Dear Penn Delco Parents and Guardians,
I write today with an update on our phased reopening plans now that October is just a couple of weeks away. This is essentially a “Save the Date” notification.
Despite a few hiccups here and there, our virtual opening has exceeded expectations due to the great efforts from our staff, our students, and many parents who are helping to support their children. However, virtual learning never adequately replaces in-person instruction and I am pleased we are getting closer to a phased reopening for in-person instruction under a safe and measured hybrid schedule.
Given that the health data for our district and county has stabilized, remains better than expected, and is currently in the range that allows for hybrid learning, we can move forward with plans to bring students back to school (I can hear the cheers of parents loud and clear!)
A Phased Approach
Beginning Monday, September 28th, a small, select group of special education students will return to school; parents of those students will be contacted directly by our Special Education Director. If you are not contacted, your child does not meet the criteria to start on this date.
The following week, beginning Monday, October 5th, we will begin the hybrid schedule for students in grades K-2. On Thursday, October 8th, students in grade 6 will return following the hybrid schedule. And on Monday, October 12th, all students in any remaining grades K-12 will be able to return under the hybrid schedule as well. Until that time, students will continue following the virtual schedule that is in place until their grade starts back under the hybrid model.
An advantage to a phased approach is that it provides our staff time to troubleshoot and respond to any unforeseen challenges while prioritizing the students who are most challenged to learn under a virtual model.
School districts like ours are learning from schools in other parts of the state who were permitted to open for in-person instruction. We know that wearing masks and honoring the social distancing guidelines really does work. When schools follow the safety protocols, in-person learning can happen - and it can happen safely and productively. I have confidence in that because I see it occurring. Nevertheless, the phased reopening plan will always be subject to the most up-to-date guidance and health metrics and could change if conditions required it to do so.
Hybrid Schedule Refresher
As noted over the summer, when the hybrid schedule is in effect, all students in every grade will attend school on the following days:
- Last names A-K attend in person Monday and Thursday
- Last names L-Z attend in person Tuesday and Friday
- On Wednesdays, all students in grades 1 - 12 follow a compressed virtual learn from home schedule
Transportation and Planning
I wanted to get these dates out to you as soon as I could to assist with your planning and child care considerations. For students in grades 1-12 who are eligible for bus transportation, busing will be available beginning on these reopening dates as well.
What's Next
Next week you can expect to receive additional information regarding the hybrid schedule, our health safety protocols for the return to school, information on the all-cyber option (how to enroll, how to withdraw), and other items that will answer questions that we know parents may have.
We are listening and considering feedback from parents and staff after just our first few weeks of virtual learning and will adjust our expectations to best meet the needs of students and their families.
We are aware that virtual learning is working very well for some, but not as well for others, and much of this is dependent upon age and skill set of our different learners. Please know that our staff is trying to find a common ground that best meets the needs of all students.
I’m proud of how hard our teachers and support staff have worked to start this year on a positive note, and they are equally grateful for your support and understanding with this new model of learning.
To recap, the anticipated dates for starting school under the hybrid schedule are as follows:
9/28
Select, small group of special education students.
10/5
K-2 follows the hybrid reopening schedule.
10/8
Grade 6 follows the hybrid reopening schedule.
10/12
All grades K-12 follow the hybrid reopening schedule.
Wishing everyone a continued positive start, and also an Eagles victory this Sunday.
Sincerely,
Dr. George Steinhoff
