Baldwin-Whitehall: Revised Parent Mailing

Press release from the Baldwin-Whitehall School District:

Aug. 27, 2020

Dear Baldwin-Whitehall School District Community:

The preparation for the back-to-school mailing for this school year has been challenging. The schools have been busy contacting the homes of any student/parent that did not complete the commitment form. In addition, we have received many requests for changes in either transportation, hybrid groups, or even shifting from one learning model to another. Changing guidance from the Pennsylvania Department of Education regarding rules for mask wearing in school have also complicated that decision-making process for many parents.

For those reasons, the District has permitted parents to request changes for a longer period of time than originally anticipated. That decision, while based in trying to meet families' needs during these challenging times, has resulted in delays in organizing the information necessary for the student mailing. To that end, the following adjustments shall be made:

1. The deadline for parents to request changes to learning model (hybrid/remote), hybrid groups, and/or transportation schedules will be Thursday, August 27, 2020 – in order to have that information reflected in the back-to-school mailing packets. We recognize that conditions are constantly changing, and as such the District will continue to accept requests for changes and accommodations; however, the back-to-school mailing will not be able to include changes requested after Thursday, August 27, 2020.
2. The student mailing originally scheduled to be received in homes later this week has been delayed. The mailing will now be sent from the District on Friday, August 28, 2020, with the expectation that families will receive those packets between August 29 and September 1. The packets will contain the following information:
   • Principal letter
   • Homeroom Assignment
   • Federal Programs Parents Right to Know
   • Federal Programs Complaint Resolution
   • Updated Health Requirements 2020-2021
   • Food Service Frequently Asked Questions
   • Back-to-School Updates from Food Service
3. Our original intentions were to have each child's confirmed learning model choice, hybrid group, and transportation information included in the packet. Due to the extended timelines for allowing changes, we are unable to have that information ready for this week. As such, the District will be sending a second letter to families next week containing that information. Please note:All requested accommodations submitted by families for changes in groups, learning models, and transportation, as of the date of this letter, have been reviewed and approved by the school offices. We know that this information is critical for our families to be able to plan around child care and work schedules.
4. Students and families will have access to the Skyward Family Access Portal beginning on Monday, August 31, 2020 at 9 a.m. Please refer to the Skyward Family Access information attached to this letter.
5. Parents and students will receive access information for the Canvas Learning Management Platform early next week as well.

Note: Information regarding Steel Center is being sent from the Baldwin High School office via email.

We recognize that back to school information is something that both students and parents anticipate each year. Finding out who our teachers are and what room our friends are in is of great importance. Adding to that for this year, if our friends are also hybrid or remote, Group 1 or Group 2 makes for even grander excitement.

While the timeline for the mailing is not ideal, getting accurate information to parents and children is critically important. By splitting the mailing into two pieces, we are able to get some of that information to families in advance of September 3rd (first day) with additional pieces coming well in advance of our first in-person day on September 14th.

Thank you for your patience and understanding as we continue to organize for a very different learning and teaching experience.

Sincerely,

Randal A. Lutz, Ed.D.

Superintendent of Schools

Skyward Family Access

About Family Access

Maintaining open lines of communication between the school and home is vital to achieve the common goal of providing the best quality education to every student. Skyward's Family Access allows easy, open lines of communication between the school and home. Parents can login to view attendance, grades, schedules, and calendars. Family Access is available anywhere with an internet connection.

Login at skyward.bwschools.net

Enter your Family Access Username and Password

Guardian 1:

• Family Access Username: «G1_Login_Access_Login»
• Password: «G1_Password_Web_Pswd»

Guardian 2:

• Family Access Username: «G2_Login_Access_Login»
• Password «G2_Password_Web_Pswd»

Want to use Family Access on your phone or other mobile device?

Portable access to your student's information is a great way to stay connected even while on the go. Parents can see what class their child is in, or their grade on the latest exam. Choose between accessing info through your wi-fi network, or wirelessly on your handheld device. Download the mobile app that gives you complete access to your student's information right from your device.

Family Access Mobile App for iOS and Android.

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