Baldwin-Whitehall School District's Planning For The 2020-2021 School Year

Press release from the Baldwin-Whitehall School District:

July 9, 2020

Dear Baldwin-Whitehall School District Community:

Now that the 2019-20 school year has officially concluded with the successful completion of the Commencement Ceremonies last Wednesday, all eyes and efforts are being focused on the reopening of our school district for the 2020-21 school year.

Toward that effort, our first step was to gather valuable information from our parents and students as to what the expectations are for the new school year. Our parent survey was conducted over the past few weeks. Nearly 2,300 parents responded, which is approximately 50% of our student enrollment. The results were quite clear. A quick summary is as follows:

• Responses were received from parents with children across all grade levels, schools, and educational needs

• Overwhelmingly, parents want children to be back in school and are at least somewhat comfortable with that decision

• If a blended or remote learning plan must be used, maintaining authentic, real time contact with teachers is critical

• Transporting their own children to/from school will be a challenge for many parents

• Nearly all parents expressed a high level of concern for their child from an academic and emotional perspective

We cannot agree more! It is our absolute, unwavering goal to have children back with us for the beginning of the school year. It is my belief that there is no better option for children in the Baldwin-Whitehall School District than to be in our schools, with our teachers, engaging with their peers, and participating in activities and sports. I also know that if children are not in school, it places incredible stress on the child, family and community as a whole.

To meet those goals, there are many challenges for us to overcome. The reality is that more than a single option will be necessary as we look create our plans. Accordingly, we are exploring choices that include brick and mortar, cyber/remote – as well as maybe a bit of both. There is much that we do not know as of yet. But what I do know is that we will create a plan that meets the needs of our children, keeps our community safe, is responsive to your concerns, and remains in compliance with regulations from the Pennsylvania Department of Education.

We are working in teams focused on Teaching and Learning, Cleaning, Sanitizing/Disinfecting Facilities, Social/Physical Distancing, Student and Staff Health, Extracurricular Activities/Athletics, Communication/Outreach, and Mental Health and Social/Emotional Learning. Updates will be provided to the community for each of those areas. Our plate is full, but it needs to be in order to properly plan for the start of the school year.

As we move forward, I am committed to providing the very best information I can, at the earliest time possible. What I do not wish to do is put anything out prematurely and have to walk those things back. I have watched too many other districts do exactly that, only to create more confusion on the part of parents and children.

Sincerely,

Randal A. Lutz, Ed.D.

Superintendent of Schools

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