Clinton Middle School has announced the closure of its campus on Friday, September 13, following the unexpected death of one of its teachers, Shaquille Harp.
This decision was communicated to the community through a Facebook post late Thursday night, reflecting the gravity and impact of the news on both the school and the broader community.
Shaquille Harp was a beloved figure at Clinton Middle School, known for his multifaceted role within the district. He served not only as a teacher but also as a bus driver, demonstrating a remarkable commitment to the students’ well-being and educational experience.
In addition to these roles, Harp had various other responsibilities at the school, which highlighted his dedication and versatility. The loss of such a dedicated staff member has deeply affected the school community, prompting the administration to take a thoughtful and compassionate approach in response.
The decision to close the school was made to provide the staff with an opportunity to come together and grieve the loss of their colleague. In their announcement, school officials emphasized that this measure was designed to support the emotional and psychological needs of both students and staff during this difficult time.
By closing the school and shifting to e-learning for the day, the administration aims to strike a balance between respecting the mourning period and ensuring that students continue to engage with their studies, albeit in a modified format.
The e-learning assignments provided for Friday are intended to keep students on track with their educational progress while accommodating the circumstances. This approach allows students to maintain their academic routine, albeit remotely, while also acknowledging the need for flexibility in light of the school’s closure.
The announcement also addressed the inconvenience caused by the unexpected closure, with school officials expressing their apologies and explaining that the decision, while disruptive, was made with the best interests of the school community in mind.
