Top 5 Things You Need to Know about Reopening in ASD
Greetings ASD Community!

As we continue to finalize plans to return to in-person teaching and learning in ASD, here are the top 5 things you need to know about reopening. Each week, we will provide further updates to share information and expectations with our staff, families, and the entire community as we get closer to potentially returning to ASD buildings.
Staff Technology in the Classroom
The IT Department has been hard at work configuring new laptops that will ensure our staff has the tools they need to teach successfully in a hybrid model.

  • In addition to the laptops, the district has purchased external wide-angle web cameras that have a 90-degree field of view and an additional monitor to allow teachers to interact with students at home. 

Over the next few weeks, the new tech packages will be installed in each one of ASD’s 1,000 classrooms. We are very excited to share that six teachers (spanning all levels) have already started to pilot this technology as of March 1!
Classroom Layout Guidance
We know every classroom setup differs and are excited to share a quick guide for teachers, as well as 2 models based on the average size of ASD classrooms.

These recommendations from the CDC and mock-ups from facilities have been added to the Opening of Schools page.
Professional Development Continues
ASD continues to partner with Education Elements to provide high-quality professional development that will give teachers tools to successfully deliver instruction in a hybrid classroom.

Every school has a team that is working with EE to create hybrid instructional models, routines, and procedures to increase student engagement and other topics. PD will continue to roll out to all staff throughout the month of March. 
Facilities Updates & Improvements
The ASD Facilities Department continues with the installation of items that were purchased this winter across classrooms and buildings. These upgrades are critical in meeting CDC guidelines.

These updates include:
  • Touchless water bottle fillers in every building
  • Germicidal irradiation devices to reduce airborne contaminants
  • New air filters in the building HVAC systems to enhance indoor air quality 
  • Installed hand sanitizer dispensers at building entrances, common areas, and in each classroom.
COVID-19 Vaccinations for ASD Staff
Yesterday, Governor Tom Wolf announced that all Pennsylvania school employees and contractors will now be eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. This is exciting news for our entire Allentown School District community! ASD staff should check their @allentownsd.org email for a secure signup link and password.

The district will continue to share information about the benefits of the COVID-19 vaccination so our community will be ready when a vaccine is recommended.
31 S. Penn Street
Allentown, PA 18102
484-765-4000
March 4, 2021