positive covid19 test

PULASKI COUNTY, Ark. – Two Pulaski County Special School District student-athletes tested positive for coronavirus since summer practices resumed on June 1. 

The district was made aware of the first positive case on Friday, June 26. This student-athlete is a member of the Sylvan Hills High School football team. This summer, practices are split into two sessions. Despite the split practice sessions, all players and coaches are under a mandatory 14-day quarantine period. 

District officials became aware of the second case on Tuesday, June 30. This student-athlete is a member of the Joe T. Robinson basketball team. Families of student-athletes who were in the same practice space have been notified. 

All PCSSD sports are under a dead period until July 5 as put in place by the Arkansas Activities Association. Sylvan Hills High will resume football practice on July 8 and Robinson High will resume athletic practices on July 13.

“PCSSD continues to monitor the CDC guidelines and recommendations from state and local health officials,” said Shawn Burgess, assistant superintendent for human resources. “We take the safety and health of our students and staff seriously.”

Several sports resumed practices on June 1 after the Arkansas Activities Association released guidelines for schools across the state. The athletic directors for each of the four feeders in PCSSD adhere to these guidelines as well as additional health measures to ensure the safety of all students and staff. The screening process for every practice can be found on the PCSSD website as well as school websites.

“It is imperative that we act quickly and effectively when it comes to the health of our students and staff during this time,” said Dr. Charles McNulty, superintendent for PCSSD. “The coaches are taking the necessary steps to keep the team safe.”