Baldwin-Whitehall: Reopening 2020-2021

Press release from the Baldwin-Whitehall School District:

August 6, 2020

The Baldwin-Whitehall School District has been working to best answer questions from our families and students for the reopening of schools. We are providing this guidance document to refer to for assistance in answering the most frequently asked questions we have received.

The Preliminary Reopening Plan for the Baldwin-Whitehall School District was presented to the community on Friday, July 24, 2020. Since that time, District faculty, staff and administration have been working to develop the full reopening plan with the intent to present to the Board of School Directors on August 12, 2020. Please note that due to the evolving nature of research, guidance and community input, these FAQs are subject to change. We will do our best to update this page promptly with any substantive changes.

It is my hope that the following information is beneficial and helpful to parents in making the best decisions for their child. The District acknowledges how difficult these decisions are for parents and their children. As such, we have extended the period of time to complete the commitment form until Sunday, August 9, 2020.

Sincerely,

Randal A. Lutz, Ed.D.

Superintendent of Schools

Commitment Form Link: https://forms.gle/pKFzoRhHjexVPiqSA

Submission Extended to August 9, 2020.

Teaching and Learning

What will be the starting and ending times for each school within the District?

• Due to the complexity of the transportation routes and the number of schools the District transports students to, routes are still under review. This information will be available no later than Friday, August 7th.

How will the District determine the assignments of students for Group 1 (Monday/Tuesday) and Group 2 (Thursday/Friday)?

• Students will be assigned, alphabetically, by last name. Students who have last names that begin with A-L will be assigned to Group 1 (Mondays and Tuesdays), and students who have last names that begin with M-Z will be assigned to Group 2 (Thursdays and Fridays). Accommodations will ONLY be considered for those families who may have children with different last names, for hardship circumstances due to work and/or childcare, and when available space exists in a course/class/schedule.

How will the Kindergarten students be assigned to either the morning or afternoon session?

• Students will be assigned, alphabetically, by last name. Students who have last names that begin with A-L will be assigned to the morning session, and students who have last names that begin with M-Z will be assigned to the afternoon session. Once again, accommodations will ONLY be considered for those families who may face hardship circumstances due to work and/or childcare, and when available space exists in a class/schedule.

Why did the District select a two day per week model? Was a ½ day model for all students considered? Why not a 2 day/3 day weekly split schedule?

• A half day model was considered for all students. However, in order to comply with the CDC guidelines, having most students attend only two days per week is more feasible and safer in terms of social distancing, cleaning, etc. Additionally, with a ½ day model for all students, it would have been impossible to meet students' needs in the areas of food service and transportation.

• In regards to a two or three day split schedule, for continuity and consistency with instruction, the District believes it is more effective for students to be with their teachers for two consecutive days versus an every other day model. Parents have also asked for consistency of schedule when trying to plan around childcare and work schedules. Additionally, with not many students attending on Wednesdays, it will be more effective to conduct deeper cleanings of each school building.

Are parents able to switch their children from hybrid to remote or from remote to hybrid learning plans once the school year begins? What about prior to the second semester?

• With the caveat that environmental circumstances remain constant, the commitment form requires families to commit to a learning model for a minimum of one semester to assist in building that desired sense of consistency. However, students who begin the school year participating in the hybrid model may switch to the remote model should personal circumstances require a change. However, during that semester, the student would not be able to then go back to the hybrid model. For those students who have committed to the remote model for the first semester, they will be required to participate remotely for the entire semester.

• As conditions related to COVID-19 change within the semester and school year, the District may be able to relax some of the social distancing measures and offer more in-person instruction or may be forced to move to a remote model for all students. As the second semester approaches, additional information will be provided as to the District's learning plan for the remainder of the school year.

If I have changed my mind at this time, can I submit a revised commitment form?

• Commitment forms must be submitted by Sunday, August 9, 2020, at 11:59 p.m. Therefore, you have until then to reverse your decision. Please submit another form via the link. The District will utilize the form with the most current timestamp.

Will the classrooms have in-person students as well as remote learners at the same time?

• When students are participating in the hybrid model and are attending in-person on their assigned days, they will be the only students interacting with the teacher. For those students participating remotely, either through the hybrid model or 100% of the time, teachers will post recorded lessons. Additionally, teachers will conduct daily office hours to connect with students learning from home.

• While the initial presentation of the hybrid model included the concept of live participation for remote learning, the District continues to revisit this topic in order to create the most effective environment for all students.

