Baldwin-Whitehall School District: Superintendent's Weekly Update

Press release from the Baldwin-Whitehall School District:

Oct. 26, 2020

Discussion Recap (The video archive is located below the transcript.)

1. Accolades

Dr. Lutz expressed the depth of the District's continued appreciation of the BWSD Food Services Department. The amount of nourishing food that is being distributed to so many families within our District has been inspiring and incredible. Additionally, we are grateful for the expanded partnership with the Whitehall Presbyterian Food for Kids Program starting this week.

1. Covid-19 Updates

Last week, Baldwin Borough had 41 new cases and a 25% positivity rate and Whitehall Borough had 24 New cases and a 32% positivity rate. Dr. Lutz addressed that the cases of coronavirus within the Baldwin and Whitehall communities are tracking higher than average.

This week, our communities reported cases as follows:

Baldwin Borough: 30 new cases, 16% positivity rate

Whitehall Borough: 34 new cases, 32% positivity rate

Baldwin Township: 45 new cases, 28% positivity rate

As we move in the right direction slightly, we continue to look for positivity rates under 10%.

It is always helpful to benchmark ourselves with data from nearby Districts and the rates they are seeing in their communities. These comparisons become particularly relevant in terms of evaluating how districts are planning next phases of operation.

Each of the following neighboring Districts in comparison to BWSD in terms of the number of cases per 10,000 residents.

Baldwin Borough: 289

Whitehall Borough: 265

Elizabeth Forward: 75

Jefferson Hills: 189

Pleasant Hills: 126

South Park: 88

Bethel Park: 75

West Mifflin: 101

Brentwood: 168

Carrick: 134

While our numbers continue to be quite high, others are beginning to trend somewhat lower. Dr. Lutz noted that the Allegheny County Health Department is still very concerned about our area and continues to work collaboratively with us to evaluate trends and protocols.

Evaluating these numbers constantly remains critical to planning the future for our school communities because the case summaries existing outside of our school buildings are not predictable and of concern to the Allegheny County Health Department, with whom we are in touch daily, if not multiple times per day, as well as with neighboring districts, particularly Brentwood School District with whom we are integrated geographically.

1. Recent School Closures of McAnnulty, Whitehall Elementary Schools and Harrison Education Center.

In all cases prior to this one, contract tracing has made it possible to quite clearly define the extent of exposures and a clear mitigation strategy has been deployed without exception.

In this case, we couldn't do that. The reason is because a substitute teacher, one who has been a respected, admired and valuable member of our community, had exposure within various groups, buildings and unstructured times, and contact with vulnerable students some of whom are unable to wear masks during the day.

Dr. Lutz responded to inquiries about how the District employs substitute teachers, noting that the use of subs is down nearly 50% across the District – which indicates that despite these difficult times and personal fears and concerns, our teachers are coming to work and are consistently putting children first.

Dr. Lutz also noted that a serious substitute worker shortage exists for teachers, bus drivers and other positions not only here in our region, across the region, state and country. For these reasons, the District has attempted to increase availability of subs with innovative strategies including contracting with STS, developing a District program which supports a team of "super subs" who are guaranteed five-day per week work, reporting each day knowing that they will be working in one of our four schools. We offer consistent employment, 9-week bonuses of $500 for those who qualify, and the opportunity to perform other valuable work during times when there is no assignment.

1. Parent Satisfaction Survey

The District's recent survey has been distributed through school buildings and teachers – we have currently received over 1900 responses for the survey that closes tomorrow, Friday, October 23, 2020.

Families can access the survey here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSczxpB49KBmPru1BSVdHDuhn79rmfKq1hTHBQaXZr4Kd-A5pg/viewform

We are looking for your feedback on how things are going this year as compared to Spring 2020, feedback on the academic rigor of our instruction, how much support is required at home, teacher interaction, knowledge about mitigation and safety efforts, transportation services, food services, communication efforts in general.

