GES : Important Information About Open House Nights

Press release from Gladwyne Elementary School:

2021-09-20

Lower Merion School District's Health and Safety Team recently reconvened to review the health and safety plans for our Open House nights. While the team prioritizes maintaining the core instructional program, we acknowledge the value of having an opportunity for parents/guardians to meet their child/ren's teacher(s) and to observe where they spend their day. This is an opportunity to build relationships and to gain trust that is sometimes difficult to do virtually.

On the other hand, we know that some staff and family members may be uncomfortable with gatherings involving many adults in the same location. One important reassurance we can offer is that more than 95% of our professional staff is fully vaccinated and, given our eligible student vaccination rates is over 80%, we are confident that we have a highly vaccinated parent/guardian population as well. That said, in order to provide this opportunity for families in the safest way possible short of offering it virtually, we are urging families to follow these health and safety protocols:

• We ask that only one parent/guardian attend the event. Each school is offering a virtual open house for any families/family members who would like to enjoy the evening from the comfort of their own home. The material covered during these virtual events will be consistent with what is presented in person.
• The parent/guardian attending the event must review the daily screener for symptoms prior to attendance. If a parent/guardian has any of the symptoms indicated, they should stay home and join the virtual Open House option.
• Strict adherence to the Open House schedule is critical. In order to ensure that we minimize crowded situations, such as hallways and lobbies, family members should report directly to their assigned classrooms in a timely manner.
• We realize that this is a time when many families reconnect, but such gatherings must take place outside and not in hallways, entryways, and other indoor locations.
• Masks must be worn indoors for the duration of the event. Individuals who do not comply will be asked to leave.

Following the Open House events, we will engage in additional sanitizing/disinfecting efforts beyond our normal cleaning protocols. We appreciate everyone's efforts in keeping our community safe and healthy!

This press release was produced by Gladwyne Elementary School. The views expressed here are the author’s own.