Dear Parents/Guardians,
Like many districts across the nation, during the last year, North Allegheny has had to rethink how we educate our students. While we continue to rise to the challenges of this year, the District is beginning planning efforts for the next school year. Through this planning process, we hope to work collaboratively to best meet the needs of our students and staff.
For the 2021-2022 school year, the North Allegheny School District will set a goal to offer full-time, in-person learning for all students K-12. We understand that many of our students need a face-to-face learning environment in order to thrive. Families will still have the option to continue virtual learning through NA Cyber Academy.
Around this time each year, our District begins preparations for the next school year. For 2021-2022 planning, we will be expanding our team to help make necessary decisions that will benefit our students in the new school year.
2021-2022 NASD Return to School Planning Committee
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NASD Executive Council - This group encompassing our leadership/administration team will manage the committee and focus on our instruction and health and safety plans.
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School Administrators - Knowing that our buildings are unique, school principals will be involved in each step of the planning process.
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North Allegheny Federation of Teachers (NAFT) - Representatives from NAFT, including its Executive Team, Building Leadership, and Paraprofessional Leadership.
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Community Groups: Education Advisory Council (EAC), Secondary Advisory Council (SAC), Superintendent’s Parents’ Liaison Committee (SPLC), Student Services Advisory (SSA) - The District will be working closely with our community groups of parents/guardians to nominate individuals to the planning committee.
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Student Representatives - Student representatives will be involved in planning.
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Health Services - The District’s Health Services team.
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Medical Community - In addition to our District Physician, Dr. Potter, we will be working with medical professionals from UPMC during planning. The District will continue to consult with the Allegheny County Health Department as well.
Members of the committee will explore all potential scenarios for the 2021-2022 school year to ensure that the District is prepared given national, commonwealth, and local guidelines.
2021-2022 NASD Return to School Planning Committee Next Steps
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Bi-Monthly Meetings: The Return to School Planning Committee will meet bi-monthly beginning in March.
- Feedback will be collected from Community Groups regarding planning on a regular basis.
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Frequent Updates: On an ongoing basis, we will provide all parents/guardians with updates regarding our planning efforts.
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Surveys: Families will be surveyed several times between March and July to determine their enrollment preference, to collect feedback on planning for next year, and to assess school climate.
- March 1-7 - 2021-2022 Instructional Model Preference Survey 1
- Families will be surveyed to show their interest in an instructional model of In-Person or NA Cyber Academy for the 2021-2022 school year. (This is an initial survey and will be used for planning purposes only and is not a final registration for the fall.)
- A School District Operations survey will be conducted to collect data to aid in decision-making for the next school year.
- April - School Climate Survey
- The School Climate Survey (Grades 3-12) will be conducted in April 2021. The survey will address a student’s social and emotional learning, student engagement including cultural/linguistic competence, relationships, school participation, physical environment, physical/mental health, discipline, physical and emotional safety, substance abuse, and emergency readiness.
- May 10-16 - 2021-2022 Instructional Model Preference Survey 2
- Families will be surveyed for a second time to show their interest in an instructional model of In-Person or NA Cyber Academy for the 2021-2022 school year. (This is the second survey and will be used for planning purposes only and is not a final registration for the fall.)
- A School District Operations survey will be conducted to collect data to aid in decision-making for the next school year.
- July 19-25 - 2021-2022 Instructional Model Preference - Final Decision
- Families will make a final selection for an instructional model of In-Person or NA Cyber Academy for the 2021-2022 school year. (This is the final registration for the fall.) A full, comprehensive plan will be shared with families before the final registration window opening.
- A School District Operations survey will be conducted to collect data to aid in decision-making for the next school year.
Thank you for your continued support. As we plan for next school year, we look forward to using your feedback to make the best plan to meet our students' needs.
Sincerely,
Melissa Friez, Ed.D.
Deputy Superintendent