Once complete, we will share results of the survey with our schools, analyze trends, make adjustments as necessary.

The District is preparing future surveys to gather individual opinions about the risk and time analysis of transitioning models. We are also preparing surveys for our teaching staff to ensure that we are addressing any fears, concerns and identifying areas to focus on, as well as the opportunity to expand on examples of excellence.

1. CDC's New Definition of Close Contact

The CDC previously defined close contact as being under 6 feet of distance for any period of 15 minutes or longer of time.

The CDC announced on October 21, 2020 that it had made a significant change to its definition of close contact in that it is defined as time under 6 feet of distance, for 15 minutes or longer - cumulative over a 24 hour period.

Dr. Lutz is seeking clarification and support in interpretation of this new national guidance with ACHD

His personal views are that these terms are a game changer for how contract tracing occurs and our instructional strategies in the classroom. He expressed concerns that a shift to this cumulative period will deeply affect the personal interaction in the classroom. He also worries that quarantines will increase dramatically. Interpretation across the US is going to be very important and noted that the District is doing everything possible to be informed.

1. Student Desk Distribution Program

Desks for the loaner program have been transported to locations ready for pick up. Dr. Lutz expressed thanks to Mr. Adam Foote and Ms. Melissa Ferguson for their critical roles in keeping this program moving while he was in quarantine.

More than 235 families requested to be part of the "loaner" program and will be picking up desks at the following times and locations. Advance registration was required and is now closed.

For students enrolled at HEC K-5 pick up is

Thursday, October 22, 2020, at Paynter Elementary School from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

For students enrolled in Grade 6 at HEC or all grades WES, MES, BHS pick up is:

Friday, October 23, 2020, at Harrison Education Center from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Details for return of desks will be developed and shared at a later time.

1. Food Services Update

Dr. Lutz reviewed details of newly established community pick up locations and times and noted that

feedback so far suggests that some families are picking up without advance registration which is causing us to run out. Please be reminded that these services are accessible and encouraged for everyone, but ADVANCE REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. Not doing this puts everyone at a disadvantage.

Link to sign up is available by clicking here: https://www.bwschools.net/our-district/district-departments/food-service

1. Calendar Reminder- November 3 and 4, 2020

Please be reminded that Tuesday November 3 is Election Day. As has always been the case, the District has been requested by Allegheny County to use our schools as polling places.

Tuesday, November 3 will be a day of full, remote learning, all students, all grades.

There will be no school on Wednesday, November 4, 2020.

1. Positive Send Off

Dr. Lutz recognized the excitement of the 2020 BHS Homecoming Parade. Gratitude is expressed to Dr. Harrold and the team of teachers and administrators involved in this celebratory event and we are all looking forward to the Homecoming football game when BHS Fighting Highlanders play Central Catholic on October 23, 2020.

Food Services Department continues to step up with innovative, thoughtful and responsive programs, making all of us incredibly proud and impressed. Dr. Lutz offered collective thanks to Joyce, Judy, Yvonne and dozens of Food Services Department staff working hard every day.

Tonight, at 7:00 p.m., Dr. Lutz, together with Ms. Andrea Huffman and Ms. Jill Fleming Salopek have been invited to present on academic trends for a National Educational Panel sponsored by the AiU and the Grable Foundation. Anyone who would like to participate is welcome to connect via the following Zoom link https://aiu3.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Dt_NxuEOTS-7yAf0017_Nw

In this month's issue of Highlander Highlights, watch for an article Dr. Lutz recently published at the invitation of a statewide magazine - The Pennsylvania Administrator titled: "The Coronavirus Pandemic is a Wake-Up Call for Equity that School Districts Cannot Ignore."

1. Parting Reminder

• If you are sick, stay home

• If someone you are close to is being tested, stay home.

• Remember: 6 feet, 15 minutes, always wear your face covering

• Show some grace to one another.

NEXT LIVESTREAM UPDATE: Thursday, October 29, 2020 at 9:05 a.m.

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