Starting Monday, students at Drumheller Valley Secondary School (DVSS) will be switching to online classes as students have tested positive for COVID-19.

 Parents received correspondence from AHS late this week that more than two members of the school community have tested positive for COVID-19. This has prompted the school to switch students to online classes.

“Due to the impact on our staff and the number of students who will be asked to self-isolate, DVSS will be temporarily switching to at-home learning beginning Monday, November 23,” states a letter to parents. 

The website, Support our Students, has been tracking COVID cases in Alberta schools, and it shows DVSS as having more than two cases, and one case at Greentree School.

“It impacted so many teachers, and we didn’t have enough subs to cover, that’s the primary issue,” said Curtis LaPierre. “We had to get confirmation from Alberta Education to do that.”

 He said the teachers and students were already set up online for this possibility, and they will be focusing on core subjects for the time being.  

 According to the letter, DVSS will undergo a thorough deep cleaning before reopening on Wednesday, December 2.

“I think it is the best-case scenario because it is a large group of people in a small space. It is an opportunity to quell things pretty quickly and have the kids back in the building on December 2,” said LaPierre. 

The Salvation Army’s Kettle Campaign launched today, Friday, November 20. The kettles, which provide The Salvation Army with the funds they need to run programs year-round, are at Freson Bros, Walmart, ExtraFoods, and Ace Liquor. This year The Salvation Army has a goal of raising $37,000 but is hopeful the community will come out in support in this very difficult year. Those wishing to donate online can go to www.fillthekettle.com . An online donation uses your postal code and will direct your donation to local projects. At the launch on Friday are (l-r) Drumheller Town Councillor Fred Makowecki, Freson Bros manager Darryl Jacques, Salvation Army Community and Family Services Coordinator Amanda Courtenay, Kettle volunteer Dan Worman, and Salvation Army Captain Ben Lippers. To volunteer for a kettle shift call 403-823-2215.