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Tahlequah Public Schools mourns the passing of high school teacher, transition school to distance learning

Posted at 9:25 AM, Aug 31, 2020
and last updated 2020-08-31 20:26:53-04

TAHLEQUAH, Okla. — Tahlequah Public Schools announced the passing of one of their teachers on Monday morning.

Officials posted the news on their website and their Facebook page.

It is with a heavy heart that I announce the passing of one of our teachers. Losing a member of your family is never easy and in the current climate, it makes the situation even worse. We extend our sympathy to the family and our staff.
Tahlequah Public Schools | Website

The Tahlequah Public Schools superintendent said high school special ed teacher Teresa Horn died Sunday while quarantining with COVID-19.

Officials said they are transitioning all in-person learning for pre-K through 12th grade students to distance learning from Monday, Aug. 31, and Tuesday, Sept. 1, out of respect for the family and staff.

All staff will be reporting to work on Monday and Tuesday and are transitioning to distance learning for both days.

Students who are already learning virtually will not have any changes. Officials said they are being understanding and lenient for families and student who have difficulty with distance learning.

"Again, no students will be on campus for classes this Monday and Tuesday, students will return Wednesday, September 2," said Tahlequah Public Schools officials.

The district is providing counseling for both staff and students this week.

Additionally, Tahlequah school district learned this afternoon that one of its staff members at Greenwood Elementary school tested positive for COVID-19.

This comes only a day after the passing of Horn. The district says the Greenwood staff member who tested positive came in contact with one other person. They are now both self isolating at home.

In a statement, the district says the two "were not in a traditional classroom setting Thursday or Friday, so they did NOT come into close contact with any students… and it will not affect the return of students on Wednesday, Sept. 2nd."

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