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Thanksgiving break extended at Great Bend schools
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Great Bend USD 428 on Tuesday announced that schools will take an extended Thanksgiving break in response to the growing number of COVID-19 cases. The district will be closed Nov. 23-27, with classes resuming on Monday, Nov. 30.

“We are proud of what we have accomplished together this semester,” a notice sent to families, students and staff members begins. “Our teachers, staff and community have worked tirelessly to support the health and safety of our schools – we are thankful for their efforts. As we prepare for Thanksgiving break, USD 428 administration has decided to close the district Nov. 23-27 to allow extra time out of schools, hopefully lowering the number of quarantines and active cases of COVID-19. All buildings, including the Central Kitchen, will be closed.”

The message urged everyone to continue efforts to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. “Enjoy the extra time with family and please consider taking precautions to celebrate safely. Thank you for your commitment to our schools, students, and families.”


COVID-19 incidents

The school district lists reported COVID-19 incidents related to Great Bend USD 428 on its website, greatbendschools.net. Here are the most recent reports:

• Thursday, Nov. 12, a staff member at Riley Elementary School tested positive. No additional quarantine orders were expected due to close contact.

• Thursday, two staff members at Eisenhower Elementary tested positive. Three student and two staff quarantine orders were expected.

• Thursday,  a staff member at Great Bend Middle School tested positive; one additional staff quarantine was expected.

• Friday, a staff member at GBHS tested positive; no additional quarantines were expected.

• Saturday, a student at GBHS tested positive; nine additional student quarantines were expected.

• Saturday, another student at GBHS tested positive; eight additional student quarantines were expected.

• Saturday, another student at GBHS tested positive; one additional student quarantine was expected.

• Saturday, a student at Jefferson Elementary tested positive; two additional student quarantines were expected.

• Sunday, a staff member at Jefferson Elementary tested positive; one additional student quarantine was expected.

• Sunday, a staff member at GBMS tested positive; one additional staff quarantine was expected.

• Sunday, another staff member at GBMS tested positive; two additional staff quarantines were expected.

• Monday, a staff member at Jefferson Elementary tested positive; three staff quarantines and one student quarantine were expected.

• Monday, a staff member at Riley Elementary School tested positive; five student quarantines were expected.