Bala Cynwyd Middle School Going Virtual Amid Staff Outbreak

BALA CYNWYD, PA — An outbreak among Bala Cynwyd Middle School staff members has forced the Lower Merion School District to move all its classes online.

The district said Monday that with the outbreak and the number of staffers who will have to quarantine due to potential close contacts with positive cases, Bala Cynwyd Middle School will have fully virtual learning starting Tuesday.

The middle school will have virtual learning in place at least through winter break, which ends Monday, Jan. 11. Bala Cynwyd Middle School students whose IEPs require in-person instruction will be able to return as planned on Jan. 4, 2021.

All district schools will be fully virtual Dec. 23 through Jan. 11, 2021.

Students will follow the hybrid schedule, with both cohorts participating virtually, and the building will undergo a deep cleaning during this time. Teachers will contact students to provide additional information they may need.

Lower Merion and Harriton high schools shifted to fully virtual learning Monday after many high schoolers chose to participate in classes from home between now and winter break.

Additionally, the district said staffing shortages contributed to the decision.