Columbine High School avoids COVID shutdown with 'pilot test' After six outbreaks in two weeks, state guidelines require a campus shutdown, but JeffCo Schools had a different idea. Author: Nelson Garcia Updated: 7:07 AM MDT May 4, 2021 JEFFERSON COUNTY, Colorado — Even though the number of COVID-19 cases has spiked at Columbine High School, the building remains open when current state guidelines mandate that it be closed. "I thought it was kind of an unusual practice," James Crosby, said. Crosby's son is a freshman at Columbine. He said his son left the house for school this morning only to be sent home with something unexpected.