Lower Merion Schools Lay Out Potential Reopening Plans

LOWER MERION TOWNSHIP, PA — With schools uncertain about how teaching will continue during the coronavirus pandemic, the Lower Merion School District laid out potential plans for the summer and fall.

District Superintendent Robert Copeland said in a letter Monday that he and district officials considering several options for the future.

"I want to update you on what we are planning, as we look to close out this school year and plan ahead," he said in the letter. "I must preface this update by saying that much remains uncertain for summer and fall. That is why I have created a team to work through the myriad of issues surrounding how we may transition back to school."

Copeland said possibilities "range from a full opening on September 8, 2020, to a continuation of remote learning for all students." For LMSD schools to reopen fully or partially, Montgomery County would have to move to a "green" designation in Gov. Tom Wolf's plan to reopen the state and the district would need to provide sufficient personal protection equipment, Copeland said.

Some plans include scheduling some fraction of students in buildings on a given day (i.e. half the students in school every other day) and a return to school by level.

School principals will soon be providing information on promotion ceremonies and graduations, desk and locker cleanouts, medication pickup, and how to return textbooks and computers.

"As you can see, we have a lot of work to do and decisions to make. I will provide you with updates on this work every other week or so," he said. As always, you can continue to reach out to your principals and school counselors when you or your children need additional information or support."

District families can email the Lower Merion Board of School Directors at communitycomments@lmsd.org for more information.