Greetings, Chartiers Valley Families and Community,

I hope this summer is finding you well and able to enjoy time with family and friends. 

Chartiers Valley's Reopening and Planning Taskforce has been busy working towards the goal of District reopening. We have, and continue to study reopening plans globally, examining remote academic best practices in order to refine our internal practices. We are researching and conversing with medical professionals, CDC, and the Department of Health for guidance on health, safety, and mental health. And, we have developed plans on how to address these challenges while keeping up the ever-changing guidance and directives.

Through our partnership with the Allegheny County Department of Health, which I might add, has stated to local school districts, “You are trying to plan for two months in advance, and we can only plan for two weeks [in advance].” That statement truly signifies the magnitude of what we are working with.

At the end of June, it appeared we were moving in a positive direction. On June 29, 2020, The American Academy of Pediatrics released a strong statement and very informative article ( click here to read the article ).  “The AAP strongly advocates that all policy considerations for the coming school year should start with a goal of having students.”

On Tuesday, June 30, a Preliminary Reopening Plan was presented to the school board and community. This tentative plan outlined the District’s instructional intentions during various phases, along with many other aspects. This presentation, along with the full plan, which is required to be submitted to the Department of Education and approved by the Chartiers Valley School Board, can be found on the Reopening and Planning page on the District’s website ( click here ). We fully anticipate amendments to this plan as we are provided with more information; however, this preliminary plan is an attempt to provide some type of guidance and direction for our families and students.

The summary of reopening with specific phases is identified below.  
On July 2, Allegheny County restricted gatherings and seemed to move into a more restricted environment in general. ( Click here to view the order .) The County also mandated the usage of face coverings. Again, these directions may change, but this is where we are to date.

The one thing we are learning from this pandemic is that nothing is certain. As soon as we think we know…it changes. However, based upon research, survey feedback, and professional expertise, I believe we all can agree on two components: 
  1. Academic progress occurs more readily in a classroom.
  2. Crisis and uncertainly exacerbate one’s mental health.

The goal is the get our students back into school, but there is still a great deal of summer left. We will continue to evaluate and receive guidance from the State, CDC, and Department of Education.


Prom and Commencement

Yesterday, July 2, the Allegheny County Health Department issued an order which includes the following restrictions: gatherings and events shall be limited to a maximum of 25 individuals. This order begins July 3 and runs through July 10, 2020. ( Click here to view the order .)

In compliance with this order, the District has moved Prom and Commencement events to the previously-communicated Alternative Plan #2. Please note that we cannot predict what may occur in late-July, and there is a possibility that we would have to cancel and/or modify both events. The safety of our students and community is of utmost priority.

Alternative Plan #2
Prom - July 27
Graduation practice - July 29
Graduation - July 30

Understandably, students and families may have other arrangements or may choose not to partake on these dates. If a ticket has been purchased for prom and you choose not to attend Prom on July 26, you will receive a full refund.  Please click here to complete a refund request form.

If you plan to not attend commencement on July 30, please  click here to complete the commencement opt-out form . Other arrangements will be made for your student to receive their diploma and commencement photo. 

In this difficult situation, the Chartiers Valley community has already endured and accomplished a great deal. The months ahead may hold harder challenges. From what I have seen, I have every expectation that our community will meet those new challenges with the same patience, courage, selflessness, and grace.

May you all stay safe, well, and CV Strong!

Sincerely,

Johannah M. Vanatta, Ed.D.
Superintendent

2030 Swallow Hill Road
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15220
412-429-2201