August 20, 2020

We continue to find ourselves coming to grips with unforeseen change. While the District was initially hopeful that students would return in September, the current trends related to the pandemic are forcing districts around the county to adjust and re-adjust their schedules for the 2020-2021 school year. As of now, the Penn-Delco School Board has approved a fully virtual instructional model through at least early October.

We are acutely aware that there are students that require more support than others based on the level and intensity of special education services. Each child's programming is unique, and our District remains committed to being creative, flexible, and responsive to meet each child’s individual needs within the parameters of the Board approved instructional model.

Since the mandatory school closure, we have heard from many families regarding virtual learning. Some families shared stories of success, while others voiced concerns about their child’s academic and social/emotional growth in absence of in-person instruction. The District reflected on that feedback when developing the virtual Extended School Year (ESY) programming, which included more face-to-face (via Zoom or Google Meet) instruction, 1:1 sessions with teachers to focus on areas of need, and also the utilization of asynchronous activities that could be done at times that were considerate of varying family schedules.

We will continue to build upon areas of success and refine instructional delivery models. Students will have block(s) of time devoted to synchronous (live) direct instruction with special education staff. Teachers will also have designated times where they are available to assist families. IEP teams will collect data on students’ progress toward goals so that instruction can be targeted to each child’s present levels of academic and functional performance.

The District is prepared to support the social/emotional needs of all students as they learn from home. Specifically, social/emotional learning lessons will become part of our overall programming for the first few weeks of school. When appropriate, our related service staff may consult with a parent/guardian to empower them to implement the supports and strategies that foster progress.

At this time, the District is actively preparing for a fully virtual instructional model until early October. We are also prepared to pivot, if federal, state, and/or local guidance results in the pursuit of an alternate instructional model.  For more information about how Special Education will support your student, please review our webinar held on August 18 as well as the presentation utilized during that event.  We also have Frequently Asked Questions for you to review as well. 

Sincerely,
 
The Office of Special Education and Student Services

• April 8, 2020

  Dear Parents/Guardians,

  
  Let me begin by saying how much we miss all of our students. We are concerned for our students’ health and well-being, as well as their families. Although none of us have experienced a pandemic before, the PDSD families of students, parents, educators, and all other stakeholders have quickly risen to the occasion, as usual! We would like to thank everyone for your kindness and support.

  
  As you know, the Penn-Delco School District motto is #Penn-Delco Proud.  We should be proud of how our community has come together as a supportive team. The next few weeks will not be easy. There will be mistakes, problems, and concerns along the way. However, there will be more successes, happiness, hope, laughter, fun, and purpose! Our current situation is not forever.  We understand many of you are still working and have several children to help, financial concerns, health issues, etc.  We are here to patiently support our students and you throughout this challenging time.  

  Please do not stress over the schoolwork via distance learning or printed packets. Frustrations are high due to our circumstances and we don’t want to increase the stress on our families. We are going to do our best to provide as much support as we possibly can, to keep our students' minds moving forward. But you are the parents and they are with you, so you have control to adjust as needed for your child/children.  Again, contact your teacher’s or special education administrators via email, if you need help. We also ask for your patience and understanding as we travel this new territory. Our teachers and other employees are working to keep things going in what has become our “new normal”.

  On another note, there are many questions about how extended school closures will affect school life like grades, support services, and so much more. The Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) will evaluate policies and procedures and will make recommendations to guide us through the remainder of this school year.  We will keep you updated as these questions are answered. 

  Students who receive specialized services such as health plans, 504 service agreements, and Individual Education Plans (IEP) will continue to receive specialized support during the closure period. Case managers will be in contact with families to share how your child’s service will continue during this time.  Although services will be adjusted in light of the current circumstances, our team will be available to answer questions, provide support, conduct consultations and continue to provide quality educational services to all. 

  Students receiving support services through an IEP will receive a Penn-Delco School District COVID-19 Interim Individualized Emergency Special Education Plan (COVID-19 IIESEP).  The plan will outline the continuity of services your child will receive during the school closure period only.  Case managers are working diligently to complete all IIESEP plans in a timely manner.  You will receive the individual plan and a letter of explanation during the week of April 13, 2020.  Please continue to keep the lines of communication open and stay healthy and safe.
   
