The Bright School will be closed Monday, March 16, through the scheduled spring break due to the spread of the coronavirus. Classes will resume April 27. Teachers will provide distance learning during this time.

Below is a message sent to Bright School parents from O.J. Morgan, head of school, on Thursday, March 12. Two more weeks of distance learning was added after Gov. Bill Lee required schools to be closed through April 24.

Dear Parents,

As you know, the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has increased, and more and more organizations have altered or halted operations to help prevent more illnesses. We believe it is prudent for Bright School to suspend classes at school as well, keeping in mind the health and safety of our families and the community beyond.

The Bright School will be open tomorrow, Friday, March 13, but will be closed for students beginning Monday, March 16, through the end of our scheduled spring break. We anticipate classes will resume at school on Tuesday, April 14, the day we are scheduled to return from spring break.

During this time away from school, learning will continue. Next Monday and Tuesday our teachers will meet and finalize their preparations to offer instruction and activities online. We will test and transition to distance learning next Wednesday through Friday, March 18-20. Distance learning lessons will begin Monday, March 23, and continue daily through April 3. There will be no distance learning during the spring break period. More details about distance learning will come from your child’s teacher. I commend our teachers and support staff for the work they have been doing to prepare for this situation. We know this period will provide challenges for parents and children, and we want you to know we will make every effort to provide the kind of support and guidance you would expect from Bright School.

Your child may come home tomorrow with extra books and materials from his or her classroom to use for online instruction. If your child is absent tomorrow, you may come to the school next Monday and Tuesday to pick up items teachers have left for the children.

Our school office will be open 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Monday and Tuesday and for phone calls during that time and afterward. We plan to communicate as often as possible about ways you can help your children during this time away from their teachers and classmates and about any updates regarding the school’s operations.

Thank you for your cooperation.