Lakewood Schools Restart Extracurricular Activities

LAKEWOOD, OH — The Lakewood Schools are resuming extracurricular activities like sports and marching band, the district announced.

The Cuyahoga County Board of Health (CCBH) issued a recommendation for all districts to begin the year remotely and to suspend all extracurricular activities due to the spread of COVID-19. Lakewood Schools announced the coming academic year would begin with remote-only education and extracurricular activities would be halted.

"However, upon further review of the CCBH guidelines, we have concluded that their recommendation to suspend sports and extracurricular activities was intended for the beginning of remote instruction, which, for Lakewood City Schools, begins on Sept. 8, 2020. Therefore, all extracurriculars – such as sports, band, theater, choir, etc. – can immediately resume," Lakewood Superintendent Michael Barnes announced this week.

Barnes said the district is prepared to change course again on extracurricular activities, depending on guidance from health officials like CCBH or the Ohio Department of Health.

The status of all extracurricular activities will be revisited on Sept. 8, when the school year begins.

"We understand this is a frustrating, confusing and difficult time for many of our families and students. We, as a district team, will continue to work with coaches and faculty advisors to ensure students are safe, informed and have the best experience possible for their fall extracurriculars," Barnes said.