SBCSC to go virtual for high schools and middle schools

SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- “I don’t know how to help her. I am just her mom. I cannot always do everything,” said Mychell Lass, parent of a SBCSC student.   

The South Bend Community School Corporation is shaking up its learning model for middle and high schools. Students in grades six through twelve are set to shift back to virtual instruction starting on November 30th. Lass, the mother of a student on the autism spectrum, says she is worried about how her daughter will handle the transition.

“COVID is definitely an issue I mean it is a concern. However my daughters future is also a concern as to where she will end up,” said Lass.

The elementary schools will continue on a hybrid schedule of both in person and virtual learning for the time being. Sporting events will also continue with limited spectators of only immediate family members. SBCSC superintendent Dr. Todd Cummings says the district made the decision in accordance with the Saint Joseph County Health Department’s new guidelines that were rolled out this week.

“This is a community health issue, and that we need everyone to wear their mask, to wash their hands, to stay at home if they are ill and maintain 6 feet of social distance from one another. We have got to bring the county’s positivity rates down,” said Dr. Cummings.  

One South Bend educator says that the news didn’t come as a surprise to staff.

“It was good to see the students, but for I think for health purposes and because of the COVID numbers rising I think its best until we can get the numbers down for everyone to stay at home and learn virtually,” said Kyna Glass.   

Dr. Cummings is confident this move will pay off in the long run and vows to keep looking out for students in the meantime.

“We are going to continue to meet the needs of our students. We are going to miss them while they are not in our buildings but we will continue to meet food and internet needs as well,” said Dr. Cum