Full virtual learning in Lehighton Area School District is being extended an additional week.

Superintendent Jonathan Cleaver said Wednesday that the district has had 12 positive cases reported to it since the holiday break.

“Due to this increase in positive cases, the virtual instructional model for all students in grades Pre-K-12 will be extended until Tuesday, Jan. 19,” Cleaver said. “This extension of the virtual educational model is being made in an effort to mitigate the risk of spread within the educational buildings and to protect our staff and students while continuing an educational model that allows our students to receive a continuum of their current educational placement.”

Lehighton opted to proactively move to virtual learning on Jan. 4 following winter break. The district’s regular format this year has seen elementary and middle school students attend school in person five days per week, while high school students attend two days each week and are virtual for the remaining three.

Cleaver said the administration, along with the nursing staff, of LASD will continue to monitor the health and safety of the district over this extension of the virtual educational platform.

“If any person in your household has been tested for COVID-19, is positive with COVID-19, or has come in close contact with someone who has COVID-19, please alert the school,” Cleaver said in a letter to parents. ”You will be contacted by a school official to discuss your child’s return to school and assist with contact tracing questions we may have.”