Great Valley School Change Attendance Policy Amid Coronavirus

MALVERN, PA — With concerns in the greater Philadelphia area over the novel coronavirus growing, the Great Valley School District said it is relaxing its truancy and attendance policies.

District Superintendent Regina Speaker Palubinsky laid out the changes in a letter to the school community Tuesday.

"The District will be following a less strict attendance policy at this time," the letter said. "Based on state regulations, the truancy letter must be sent by the District to notify you of your child’s absence after 7 days."

Students who receive said letter will not face any external consequences.

Additionally, the district said it will accept letters from parents for excused absences when typically a doctor's note is required.

The district also said it is canceling all trips, school events being held at school facilities through April 12, and considering canceling events hosted by outside organizations that are scheduled to be held at GVSD facilities.

To help keep students, faculty, and staff safe from the virus, the district has placed alcohol-based hand sanitizers every classroom. Sanitizer dispensers are now in common areas such as lunchrooms, outside gymnasiums, and in the main offices.

All outside volunteers, including guest readers, have been suspended, as well.

Any students and staff members who demonstrate influenza-like symptoms while in school will be sent home.

Custodians are also paying close attention to cleaning classrooms and common, with more frequent attention paid to high traffic areas like bathrooms, doorknobs, and hand rails. GVSD buses are also being included in this effort, with seats and surfaces regularly cleaned.