Dear Parent(s)/Guardian(s),
Thank you to those who took the time to complete our recent survey regarding education during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our planning committee is reviewing the survey results, along with feedback from the OLSH faculty/staff, and recommendations from a variety of resources, including the PA Department of Education, the CDC, the PA Department of Health, other schools (Diocesan and public school districts), as well as other education and health organizations and experts.
The committee meets regularly and is planning for a variety of possibilities, including:
- All students returning to school full time for face-to-face instruction
- A hybrid schedule with a portion of the student body attending school 2-3 days per week, alternating with remote learning from home 2-3 days per week
- Online instruction in the event of a mandated school closure
- Options for families who have health concerns about a return to in-person instruction
This situation continues to be fluid, with new information and guidelines arising frequently. We intend to publish our full plan by early August. In the meantime, we will continue to provide updates on a regular basis.
We also know that, for any plan to be successful, it will require education, practice and reinforcement for all of our students, faculty and staff in order to adjust to new procedures.
As of today, we plan to open school on
August 24
for upperclassmen and
August 25
for freshmen. Following PA guidelines regarding the wearing of masks/face shields, all students, faculty, and staff will be required to wear a face mask or shield in school. We ask that each student has his/her name on their mask/shield so that it can be returned if it is lost. We suggest you consider options for face coverings now, so you can select the option that best suits your child.
Based on feedback gathered throughout last spring, and via the recent survey, all teachers will be using Google Classroom as the platform for posting assignments. Google Classroom also integrates with the OLSH website, so parents should also be able to view course information via each teacher’s page on the OLSH website.
A plan for a return to athletics has been established and is posted on the OLSH website, as well as the OLSH Athletics website. We remain in regular contact with the WPIAL and PIAA and will continue to follow their recommendations.
Click here to review the plan.
I know that many of you have questions and concerns about the school year and I ask for your patience and flexibility as we work diligently to develop a plan that considers the health and safety of our students, faculty, and staff. Please continue to reach out with feedback or questions. Updates and resources will be emailed to families, and posted on the OLSH website’s
COVID-19 Updates
page.
Stay safe and enjoy the summer!
