Lakeland Copper Beech Middle School to continue remote learning through Wednesday

Lakeland Copper Beech Middle School will remain closed to in-person learning and all after-school and evening activities due to significant pipe damage caused by extreme cold weather.

Middle school students will continue remote learning at least through Wednesday, Feb. 11, with the goal of returning to in-person instruction Thursday, Feb. 12, if conditions allow, Superintendent of Schools Karen Gagliardi said Monday.

Early Monday, Gagliardi first announced that the school would operate remotely while repairs are completed.

Gagliardi said recent subfreezing temperatures and wind chills caused multiple pipes and HVAC heating coils to freeze and burst. Maintenance crews are replacing damaged lines, calibrating HVAC systems and pressure-testing the building to ensure it meets safety and temperature standards before reopening.

Principal Frank Ruolo will continue to communicate directly with families about remote learning schedules, Gagliardi said.

“The safety, comfort, and well-being of our students and staff remain our highest priority,” she wrote. “This decision was made to ensure a safe and properly heated learning environment for everyone.”