McAnnulty Elementary School, Whitehall Elementary School and J.E. Harrison Education Center Notification Of Closure

Press release from the Baldwin-Whitehall School District:

October 19, 2020

Dear Baldwin-Whitehall Parent/Guardian,

This afternoon, the Baldwin-Whitehall School District was made aware of a situation in which a substitute teacher has tested positive for COVID-19. District administrators have spent the day conducting contract tracing in relation to interactions with both students and other staff members.

We are aware that the substitute teacher had worked in McAnnulty, Whitehall, and Harrison Schools. For students and staff that we have been able to identify as close contacts, District administrators have contacted those families/individuals directly and have implemented mandatory quarantine periods. Based upon the last known date of interaction, that quarantine shall end on October 26, 2020, permitting those students and staff members to return on October 27, 2020

Although we have worked with the faculty and determined that mitigation efforts had been in place, circumstances specific to this situation have created concern. During contract tracing protocols the District has normally been able to clearly define areas of potential exposure. In this instance that was not able to occur due to the extensive nature of the substitute teacher's assignments. As such, we believe that additional measures are appropriate at this time. Therefore, the District has decided to suspend in-person instruction for all students at McAnnulty Elementary School, Whitehall Elementary School and J.E. Harrison Education Center for the remainder of this week, October 20th through Friday, October 23rd, requiring all students to engage in the remote learning. Students will be able to return to in-school instruction on October 26th.

Students and staff at Baldwin High School are not included in this action and shall continue with normal schedules.

The District takes all matters of COVID-19 seriously and is acting out of an abundance of concern as well as caution. Please continue to monitor your child's health. According to the CDC, people with COVID-19 have a wide range of symptoms. The symptoms can be mild or be a severe illness. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. People with any of the following symptoms may have COVID-19:

Fever or chills

Cough

Shortness of Breath or difficulty breathing

Fatigue

Muscle or body aches

Headache

New loss of taste or smell

Sore throat

Congestion or runny nose

Nausea or vomiting

Diarrhea

Should your child experience any of these symptoms, please contact your healthcare provider immediately. Please remember that BWSD Health Outreach Office (412-885-6609) and/or School Nurses are available if you have any questions or concerns.

The health and safety of our staff and students is our top priority. We are committed to following all established protocols and guidance to ensure we are providing a healthy and safe environment for the BWSD community. I realize that a school closure, even temporary, creates an incredible burden on students, parents and the community. I do not take these matters lightly. The safety of each student and faculty member is of utmost importance.

We look forward to getting your child back to school soon.

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.