Nobody could have predicted the quick and
sweeping effect of COVID-19 (coronavirus) that has closed all schools in the
state and forced a shelter-in-place order for our community from Governor Tom
Wolf. When the unthinkable happened, our district was prepared and had a plan.
It seems like only yesterday when our hallways
were filled with the delightful chatter and interactions of students and staff.
As the pandemic continued to spread, our staff began to pivot behind the scenes
to a plan that involved at-home learning so that our students could continue
their education if the schools closed.
That came to be March 13 and, since then, Gov.
Wolf has extended the shutdown through the school year. It was the “worst case”
scenario, but one that we had planned for. Before and during this closure,
remarkable things have taken place, including:
- We have not missed a single day of
school due to the COVID-19 pandemic thanks to the planning, innovation and
cooperation of EVERYONE, especially students and families. We even got to keep
our Spring Break intact!
- Our teachers and staff have put in
countless extra hours and are working as hard as ever to ensure that our
educational plans remain as preserved as possible. This included intense
planning prior to the closure of schools and continued attention to future
lesson plans, as well as taking in feedback and constantly striving to improve
performance.
- A Continuity of Education plan has
been developed and posted to our website.
- COVID-19 resources have been made
available to everyone via numerous channels, including the website, Facebook,
telephone calls, take-home sheets (while school was in session in our
buildings) and more.
- If necessary, individual
technology needs were taken care of in the form of Chromebook computers and
internet hotspots so that students could continue their learning online and
remotely.
- Our technology staff has been
working diligently to keep the online learning running smoothly and
troubleshoot issues if they arise.
- School counselors have developed
packets of crucial information that have been posted to the website.
- Special Education and ESL learners
are in constant contact with their educators to ensure their needs are being
met as best as they can.
- Meal distribution was in place at
Verner Elementary the very first day that schools were closed. Since then, meal
distribution has expanded to Tenth Street Elementary and the Junior-Senior High
School.
- Important news to keep everyone informed has been delivered through multiple channels to reach everyone, including the website, Facebook page, emails and telephone calls.
- Continued planning of important
events, such as graduation, prom and so much more, are still in the works at
this time. They may take place at a different date or in a new way, but we are
making every effort to make these important events happen.
- We will continue to give 110% to
ensure that our precious students are educated and celebrated no matter what!
We are so proud of all of our students, families, teachers and staff who helped
to pull all of this together. THANK YOU!