Horizon West Middle temporarily moves to LaunchEd

Students at Horizon West Middle School are pivoting to LaunchEd@Home following an outbreak of COVID-19 at the school, said Orange County Public Schools in a press release sent out Tuesday night.

"Orange County Public Schools, in consultation with the Florida Department of Health in Orange County, informed parents at Horizon West Middle School that 6th and 7th grade students will join 8th grade students in pivoting to LaunchED@Home until Monday, Nov. 30," the press release states. "At this time, there are a total of eight face-to-face positive COVID-19 cases which has resulted in nearly 200 quarantines out of 673 face-to-face students."

The news comes just a few days after the school's principal, Michelle Thomas, announced on Monday, Nov. 16, that eighth-grade students were being moved to LaunchEd because of four confirmed COVID-19 cases.

For the rest of the week students will follow their regular schedule during the day, and will be off the week of Nov. 23 for Thanksgiving break. During this time there will be no staff or student participation in any school-related activities, the press release states.

If a student is in need of food, curbside meals can be picked up Monday, Nov. 23, from 9 a.m. to noon. More information can be found HERE.