STURGIS – Two Sturgis Public Schools students have been quarantined after positive COVID-19 tests.

A joint letter was issued Tuesday by Eastwood School Principal Mike Miller and Sturgis High School Principal Nick Herblet. In the letter, the principals said that it came to their attention two individuals from the same household tested positive for COVID-19. One is a student at Eastwood School and the other at Sturgis High School.

The Eastwood student was last in the building on September 3rd, and the SHS student was last in that building on September 2nd. Miller and Herblet say it appears the two students contracted the virus out of school and from another family member.

Sturgis Superintendent Dr. Art Ebert says when the District found out about the positive tests, they contacted the Health Department and described the situation. The Health Department walked school officials through the protocols determining close contacts. Dave Northrop the Sturgis Schools Safety and Security Supervisor met with each building's principals and staff. They made identification and the principals called home. Ebert says this is very limited in numbers based on the school staff and students following the protocols in place.

The SHS student has been quarantined until Thursday, September 17 and the Eastwood Student until Friday September 18. Additionally, the School District is executing proper cleaning procedures and will continue to follow health department guidance.

Ebert says when you are talking about over 3,000 people, despite all the best efforts, there will be at times, some positive cases. That is what happened here.

Miller and Herblet say all other Back To School Eastwood and Sturgis High School staff and students, which is Option A, will continue with in person school as scheduled.

If you have any questions or concerns, you can contact Miller at mmiller@sturgisps.org; Herblet at nherblet@sturgips.org or Northrop at dnorthrop@sturgisps.org