POTSDAM -- Elementary students at Potsdam Central are shifting to remote learning for the remainder of the week following a positive COVID-19 test.

"Unfortunately, we have been informed of a positive case of COVID-19 among our Lawrence Avenue Elementary students," said Nicole Weakfall, who is filling in as principal in the elementary building while Jennifer Gray is on leave.

"To protect the health and safety of everyone in our school community, we will be dismissing elementary students early today at 1PM and pivoting to remote instruction for elementary students for the remainder of the week while staff and students seek testing and contact tracing is completed. We know you have many questions and concerns and while we cannot share details identifying the positive individual, I can assure you that if you or your child have come in contact with the positive individual, you will be contacted directly by the St. Lawrence County Department of Public Health.

SLCDPH is conducting a thorough contact tracing investigation and some school staff and students may be put under mandatory quarantine as a result," she said in a statement to district parents.

"We will continue to work closely with Public Health to reassess the situation and will keep you informed of any changes to this plan. If you have concerns and would like to seek COVID-19 testing proactively for you or your child, there are testing sites available throughout the county. Contact information is included below," Weakfall said.

St. Lawrence Health System (Canton, Potsdam, Gouverneur, Massena):

(315) 261-6240

Clifton-Fine Hospital: (315) 848-8049

Claxton-Hepburn Medical Center: (315) 713-6655

Nicole Weakfall can be reached at nweakfall@potsdam.k12.ny.us or 315-265-2000 for questions or concerns.