How will the hybrid/remote learning plan work with teachers having both in-person and off site learners at the same time? How will teachers balance the needs of both groups of learners?

• When students are participating in the hybrid model and are attending in-person on their assigned days, they will be the only students interacting with the teacher. For those students participating remotely, either through the hybrid model or 100% of the time, teachers will post recorded lessons. Additionally, teachers will conduct daily office hours to connect with students learning from home.

Why are there not dedicated teachers for the in-person program as well as the remote learning plan?

• The intention of the BWSD model is that regardless of where the students are accessing the learning, they will be afforded the same educational opportunities. Additionally, this model allows for a fluid learning process. For example, if schools would be required to close due to the pandemic, students would continue to receive consistent instruction. Another consideration is that it would be extremely difficult to staff for both in-person and remote learning.

Will the full time remote learners be taught by Baldwin-Whitehall School District faculty? What resources can be made available to full time remote learners?

• Full-time remote learners will be taught by BWSD faculty. For those students participating remotely, either through the hybrid model or 100% of the time, teachers will post recorded lessons. Additionally, teachers will conduct daily office hours to connect with students learning from home. Remote learners will have the same access to resources as the learners participating in the hybrid model.

What is the difference between Homeschooling my child and selecting the full time Remote Learning Plan?

• Homeschooling your child requires you to be 100% responsible for your child's learning. The only requirement of the district is to provide you with instructional resources (books, workbooks, etc.) to support your child. The remote learning option is the responsibility of the District. Therefore, your child will follow the curriculum of the BWSD, and our district faculty will be responsible for providing your child with his/her education. For students in 12th grade, the remote learning option would result in earning a Baldwin High School Diploma, while homeschooled students would receive a diploma issued by the Pennsylvania Department of Education.

How will Steel Center be scheduled for students that wish to attend that program? Will transportation be provided?

• Steel Center will provide educational services following the same schedule as Baldwin High School. Students can select either a hybrid learning model or a full remote learning model. Students would attend either on Monday/Tuesday or on Thursday/Friday in person and participate remotely during the rest of the week, following the same assigned weekly schedule as they do for Baldwin High School. Students will attend Steel Center during the morning session. Wednesdays will be used by Steel Center faculty to provide additional support to children through a remote format as needed.

• Transportation will be provided between Baldwin High School and Steel Center for students on their assigned days. Students will arrive at Baldwin High School on their normally scheduled buses or by driving their own vehicles and then take the shuttle to Steel Center.

• The first day of classes for Steel Center will be Thursday, August 27, 2020. While their first day is prior to the District's first day of September 3, 2020, transportation will still be available between Baldwin High School and Steel Center, however students will need to get their own transportation to the high school.

• Additional information has been provided directly to registered students by Mr. Kevin Rice regarding the Steel Center program this year.

What will the school day look like for full time remote learning students? Are students expected to participate in remote learning activities synchronously or can they be done at a later time? What are the time expectations for remote learners? Does this mean students are expected to be in front of the computer for an equal amount of time as in class students?

• Students who are participating 100% remotely will be expected to adhere to the timelines set forth by the teacher regarding the completion and turning in of assignments and/or assessments. Students will not be expected to participate synchronously but will have the opportunity to connect with their teacher(s) daily during their scheduled office hours. While teachers are expected to plan learning activities that are representative of a full day of school, remote learning success is less focused on "time in seat" and more on completion of the learning activities.

How will attendance be determined for full remote learners or hybrid students during their remote learning days? Time served or task completed?

• Attendance will be taken daily and will primarily be based upon the completion of tasks in accordance with specific deadlines to be outlined by individual teachers.

If a student is scheduled to be in school, however is sick that day and participates remotely, would they still be considered absent?

• If a student is ill and is able to participate remotely that day, he/she will be considered present for that particular school day.

For Kindergarten students that attend the ½ program, are they expected to continue their school day remotely for the other portion of the day? What are the expectations for Kindergarten remote learners?

• Students attending in-person kindergarten will not be required to continue to school day remotely. The half day program will fulfill their academic requirements. For those kindergarten students participating only through the remote plan, teachers will post recorded lessons. Additionally, teachers will conduct daily office hours to connect with students learning from home.

What will the school day look like for the students in the school? Will they be confined to their desks all day? Will they have all classes as scheduled?

