Dear Norwin School District Families and Members of the Community,
As you are aware, Governor Wolf announced a mandatory closure of all schools in Pennsylvania for 10 business days as a result of the Coronavirus pandemic. With this announcement, I am sure that many of you have questions about how this impacts the Norwin School District. I, too, have many unanswered questions. This situation continues to evolve on an almost hourly basis; however, please know that the District is committed to staying abreast of the most current and relevant information and sharing this information with you and our community. My top priority continues to be ensuring the safety and health of our students, faculty, staff and community members.
Over the weekend, the administrative team has been working with local, state, and federal government agencies in order to create a plan that is customized to meet the unique needs of the Norwin School District. Specifically, we have been working under the guidance of the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) regarding how this shutdown affects our District.
I know this is a stressful time for our families and community members. In order to provide some sense of normalcy, please find below some important updates and relevant information.
Access to Student Textbooks and Personal Items:
- On Tuesday, March 17th from 7:30 a.m. to 3:00p.m., the District will permit students, and/or their parents, who were absent on Friday, March 13th access to the school building in order to pick up instructional materials or personal items. While doing so, please practice social distancing and stay a minimum of 6 feet away from others in the school.
Lunch Program and Community-Based No Cost Meals for Students
- Starting on Friday, March 20th, the District will begin serving a bagged lunch of a Smuckers Uncrustable, cheese stick, MJM snack crackers, milk, fruit, and juice for students enrolled in our free and reduced lunch program. We will be serving from 11am - 1pm from the Norwin High School Auditorium doors (Door No. 6). People will not need to get out of their vehicles in order to retrieve the meals as our food service employees will walk the bagged lunches to the cars.
Student Instruction Status:
- Although there are some school districts offering online or remote instruction, the Norwin School District is not doing so at this time. As per current state and federal regulations, school districts must submit an application and be approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Education in order to offer “flexible instructional days.” However, the District will prepare a plan to offer remote instruction in case the Pennsylvania Department of Education offers retroactive approval for school districts to offer flexible instructional days.
- Please note that teachers will not be available to students and parents during the mandatory shutdown.
Free 60-Day Internet Access:
- As a result of the pandemic, Comcast is currently offering families free Internet access for 60 days. In order to apply for the free Internet access, please visit www.internetessentials.com.
- Should the District be permitted to offer remote instruction in the near future, the Internet will become an invaluable tool for providing instructional resources to students.
Next Steps:
- The District will continue to monitor the latest Coronavirus (COVID-19) guidance from local, state, and federal agencies, and will communicate updates to you via email and our website. Please know that we understand that this is a stressful time for our community. We appreciate your continued patience and support through this difficult time. However, I am 100% confident in my belief that we will be able to work through this situation in a positive manner. We are very fortunate that Norwin is a very strong community and, as a community, we will work together to solve problems as they arise.
Dr. Jeff Taylor,
Superintendent
