BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — Nichols School is closing its Upper School following a third person testing positive for COVID-19, according to a letter sent to the school community. The Upper School will move to online learning on Tuesday, October 27th until Monday, November 9th.
According to the letter, the third person has not been on the Buffalo private school's campus since last Wednesday.
The Middle School will not move to virtual learning, and has no known cases of COVID-19, according to the letter.
"Nichols School’s highest priority is the health and safety of its community," said Head of School Christopher Burner in a statement to 7 Eyewitness News. "We are prepared and making every effort to keep our community safe.”
The school said it will reevaluate the return date for Upper School students as it approaches, writing:
"The Department of Health did not advise us to move to virtual learning; we are doing so ourselves out of caution. Our campus is still open. We started preparing for this likelihood in the spring and are very confident in our Nichols Virtual School online program that Upper School students will switch back to tomorrow. We are also considering the possibility of having the 9th grade return to campus earlier than November 9. We will stay in touch with you on that possibility."
Students in the Upper School will stay on the same schedule. Outdoor sports will continue, and indoor sports are on pause until further notice.
As of Friday, nearly 50 members of the Nichols School were quarantining, according to a school spokesperson.
“After learning that a member of the Nichols School community tested positive for COVID-19, Nichols has been working closely with the Erie County Department of Health. Following their guidance, 49 community members are currently in quarantine.”