• Students will not be confined to their desks all day, but movement within a classroom will be limited. When applicable, for elementary students and their core classes (English Language Arts, Math, Science and Social Studies), the teacher will move from class-to-class, and the students will remain in their homeroom. Elementary students will travel to their special area classrooms. Secondary students in grades six through twelve will follow their daily schedule and move from class-to-class. Additionally, all students will eat lunch in the cafeteria.

How will special area classes (art, music, PE, electives) be scheduled and conducted for both the remote learning days for hybrid and full time remote learners? Will they be optional for full time remote learning students? Rotations as is? Change in frequency or offerings? High School Labs?

• Special area classes will be scheduled and conducted for all students. For elementary students, we will no longer operate on a six-day rotation and will provide a block model (possibly four week, six week, or nine week) rotations. Some special area classes may exclusively be offered remotely. The District continues to develop the most effective schedule for children and will provide additional information as it is available.

Will Kindergarten students have special area classes and lunch?

• Kindergarten students will most likely have special area classes but not on all days. A lunch period will not be provided at school for our kindergarten students however all Kindergarten students will have access to the food service program. For morning students, children will receive a free breakfast and may get a "grab and go" lunch when leaving the school. For afternoon students, children will also receive a breakfast/snack when arriving at school and may get a "grab and go" lunch at the end of the school day. Lunches are available following the standard lunch program (paid, reduced, free).

How will students be graded? Letter grades? Pass/Fail? Or will it be a combination of both systems depending on the class or grade level?

• Students in kindergarten will be provided with quarterly progress reports, and all other students (grades 1 through 12) will receive letter grades.

How will the teachers/programs address fine motor skills such as printing, handwriting, etc. for students in each learning plan?

• Teachers will provide resources for students to practice their fine motor skills, regardless if they are participating in the hybrid or 100% remote model.

Learners with Exceptionalities

PLEASE REFER TO THE OUTLINE FOR INSTRUCTIONAL MODEL OPTIONS PROVIDED BY THE STUDENT SERVICES DEPARTMENT FOR ADDITIONAL GUIDANCE

What types of strategies will the District implement for social skill development/recoupment due to previous school closure and ongoing remote learning options?

• All students will have continued access to social emotional curriculum, social work services and supports, school counselors, school based mental health services, and tiered interventions regardless of the program model selected (remote or hybrid). The term "COVID-19 Compensatory Services (CCS)" refers to services as determined by an IEP team needed to remedy a student's skill and/or behavior loss and/or lack of progress that resulted from an LEA's inability to provide FAPE during the extended school closure. CCS should be considered only after the student receives services to recover the lost skills or behavior or to make progress to the level(s) determined appropriate prior to the extended school closure ("recoupment services"). The implementation of Highlander Days (Wednesdays), beginning the 1st nine weeks of the 20-21 SY, will be a means to provide additional individual and small group instruction focusing on recoupment and retention of skills related to students' individualized IEP goals. A determination will be made following a collection of data during the 1st nine weeks to determine student eligibility moving into the 2nd nine weeks of the school year. In addition, even though the district operated remotely in the spring of 2020, students continued to receive special education services and supports as documented via individualized Distance Learning Plans.

How will it be decided if students shall attend school for both Group 1 and 2 (4 days per week)?

• Students who have significant cognitive disabilities who require intensive instruction and extensive support in order to perform and/or participate in the everyday activities of school, home, community, and work environment will have the opportunity to attend both hybrid model weekly sessions (ie. 4 days per week). As documented in their current IEP, these students require substantial modifications of the general education curriculum as well as instruction.

What will the process be for students to be selected to attend Highlander Days (Wednesday morning)?

• All students with IEPs will receive an invitation to participate in Highlander Days in the student's assigned school building on Wednesday mornings. Upon receipt of the agreement to participate, each student will have the opportunity to attend through the 1st nine weeks of the school year. Based on data collected during the 1st nine weeks, the student may continue to qualify for future nine week Highlander sessions. If the student qualifies to attend, parents/guardians will be notified via a forthcoming invitation. Highlander Days will consist of individual and small group instruction focusing on recoupment and retention of skills related to students' individualized IEP goals. Beginning the 2nd nine weeks, based on data collected, students may continue to qualify for Highlander Sessions. Parents/guardians will be notified via invitation prior to the start of the 2nd nine weeks.
• It is also the goal of the District to expand Highlander Days to include other students in need of intervention or supports in order to be successful. Each school will be providing additional information once the school year begins.