  Sincerely,
  Special Education & Pupil Services Administrative Team
   
  Director of Special Education & Pupil Services, Regina McClure – rmcclure@pdsd.org
  Supervisor of Special Education, Amy Bell – abell@pdsd.org
  Supervisor of Special Education, Michael McCormick – mmccormick@pdsd.org
   
   

COVID-19 EMERGENCY 
FLEXIBLE IEP IMPLEMENTATION PLAN
DUE TO STATE-MANDATED SCHOOL CLOSURE
 
DISTRICT NOTICE

March 30, 2020 
 

In response to the spread of COVID-19 in Pennsylvania, on March 23, 2020, Governor Tom Wolf pronounced a shelter in place order for, among others, Chester, Delaware, Philadelphia and Montgomery Counties. 

On March 19, 2020, Governor Wolf ordered extension of the closure of all K-12 Pennsylvania schools until further notice, following an original March 13 order closing all K-12 Pennsylvania schools and the commencement of state-wide social distancing measures.

On March 6, 2020 the proclamation of a disaster emergency in Pennsylvania and the World Health Organization’s and Center for Disease Control’s pronouncement of COVID-19 being, “a public health emergency of international concern.”

On March 30, 2020, Governor Wolf ordered that all Pennsylvania schools shall remain closed for the 2019-20 school year until further notice.  Governor Wolf also extended the “Stay-At-Home” Order restricting individuals from leaving their residences except for essential activities, which Order includes, Delaware County.
 
On account of these state-mandated COVID-19 response efforts, the District buildings closed on March 13, 2020 and the District will begin providing online/digital flexible learning opportunities for all of its students on March 30, 2020.
 
Your child’s educational placement will continue to be the same as is in your child’s current IEP.  This letter is to notify you that in order to continue to provide educational opportunities to your child, certain aspects of your child’s educational program require flexibility and adjustments in the service delivery due to the effect the state-mandated COVID-19 response efforts have had on the ability to fully implement your child’s programming.
 
Accordingly, in light of the health and safety emergency circumstances accompanying the state-mandated school closures and requirement for social distancing, District staff will continue to provide an individualized education to your child to the best of our abilities, in light of the current circumstances, through your child’s IEP, with parental participation, if possible.

Once schools are permitted to reopen, or shortly thereafter, your child’s IEP team will provide the IEP that was in place when schools initially closed and will make an individualized determination as to whether and to what extent IEP revisions or additional services may be needed.  
 
Due to the mandated school closure, services listed in the current IEP, which will now be provided in an adjusted manner, are not missed services and, therefore will not require make-up sessions.
 
We appreciate your understanding and willingness to collaborate as we work through these times.  Please contact us if you would like a meeting to discuss the specifics of your child’s program.  We will do our best to coordinate a remote meeting.
 
Please take care of yourself and your family.  Email or call with any concerns and we will respond as soon as we are able.
 
Sincerely, 

Regina McClure
Director of Special Education & Pupil Services

March 27, 2020

Dear Parents and Guardians:

The manner in which our department staff has adapted to this changing landscape has been remarkable and we are grateful for their consistent support and flexibility. It is important to know that all staff employed by PDSD will continue to be supported in terms of how the instruction will be provided to each student. 

We ask for patience from all families as we begin to provide educational services to our students with specialized supports and services. The Flexible Learning Plans will take many forms.  Academic instruction will be delivered through teacher’s Schoology pages, via Google hang-out sessions, and Zoom teletherapy. Phone conferencing will all be utilized as we continue to meet the individual needs of students and families.

 
Beginning Monday, March 30 case managers will be contacting families to share student specific information, answer questions, share ideas, and ease fears.   We understand this experience is unique for many families and students.  We are here for you.  Staff  “office hours” will also be shared.

Special Education Instruction

The instruction provided for both direct instruction of core content & intervention of skill deficits for those students receiving specialized services will be provided in the same fashion as regular education instruction. Service delivery will be provided through the case managers Schoology page and Zoom teletherapy for related services. 

Case managers will be creating emergency flexible learning activities to target IEP goals and provide lists of accommodations to be utilized during general education class assignments.  Students receiving full academic instruction within the special education setting will receive flexible academic instruction via their individual case managers Schoology page.  Staff will also plan for any new annual IEP meetings or reschedule missed meetings.

