HARRIS — In light of the growing number of COVID-19 cases in the area, Bark River-Harris Schools will be rolling out an instruction plan that limits the number of students in the building

On Nov. 4, local school leaders from Delta, Schoolcraft, and Menominee Counties participated in a required meeting with local health department officials. During the meeting, schools were informed of the current status of COVID-19 cases in the three counties and the area’s ability to handle the current spike in positivity rates. Local schools were then issued a recommendation from the local health department to implement an alternative schedule to reduce the number of students within the school building.

After consulting with teachers, administrators, food service personnel, transportation personnel, and the school board, BR-H will be implementing the following instructional plan:

— Pre-K through 6th grade — Elementary students will remain attending school face-to-face as normal.

— 7th through 12th grade — Junior high and high school students will begin our remote learning plan starting on Monday, Nov. 9 and will remain in our remote learning phase until Nov. 30.

— All students will have virtual school on Nov. 23 and Nov. 24. These two days will be virtual for elementary students as well, but they will return to face-to-face instruction on Nov. 30, after the end of Thanksgiving break.

The plan is a response to the health department’s recommendations and not an outbreak at the school.

During the remote learning phase, many of the school’s programs will continue to operate. The food service department will continue to provide meals to all students. Those junior high and high school families that desire to continue with school meals are asked to contact Teresa Richer at 466-9981.

Athletics will also continue during this phase.

“We understand that there is consideration at the state level to put the Upper Peninsula in Phase 3,” said Bark River-Harris Superintendent Jason Lockwood in a letter to parents. “This decision, if it happens, will override our current plan and we will then be required to go Pk-12 remote learning. Our goal from the onset of this pandemic has been to do our part to keep our doors open as long as we can. We are hopeful this adjustment will help continue to allow BRH to remain open through the rest of the second marking period.”

Junior and senior high parents will receive additional information from the high school principal regarding remote learning expectations. Parents of students at any grade level who have concerns about the plans may call the school at 466-9981.