Technology

Will students be provided with a device?

• Yes. All students who do not already have a District assigned device (students in grades K-6) will be provided with a Chromebook.

When will devices be available for students?

• Devices will be distributed during building events related to the start of the school year. There will not be a stand alone device distribution day.

How can I obtain Internet access in my home?

• Families are encouraged to investigate resources described on this site: https://www.bwschools.net/our-district/covid19/news/~post/internet-resources-20200805
• If none of the options are viable, families should contact their school's social worker for additional information.

Does the District have sufficient infrastructure to handle all of the demand from teachers and students?

• Yes. Since the district moved to a 1:1 model several years ago, upgrades and additions to the district's wireless network have been made on a yearly basis to all school buildings.

If the teacher is present in school, why does my child need to have their Chromebook while in school?

• As we begin the 2020-2021 school year, we will be officially 1:1 at all grade levels, expanding on our previous efforts in grades 6-12. The Chromebooks will allow teachers to provide students with instructional resources in one platform (Canvas) regardless of their physical location. Additionally, since each student will have their own personal device, this will eliminate the need for sharing devices in the K-5 classrooms and minimize the need for copying and sharing paper documents as we look for ways to eliminate the need of possible virus spreading materials.

How is the Canvas Learning Management System different from the tools we used last spring, like Google Classroom, etc.?

• Canvas is a true Learning Management System (LMS) whereas Google Classroom does not provide as robust of an experience for teachers, students, and families. Canvas will incorporate all of the positive features of Google Classroom, but enhance teachers' abilities to connect to district resources all in one platform thereby alleviating some of the issues expressed by students and families during the spring.

Will the students be recorded in the classroom during the live instruction?

• Students who are attending classes on site will not be in the recording viewing area as the camera will be focused on the teacher. However, the recording might pick up audio from students speaking in the classroom.

Student and Staff Health and Safety

What will be the procedure if a teacher or student tests positive for Covid 19? Will the whole classroom be quarantined for 14 days?

• For COVID-19, it is important to define terms such as case, contact, exposure, and quarantine. A close contact is defined as any individual who was within 6 feet of an infected person for at least 15 minutes starting from 2 days before illness onset (or, for asymptomatic patients, 2 days prior to positive specimen collection) until the time the patient is isolated. The nature and/or length of the contact will determine which students or staff may be required to be quarantined.

• A room or space where a student or staff has tested positive or presumed positive for COVID 19 will be deemed out of service until appropriate time has passed and sanitizing procedures have been implemented.
• The District will continue to follow guidance from the CDC, PA Department of Health, PA Department of Education and Allegheny County Health Department as they evolve regarding time of quarantine and sanitation recommendations.

What is the procedure if a child is out sick for a symptom that could be a Covid symptom, but may just be another virus. Do they have to stay home for fourteen days or can they return when they are symptom free for 24 hours?

• Communication with the school nurse will be imperative for situations like this. The District will be following the guidance from the CDC and the Department of Health and it will depend on the symptoms that are being experienced.
• Without any known exposure to COVID 19 and the subsidence of symptoms without the aid of medication will be key determinants for return to school. The hybrid plan that the majority of our students will follow allows for a larger amount of time to pass before decisions need to be made.

What will the protocol be for a positive covid test?

• Current CDC and Health Department guidelines will be followed as they evolve. Please see the question above regarding quarantine guidance.
• It will be important for parents to maintain clear lines of communication with their child's school nurse on positive or presumed positive COVID-19 cases in an effort to mitigate community spread through our school buildings.

What Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) will be provided to faculty and students?

• All faculty and staff will be provided with an initial supply of reusable cotton face masks and a clear face shield for use during the school day

• Students will be required to provide their own mask as part of their back to school supplies and expected to have it with them at all times. Additionally, the District is recommending an extra mask be kept at school in the event something happens to their first mask. As with other school supplies, a mask will be provided for students who have lost or forgotten their mask.

