West Orange H.S. suspends in-class learning due to COVID-19 cases

ORLANDO, Fla. - Orange County Public Schools and the Florida Department of Health in Orange County (FDOH) on Friday announced one of the county's high schools will be shifting to virtual learning due to coronavirus concerns.

Parents and staff of West Orange High School were informed the school will shift to LaunchED@Home starting Monday, Sept. 21 until Oct. 2.  This decision is out of an abundance of caution after 10 positive COVID-19 cases have been confirmed by FDOH with at least two cases pending, the district said

“I was really grateful that we had gone this long, to be honest. I really hope that we stay online for a little bit longer and just kind of wait a little longer to open everything back up,” said West Orange High School senior Sarah Paquette.

Paquette is in the marching band at West Orange High School. She says missing out on senior events upsets her the most.

“Definitely events, senior breakfast. I’m actually wearing my senior shirt right now. But we’re not really able to have those things and I think that’s the most disruptive because that’s something that can’t be replaced after senior year," said Paquette. "Whatever they do, I just hope that it’s safe, and overall listening to me, listening to the parents. I just hope that they listen to the numbers because that’s the most important thing. I rather have everyone safe than have band ultimately.”

All 922 face-to-face students and staff members will return to campus on Monday, Oct. 5, 2020. There will also be no extracurricular or co-curricular activities.