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COVID 19 DISTRICT RESPONSE » NKASD - Covid-19 Education and Health & Safety Response Plans

NKASD - Covid-19 Education and Health & Safety Response Plans

REVISED 11/25/2020
TEMPORARY MOVE TO REMOTE INSTRUCTION
UNTIL WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 13, 2021
 
The NKASD will remain in the remote instructional Model through January 13th.  Several factors have been given consideration in leading to this decision.  They are:
  • Westmoreland County's current "Substantial" designation with regard to Covid-19 transmission rates.
  • Increasing transmission rates within the 15068 zip code.
  • Increased testing has already impacted staffing and could significantly impact staffing upon the return from either or both holiday breaks.
  • Concern over the District's inability to enforce travel and gathering restrictions among faculty, staff, and/or students.
 
The health and safety of all students, faculty, staff, and administration is a top priority of the Board of School Directors and myself.  While we believe that compliance across the school community has been exceptional since students returned to school, the outside factors that we will not be able to control while schools are closed for the holidays creates a significant concern.  Our teachers will continue to engage students through the Vikings Online program and it is everyone's hope that we can return safely to our 5-day face-to-face model in the new year.
 
Additional information will be provided as it comes available.
 
Sincerely,
Mr. Jon Banko, Acting Superintendent
EXPIRED TEMPORARY MOVE TO REMOTE INSTRUCTION
UNTIL WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 13, 2021
 
At tonight's School Board Meeting, it was decided that next week - November 2-6, 2020 - the entire District will initiate a fully remote instructional model.  If there is no significant change in the county-wide or local infection rates, we will return to our current face-to-face model the following week (November 9-13).
 
Westmoreland County's recent re-designation into the "Substantial" category with regard to the level of transmission within the County, has prompted the PA Department of Education to recommended that schools move to a fully remote instructional model to mitigate the spread of the virus.  While many school districts have decided to remain in their current instructional model, the NKASD administrative team felt that it was prudent that we use the shortened week and the end of the first quarter to not only comply with the most recent PDE recommendation for supporting the health and safety of our local community, but also take advantage of an opportunity to implement a fully remote model in the event that county- or state-wide increases in Covid-19 cases cause an abrupt and lengthy school closure. 
 
Additional information will be provided as the week progresses and families should expect to begin receiving correspondence from the schools and teachers regarding expectations for participation.
 
Sincerely,
Mr. Jon Banko
Acting Superintendent
 
2020 Return to School Information