With the start of the school year fast approaching, I am reaching out today to share with you some updates on reopening plans and expectations for the 2021-2022 school year. Last evening, the Penn-Delco Board of School Directors approved the district 2021-2022 Health and Safety Plan for the upcoming year.
Similar to the COVID-19 health and safety plan that we successfully implemented last year, this updated plan includes clarity on health and mitigation efforts that the district is expected to implement. Since the start of our response to the operation of schools during a pandemic, the Board of School Directors has indicated that the district should follow the guidance from public health agencies and not presume to know more than the experts in the field of infectious disease.
Accordingly, this plan reflects the current guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and PA Department of Health (DOH), and enables the school district to continue its final preparations for the opening of a terrific upcoming school year. The plans are especially important this year in the absence of more directed state mandates that were in place previously.
After an impressive response to varied efforts last year, our students and staff deserve a school year that is “closer to normal”. Still, the resurgence of renewed variants of COVID-19 throughout the region and country necessitate a more prudent and cautious approach in our operation of schools. For instance, large indoor group gatherings that may have been a celebratory aspect of the reopening of schools will be avoided.
Physical distancing in the cafeteria will mean tight groups of friends sitting close around a cafeteria table will need to wait. The health and safety of our staff and students remains our priority. Parents will see that as schools continue to take steps to manage their day-to-day operations in a way that supports students and staff while our doors open to a excellent educational experience.
Some of the key highlights for the upcoming school year are as follows:
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The district will operate on a normal five-day per week schedule (in other words, to the delight of countless parents, no more virtual Wednesdays).
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Regarding Masks: The plan specifically notes that the CDC and PA Department of Health “ recommends universal masking for all staff, students, and visitors to K-12 schools, regardless of vaccination status”. While we ask that your children continue to come to school with personal masks available for their use, the district will have an ample backup supply in the schools and buses, as in the past. Accordingly, the school district recommends the wearing of masks by all persons in our schools.
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Masks are REQUIRED to be worn by passengers and bus drivers on school buses, per the CDC’s order on wearing masks on public transportation.
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Per the CDC and PA Department of Health, “schools should implement physical distancing to the extent possible in their structures”. That will continue, with deference to the specific guidelines on physical distancing efforts.
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Additional cleaning protocols with the use of EPA approved disinfectants will remain in place, with practices around handwashing and the use of hand sanitizer continuing as well.
A comprehensive email regarding our school reopening for the 21-22 school year will be sent to your attention within the next week. We are thrilled to know that our doors will be opening for students, bright and early, Tuesday, September 7th.
Sincerely Yours
Dr. George Steinhoff
PDSD Superintendent of Schools