• Anyone entering a Baldwin-Whitehall School District building, as well as any district property or event, must wear a face mask covering both nose and mouth. The mask must be worn in all hallways, public spaces and common areas, as well as spaces where multiple people are present if social distancing of six feet is not possible. Masks are not required to be worn inside a location where only one person is present, but are required in all public and common spaces. The terms "public spaces" and "common areas" include classrooms, public restrooms, elevators, stairwells, and communal spaces. Masks are required outdoors if safe social distancing and gathering practices are not possible.
• Cloth face coverings, cloth face masks, surgical masks, and plastic face shields (collectively, "masks") can limit the spread of germs. The purpose of wearing a mask is to contain your coughs and sneezes, preventing you from spreading your germs to other people and nearby surfaces, which helps to protect other people. Masks can also help you avoid touching your nose or mouth accidentally. While a face covering does not filter the air you breathe, it may serve as a basic barrier against large droplets reaching your mouth or nose.
• Masks are a supplement to–not a substitute for–other preventive measures. They are intended as an added layer of protection on top of social distancing and other common sense protections, like frequent handwashing, use of hand sanitizer, working and conducting other activities remotely, and staying home when sick or experiencing common symptoms of coronavirus.
• The CDC has issued instructions for making cloth face masks and recommends cloth masks that:
  • -Fit snugly but comfortably against the side of the face
  • -Are secured with ties or ear loop
  • -Include multiple layers of fabric
  • -Allow for breathing without restriction
  • -Can be laundered and machine dried without damage or change to shape.

• Wearing a face mask as outlined above is now part of the District Health and Safety plan. Students who consistently fail to follow the regulations and guidance according to this plan will be in violation of District Policy #218. Persistent, willful violation of this policy may result in the removal from the hybrid program and enrollment of the virtual program

What will the District require related to exemption from wearing a mask for any student?

• Any exceptions to the above information must be approved by the Director of Student Services, Marissa Gallagher (mgallagher@bwschools.net). A recent official note of exception by a certified medical professional MUST accompany any request.

Will the students be required to wear their masks at their desks all day?

• No, desks will be socially distanced. As long as students are seated, they can take their mask off. They must put their mask back on to move about the room or leave the class.
• Masks will be required the entire time students are on school provided transportation.

What will happen if a student forgets a mask or it gets lost throughout the day?

• If a student forgets, loses or damages their mask, a replacement mask will be provided. Should this be determined to be a willful defiance regarding mask-wearing, an intervention involving administration will be necessitated.
• Please refer to the above question regarding PPE for a more detailed explanation on mask requirements and policy guidance.

Is the district providing materials for the teachers to keep themselves safe?

• Yes, please see the response to the previous question. Additionally, in some classroom settings, plexiglass partitions will be available for teachers to use in small group settings like reading tables or one on one instruction.
• Hand sanitizer, sanitizing and disinfectant materials will be provided for use throughout the day as needed.

What conditions would necessitate the closing of school, switching to a full remote learning program, or expanding the opportunity of a full in-person program?

• The District will monitor the number and positivity percent rates in not only Allegheny County, but in the Baldwin-Whitehall Community and will make decisions based on the health and safety of our staff and students.
• This also highlights another positive aspect of our hybrid and online plan. Because the hybrid and online programs are both instructed by BWSD teachers, and those students in the online model are at the same curricular place as the hybrid students, we are able to seamlessly move between the two models without disruption to the educational process.

How is the District addressing ventilation issues in classrooms and other indoor spaces?

• Ventilation and air circulation will be improved by increasing the frequency of HVAC system filter changes, increasing the run time of the systems before and after building occupancy and increasing the levels of outside air brought into the school building.

How will classrooms be arranged to accommodate social distancing measures? What will class sizes be for in-person learning?

• Students desks have been arranged to provide a minimum of six (6) feet of distance between occupants. For classrooms with multi-person tables, seating arrangements will be staggered to also accommodate the spacing requirements.

• Class size for in-person learning is targeted at approximately 50% of normal enrollment or about 12-15 students. All classrooms shall adhere to social distance guidelines.

What type of furniture will be used in the Kindergarten classrooms? How will the students be separated?

• The tables that have been used in Kindergarten classrooms shall continue to be used, however partitions have been ordered to divide those spaces and provide boundaries for the children.

What will the protocols be for cleaning desks between use?

• Each classroom will have a supply of sanitizer and disinfectant materials. Materials are a non-chlorine, hydrogen peroxide based solution and are registered on the EPA N-List as effective at killing SARS-COV-2, which is the source of COVID-19.
• All faculty and staff will be instrumental in keeping our school environment safe. Throughout the school day and between class periods, desks and frequent touch points will be sanitized and disinfected. At the end of each school day a more thorough disinfection process will be utilized by the facilities department.

Will students be allowed to use their desks, lockers, etc.?