Related Services

Clinicians will be reaching out to parents individually to plan for teletherapy sessions via Zoom or in a mutually agreeable fashion if Zoom therapy will not be possible.  Clinicians will schedule regular consultations sessions with parents to support them with therapy being provided in this new way.

504 Service Agreements

School counselors will be contacting parents/guardians to provide assurance that accommodations listed in the current 504 agreements are applicable during the home flexible learning period.  Counselors will also complete new annual 504 meetings due during the closure period.  Our school-counseling department will also provide consultation sessions.

Home & School Visitor

Ms. Barb Boyle is available to all District residents for issues or challenges families may be experiencing during this unprecedented time.  Ms. Boyle is available via email or phone.  Ms. Boyle can support families addressing internet access, crisis issues, health care, and housing.  You may reach her as follows:

Barbara Boyle
Home & School Visitor
610-497-6300 x 3356
bboyle@pdsd.org

Your passion and dedication to one another during a time of incredible uncertainty is deeply appreciated and reflects the very best of our PDSD community. Thank you. 

Sincerely,

Regina McClure

Director Special Education and Pupil Services

March 20, 2020

Dear Parents and Guardians:

The Penn Delco School District Speech/Language Pathologists want to reassure you that we have already been meeting and are planning ways we will be able to support your children.  Like everyone else, we are trying to determine the best way to deliver instruction.  

 

In the meantime, we suggest that you utilize the “Optional Learning Resources” presented by the district (https://www.pdsd.org/Page/10643), especially the reading activities.  Reading and listening to stories provides multiple opportunities to work on articulation (have your child find words in the story with their sounds and repeat), receptive language (responding to questions), expressive language (retelling the story), and pragmatic language (having a conversation about the story and discussing characters’ emotions portrayed by pictures and words).  Please know that we miss your children and look forward to being able to work with them again!

 

Sincerely,

Penn-Delco School District Speech/Language Pathologists

 

Valerie Burgess (vburgess@pdsd.org) - Aston Elementary & Northley Middle School

Kim McGinley (kmcginley@pdsd.org) - Sun Valley High School

Jean Michels (jmichels@pdsd.org) - Coebourn Elementary

Karen Newburg (knewburg@pdsd.org) - Pennell Elementary

Roseanne Newcomb (rnewcomb@pdsd.org) - Parkside Elementary & Northley Middle School

March 24, 2020

Dear Parents and Guardians,                                                                     

The Penn-Delco special education and student services department is actively working on plans for all children to have access to meaningful educational opportunities as we move into the next phase of this unprecedented school closure due to the COVID-19 virus.  We know you are all feeling worried that your child's special education and related services may not continue.  Please be assured that we are working with teachers and related service providers to plan for what could become an extended closure given the current unknowns.  We will be communicating more with parents as soon as possible, but please know that we are working hard to plan for your children.  We know that our students' services and supports are critical to their continued success and progress, and we are confident that we will be able to provide services to students through the closure.  We will use many forms of instructional practices and platforms to do this, including the virtual learning that our teachers are currently developing as well as teletherapy opportunities for related services. 

More than ever before, we need your help and understanding in this very challenging time.  We have never had to deliver services in this way and right now we are gathering all of our resources to prepare ourselves for something we never anticipated having to do.  We are busy designing these unique learning situations with our staff and teams to ensure that all of our students are given appropriate opportunities for virtual learning.  We need you to be our partners in learning and we will work with you so that your children have access to their services and supports in the best way we can.  Once school re-opens for the delivery of new learning, you will hear from your child's team with further information.  As of right now, our teachers are not expected to be working as they normally would, however, additional virtual supports will be activated soon. In my interactions with the teachers and therapists, they are busy preparing to work with your children again very soon!  They miss the kids and this is heartbreaking for them, just as it is for you and your children! 

For children who attend programs outside of the District, the special education department is and will continue to, communicate with those programs to determine how they are planning on delivering learning.  Each program and each child is unique, but we will work with the programs to support your children.  

Should you have questions, please contact Regina McClure, Director of Special Education and Student Services at rmcclure@pdsd.org

We are all in this together and we will get through this - together!  Please take care of yourselves and your families and hang in there! 

 

Sincerely,

Regina McClure

Director of Special Education and Pupil Services