Thursday at 6p. A change in phases will take a vote from the board, so I am unable to speculate what they may decide to do. However, we have tried to align our Operations Plan to that of the Fishers Health Department’s COVID Risk Rating system.”