There are multiple developments that allow schools in our region to return more students to school. Incidence rates and COVID case counts are seeing notable decreases. While slow so far, more and more adults are vaccinated each day. And recent data regarding incident rates in schools indicate that schools are generally experiencing less infection in their buildings than is happening in the larger communities. With this and other data regarding masking and distancing pointing to better outcomes, the Chester County Health Department (CCHD), which oversees Delaware County's Health during COVID, has adjusted their recommendations on distancing in schools. While the advisement is to maintain "6 feet to the greatest extent possible", schools are being directed that a minimum of 3 feet between classroom desks is now permissible. Teachers and staff are still expected to keep 6 feet distance from each other and their students.

In order to continue cleaning protocols and the excellent support our staff provides to its students, we will preserve Virtual Wednesdays through the end of the 2020-2021 school year. The mid-week virtual Wednesday has been fortuitous when the District has had to pivot in the event of possible Covid cases that required additional tracing and cleaning. All students will be expected to log on as usual for their virtual Wednesday schedule with afternoons reserved for support, make-up work, asynchronous assignments, and to participate in other activities.

Please fill out the parent survey sent to the District on March 2.  We ask that you fill out that survey immediately.  Instructions are included in the survey. 

Parents are still afforded an option for their child. However, parents who do not wish to have their child attend in-person instruction should know that there may be less personalized, directed instruction and attention now that the teachers have larger groups of students before them. All virtual, at-home learning will continue to require at-home assistance, particularly for our youngest students.

With warmer weather coming, use of our outdoor spaces will be maximized. Elementary schools will continue with rotating station play including the reopening of the playground equipment with regular cleaning protocols in place.

The district will follow CCHD guidance that requires "6 feet distance to the greatest extent possible" in our cafeterias and classrooms where some children may still be eating lunch. While children may remove masks to eat, all students will be required to mask immediately after finished eating, in accordance with CCHD guidelines. We are finding that in many cafeterias, the district can still meet the ideal 6 feet of physical distancing.

Yes. We continue to have transportation available.  Children are asked to sit two-to-a seat if needed, preferably with a family member.  Masks are mandatory on the bus. Social distancing of 6 feet at the bus stop and in lines is still encouraged. In order to maximize air changes within the cabin and increase ventilation, at least 4 bus windows will be left open (to the extent possible and weather permitting).

The Health and Safety Committee is updating all handbooks for parents and staff as well as signage, training videos, and all other communication currently used to educate and reinforce protocols. Students will be guided through the new distancing parameters with the aim of 6 foot distancing stressed. Students will also be reminded of current protocols around screening, masking, washing, and sanitizing.

Masking directives have not changed aside from more detailed directives on "Gaiters" which should have two layers or be worn folded over. Double masks are not required. Please refer to the masking section of the Health and Safety Guidelines for more information.

Yes. But there will be changes. Curbside lunch/breakfast pickup for students that will be attending school in-person four days per week will contain ONE Lunch and FIVE breakfasts, as the students will now have access to free lunches from the school cafeteria. Curbside pickup for fully virtual students will continue to contain FIVE lunches and FIVE breakfasts. Families can indicate their status when they register weekly beginning in March.

Penn-Delco must continue to follow state rules regarding infections and quarantines. In the event that a class, grade, or school must close or enter quarantine, affected students will revert to their virtual learning protocol until cleared for return. Any student that is diagnosed with COVID or required to quarantine by a medical professional or public health agency will continue to receive virtual learning support.

With the increase of vaccinations and decreasing infections and hospitalizations, we expect our students will experience a 5-day, in-person education in September. We will, however, continue to monitor the guidelines and data as we approach the end of the 2020-2021 school year and plan for full buildings in the fall.