St. Therese of Lisieux in Munhall moves to online learning

Saint Therese of Lisieux School, a Diocese of Pittsburgh school in Munhall, will move to remote learning immediately, after identifying covid-related issues over Thanksgiving break.

School administrators were notified of one positive test due to an “exposure unrelated to school.” Two other staff members also reported possible exposures. The resulting staffing issues warranted the move online, a news release said.

“The decision to pause in-person learning is not one that is made lightly, but one that is necessary at this time to keep our entire school family safe,” said Principal Jonathan Cuniak in a statement. “I am most grateful to our teachers and school families for their commitment and dedication to our school through this challenging time and look forward to returning to in-school instruction.”

The school serves students from preschool through 8th grade. Students may return to the classroom on Dec. 14.

Saint Therese of Lisieux is the latest school in the Diocese of Pittsburgh to make this shift. Several buildings have had to temporarily close throughout the first half of the school year — some for a single day, others for a week or more, as a cautionary measure. Last week, Archangel Gabriel in Robinson halted all in-person instruction for four days after three members of the school community tested positive. The goal is to bring those students back by Friday, the Diocese said.

Educators around the region also worry about the ramifications Thanksgiving travel and celebrations will have on cases among students and staff. Two weeks ago, Mary of Nazareth Catholic School in White Oak announced it would close for two weeks starting Dec. 1, following Thanksgiving break, despite no positive cases reported at the school.