March 23-24 are virtual days for Gillett schools

The Gillett School District will be fully virtual on March 23-24, after staff members received their second COVID-19 shot.

Taking the lead from other area school districts, the district announcement said the decision to go fully virtual for these two days stems from side effects people are experiencing after receiving the second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. Most of the Gillett staff is scheduled to receive their second dose on March 22 or March 23.

The data is showing that 40% of the fully vaccinated population has experienced mild to moderate side effects that would cause staff members to remain home based on the district’s established COVID protocols, according to the announcement. Instead of potentially closing school for a day, district officials said they decided to err on the side of caution and be fully virtual these days, to give families time to plan.

Students will be using their Acellus coursework from home, and teachers will be setting up Zoom meetings to supplement their teaching and student learning.

Meal pickup is scheduled from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on the virtual days in the district office entrance. After-school activities are not affected; so students will be able to play in any scheduled games, practice, or other activities.