The first is a "hybrid" program by which students physically attend school two days a week and attend the other three through on-line classes; both in real-time or "synchronus" instruction, as well as in online assignments and activities.
Students who use district transportation to get to school must wear masks and will be seated two per seat.
The second choice is all online, the district's "virtual academy," which will include "synchronus" and recorded instruction.
On Thursday, school families will receive a communications asking for a choice to be made for instruction and transportation for the year. The district is giving families until July 30 at 3 p.m. to make their decision.
On Wednesday, a district-wide virtual town hall for parents will be held at 7 p.m. to better explain the choices.
Below is the text of a communication sent out by Superintendent William Shirk regarding the upcoming meeting and decisions:
Dear Pottsgrove Families:
As communicated last week, we are entering a critical time period in our planning for the 2020-2021 school year. The planning process is focused on our number one goal: Keeping our students and staff safe while ensuring students’ academic, behavioral, and social/emotional needs are met daily. This communication will provide you with information about the following three areas:
2020-2021 Education Programming Options
2020-2021 Transportation Options
Parent Town Hall Meeting Information, Registration, and Question Submission2020-2021 Education Programming Options
On July 23, you will receive a communication asking you to choose your plans for instruction and transportation for the year. You will be able to select the option that best meets the needs of your child(ren). Pottsgrove School District is planning for these options as long as state, country, and public health advisories allow; however, these options may be adjusted with any new guidance. Two options for education programming exist and we will ask that families commit for the first marking period (secondary) or trimester (elementary). You will be asked to finalize and communicate your decision with the district by July 30 at 3 p.m. through a separate communication.
Instruction Option 1: Hybrid Program
Featuring in-person, brick-and-mortar instruction coupled with online instruction
Students experience in-person instruction within our school buildings during two days of the week. The other three days provide students with online, synchronous and asynchronous connections with teachers and support for work completion, practice, and/or extension activities.
Instruction Option 2: PGSD Virtual Academy
Featuring fully online sessions, both recorded and live
Students have classes online and will not enter school buildings for instruction. However, in this option, students still have regular, online, synchronous and asynchronous connections and instruction with teachers, only all of it will occur online rather than in school buildings.
Please be aware that both options are provided by our own highly qualified teaching staff. Also, both options keep students enrolled in Pottsgrove allowing students to participate in any and all school programs and extracurricular activities.
2020-2021 Transportation Options
Transportation has two options as well. Per our Phased School Reopening Health and Safety Plan, students riding the bus will be seated two per seat, all riders must wear face coverings, and buses will be sanitized after each run. You may choose to have your child(ren) ride district-provided transportation, or you may elect to provide your own transportation. This information will assist the district in identifying bus stops, maintaining social distancing, and reducing student time on buses.
Parent Town Hall Meeting Information, Registration, and Question Submission
A Parent Town Hall Meeting will occur via Zoom on July 22, beginning at 7 p.m.. This session will provide information from the district regarding the upcoming release of our Phased School Reopening Health and Safety Plan. This plan details how the district is planning for school reopening specific to cleaning, social distancing, and health monitoring. In addition, the education options for the school year will be reviewed.
Prior to the Parent Town Hall Meeting, the district is collecting questions. These questions will be used to better plan the Town Hall Meeting allowing us to answer frequently asked questions. We will make every effort to answer all questions either during the Parent Town Hall Meeting or on our district website.
If you plan to participate in the Parent Town Hall Meeting OR you would like to ask questions about the planned school reopening process, please click HERE.
Please be aware that all information, including registration for this event, is also posted on our district website at www.pgsd.org. I also wanted to remind you of the ongoing “Community Conversation” blog that has been established on the PGSD website at www.pgsd.org/coronavirus to collect your feedback and questions.
Certainly, we do not have all the answers; however, we share a top priority to ensure the academic, behavioral, and social/emotional needs of our students are met. I appreciate your continued understanding, patience, and assistance, as we continue to plan for the best educational environment for our students.
Respectfully,
William R. Shirk, Jr. Ed. D.
Superintendent
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