WCASD proposes virtual classes at start

WEST WHITELAND » West Chester Area School District students will not likely board buses, dress for gym class and recess or enjoy pizza together on Fridays, at least until after Thanksgiving, according to a recommendation made by the West Chester Area School District Administration team.

The recommendation for the fully virtual start due to the ongoing global pandemic was announced in Wednesday’s email from Superintendent Dr. Jim Scanlon to parents, students and staff following a public meeting. Nothing is set in stone; the school board will vote on the proposal at the August 3 meeting.

Scanlon wrote that almost every option presents significant challenges and the district felt it needed to make the safest decision.

“We understand that no matter what decision we make about reopening, a large portion of our community will not be pleased,” Scanlon wrote. “We also know this decision will cause a tremendous amount of disruption for many of our families and students.

“It was an agonizing choice, and one that was not made lightly.”

The district’s goal remains to return students to in-person, full time instruction, as soon as possible, according to Scanlon.

“This is what we believe to be the best educational model,” he said.

Eight thousand stakeholders filled out a recent WCASD sponsored survey showing that 60% of the community said they’d prefer some form of in-person option, but rapidly changing medical guidance and new virus numbers led the administrative team to support a remote opening.

The district had considered establishing three feet of social distancing since it would not be possible for every student to attend at the same time with six feet of separation.

“In order to follow prevailing medical and state guidance requiring six feet of separation in schools, we would only be able to open with a hybrid model at best,” Scanlon wrote. “This, too, poses significant logistical concerns for families and staff.”

Educators, including Scanlon, had noted at a public meeting earlier in the week that state officials had not made concrete

recommendations on how to safely teach. School districts were tasked with making a decision with little guidance.

“We have finally had an opportunity to hear, by phone, from the Department of Health,” Scanlon wrote. “Secretary Levine has indicated that based on the virus trajectory, schools may not be able to reopen for in-person instruction this fall.

“We continue to seek answers to a myriad of questions about school reopening guidance, and to date have received very little meaningful clarification.”

Scanlon: “Science and direction around the coronavirus is emerging, and its trajectory continues to change. We will continue to closely monitor conditions in Chester County and work with the Chester County Department of Health as we move through the first quarter of our school year.”

Scanlon said that the school district is providing “robust online professional development” for staff this summer.

In time for an August 31 opening, Remote Learning 2.0 will be a completely different experience from pandemic remote learning in the spring, Scanlon said. The district also has plans to provide in-person instruction for the district’s most vulnerable students and WC Cyber remains an option for all families. The deadline for enrollment is August 7.

“Ultimately, as educators, and even as parents, we want what is best for our students,” he said. “We hope that you will grant us the grace in understanding the difficult decisions we’ve faced throughout the summer — rapidly changing and nebulous guidance, vastly varying community opinions, and innumerable educational and safety considerations.”

“One thing is certain: The West Chester Area School District will continue to do the very best it can to serve our students. Our educators care deeply for them, and will do everything possible to make this year a positive experience.”

For more information, go to wcasd.net.