• Yes. While the District is attempting to create a plan to reduce the spreading of the virus, it is also important to maintain safe school environments in other areas. Elementary students will have access to their own desk. For all grades, lockers will be available, although access may be limited throughout the school day.
• It is important to maintain elements of a normal classroom and school environment, although this school year will be far from normal.

School Services (Food Services, Transportation)

Will the food service program be able to continue for all students the same as during the closure last year?

• Unfortunately, the Emergency Covid Meal Program available in the spring semester will not be available for school districts in the new school year. Students will have to apply for meal benefits for the new school year. Parents can apply for meal benefits online at www.schoolcafe.com

How will students in the remote program get access to breakfast/lunch programs?

• Grab & Go breakfast and lunch meals will be available to order/pick-up at the designated pick-up location/time. Student meal eligibility statues (Paid, Reduced Price & Free statuses) will apply for meals ordered. More information detailing the online ordering process and locations/times will be provided before school starts.

Will Kindergarten students have breakfast? Lunch? What about PM students?

• Kindergarten students will have access to the food service program. For morning students, children will receive a free breakfast and may get a "grab and go" lunch when leaving the school. For afternoon students, children will also receive a breakfast/snack when arriving at school and may get a "grab and go" lunch at the end of the school day. Lunches are available following the standard lunch program (paid, reduced, free).
• Kindergarten students will not be scheduled for a lunch period while in school.

Will the EBT Card program continue?

• Information on PEBT cards can be found on the BWSD Food Service Website. Click the link to open the Pandemic EBT Card Q&A document and choose the resource link that can answer your specific question.

Can students use those funds for school lunches?

• Unfortunately, the EBT card is only available for use in retail stores/businesses and does not include schools.

How will students be socially distant in the cafeteria? Will students be required to wear masks in the cafeteria?

• Students will be required to wear masks in the cafeteria at all times except when eating their meal. Seating shall be limited at each table to provide additional space for students. Additional spaces for dining are being explored within each school. If sufficient spacing is not able to be obtained, other measures such as seating location at each table will be enforced.

How will the cafeteria be cleaned/sanitized between lunch periods?

• Staff will be cleaning serving lines and high touch areas.

What social distancing measures will be implemented by students and employees while on the school bus?

• All students and staff will be required to wear a mask at all times while on the school bus. Staff may elect to also wear face shields and other PPE as appropriate.
• Students may be required to sit 2 per seat, while leaving the front row of the bus vacant. Buses will be loaded back to front and unloaded front to back where possible to reduce interaction and contact with other students.

If I can provide transportation one way for my child, can the District still provide the transportation for the other part of the day?

• Yes. The District is looking for many ways to support reduced numbers of students on the school buses. Thank you for your support.

Am I permitted to still request my child be picked up/dropped off at daycare or another address other than my home?

• Yes, provided that the request is regular and consistent. Requests for students to be transported to or picked up from multiple locations throughout the week cannot be granted. Requests for students to ride home on other buses cannot be granted.

How will the school buses be cleaned/sanitized after student use?

• Cleaning routines will be implemented both during and after the school day. Staff members will sanitize frequent touch points between bus runs in the morning and afternoon. All buses will receive a more thorough disinfecting/sanitizing process on a daily basis.

What students will be able to purchase parking permits at Baldwin High School?

• The District is looking to optimize all available parking at Baldwin High School this year. Parking passes will be available for students based upon the days per week they are assigned to in-person learning. Essentially, each student space will be assigned to two students (MT) or (HF) with the intent of freeing up seats on school buses. For the 2020-21 school year, parking fees for passes will be waived, however applications for passes will be required. Parking passes will be made available for the senior class first and then to juniors as space permits. The high school office will be providing additional information.

Are there any other alternatives in getting my child to school? Are we permitted to carpool?

• Most of our schools are "landlocked" by roads that are considered dangerous by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation. The lack of sidewalks, speed limits, and sight lines restrict how many students can actually walk to school. In most cases, children are assigned to a school bus. Parents may elect to carpool with other members of their community or friend group. Parents are required to comply with building level procedures for student pick-up and drop off. It is also recommended that parents provide the school office information as to what students are riding in cars with other students in the event contact tracing becomes necessary. Proper PPE is encouraged when closer than 6 ft with car riders that are not part of the immediate family.

This press release was produced by the Baldwin-Whitehall School District. The views expressed here are the author’s own.