Baldwin-Whitehall School District Instructional Model Commitment Form - 2021

Press release from the Baldwin-Whitehall School District:

Dec. 19, 2020

Dear Parents and Guardians:

While we realize that conditions related to COVID-19 continue to change and predicting where we may be in a few days, let alone weeks from now, is a very challenging task, we must move forward with our goal of having children return to school in-person at the earliest, safest time possible.

As we continue to develop our education learning models, the District is fully committed to following guidance and recommendations at the local and state level. Parents are encouraged to review the District Health and Safety Plan on our website and at the following link:

• https://www.bwschools.net/our-district/back-to-better-reopening-guide

Additional resources and guidance that the District continues to implement in our reopening plan include the Universal Face Covering Order as well as the District Response to COVID Cases within at School, found at the following links:

• https://www.health.pa.gov/topics/disease/coronavirus/Pages/Guidance/Universal-Masking-FAQ.aspx#:~:text=The%20Order%20requires%20individuals%20to%20wear%20a%20face%20covering%20when%2cto%20maintain%20sustained%20physical%20distance.
• https://www.education.pa.gov/Schools/safeschools/emergencyplanning/COVID-19/SchoolReopeningGuidance/ReopeningPreKto12/PublicHealthGuidance/Pages/SchoolClosureRecommentations.aspx

We have set the following targets as dates to begin our reopening of the District for in-person instruction.

• January 4th - Hybrid Learning resumes for Grades K through 6
• January 11th - Hybrid Learning resumes for Grades 7 through 12
• January 19th - 4 Day per Week In-person Learning begins for Grades 1 through 5 (Wed remain remote)
• January 25th - 4 Day per Week In-person Learning begins for Grades 6 through 8 (Wed remain remote)
• February 1st - 4 Day per Week In-person Learning begins for Grades 9 through 12 (Wed remain remote)

Unless we are in a full remote period, Kindergarten schedules shall remain as half-day for 4 days per week, with Wednesday as a remote learning day.

A Full Remote learning option will continue to be available for all families for the remainder of the school year.

As we continue to plan to move beyond the hybrid model, the District is seeking input from ALL FAMILIES as to whether your child(ren) will participate in the 4 Day per Week In-person program or the Full Remote program.

We also need to know whether or not District transportation services will be needed for your child(ren). We have encouraged as many parents as possible to provide transportation to and from school in order to keep numbers as low as possible on the school buses. That request shall continue.

Please answer the following questions thoughtfully and thoroughly. The information obtained will assist the District in designing the learning models, keeping the safety of students and staff at the forefront. The commitment you are making now will be in place throughout the second semester. Changes from one program to another will not be honored unless due to emergency or unforeseen circumstances.

Be sure to submit your commitment form no later than December 31, 2020. Thank you and I hope that you have a wonderful holiday season.

Thank you,Randal A. Lutz, Ed.D.Superintendent of Schools

Link to Survey: https://forms.gle/bzGqH8s9c7mfBzbB9

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