Downingtown sets plan to start school year virtually

DOWNINGTOWN » The Downingtown Area School District School Board has unanimously voted to begin the 2020-21 school year virtually. The Chester County Health Department has also recommended that schools begin their academic year virtually and assess their ability to transition to a more in-person instructional model after Oct. 9, 2020.

Throughout the spring closing and summer, DASD has worked closely with the state Department of Education, the Chester County Health Department and with superintendents from across Chester County to closely monitor the pandemic and study the health and safety guidance.

Superintendent Emilie Lonardi, Ph.D. outlined the district’s decision to begin virtually.

“The resolution to begin the school year online was a thoroughly measured and calculated decision. Our administra

tive team has researched potential solutions, measured classrooms, worked through scenarios and collaborated with medical, academic and facility industry experts and stakeholders. While we would all prefer to begin the school year in person, we could not resolve to put those desires over protecting the health and safety of our staff, students and school community. We will continue to work closely with medical experts in our area to assess the situation and will bring students back into the physical classroom as soon as we can safely do so.”

The Chester County Health Department has supplied schools with a metric that provides detailed thresholds representing community transmission and the corresponding instructional models. At the present time, the four-week average for Chester County falls in the “high” community transmission risk, which indicates a virtual and/or hybrid model. The Chester County Health Department, as well as other medical organizations, have also warned of the potential for an uptick in cases following the Labor Day holiday.

Understanding that the online environment is not the preferred learning model for all learners, DASD has taken a variety of steps to help support its students as they begin their school year. Dr. Lonardi explained, “DASD is a true 1:1 district, meaning we provide a device for each and every student in the district. Additionally, we have provided a list of free WiFi locations and have purchased

internet hot spots to support families without internet access. This ensures that all students will have equitable access to education while following our online learning plan.”

Teachers and staff have also adjusted to the new virtual model, and will provide a combination of synchronous (live) instruction and asynchronous activities throughout the week. To closely mirror the inperson model, live lessons will include a combination of direct instruction, group work, question and answer sessions and interactive activities.

Assistant Superintendent Dr. Louis Chance elaborated, “We are fortunate in Downingtown to have outstanding teachers and we have provided thorough professional development to ensure a rigorous and engaging academic experience for all of our learners.”

With a continued focus on student wellness, the district is also addressing the potential social and mental health impact the pandemic has had on its students. Dr. Chance explained, “Our counselors and prevention specialists consistently work closely with teachers and families to identify and address the mental health needs of our students, and we have specifically outlined communication mechanisms for this purpose in our online plan.”

Dr. Lonardi added, “We care about each and every one of our students. Our staff is dedicated to helping children feel safe and supported while equipping them with the tools to find their own personal successes.”

DASD works purposefully toward enhancing the mental, social, emotional and physical health of staff and students through the

Wellness Advisory Council. This team of teachers, board members, administrators, nurses, counselors and staff meet regularly and use data to create health improvement plans at the district and K-12 building level. These plans address policies, curricula, partnerships with schools, communities, families and initiatives to promote healthy behaviors to enhance learning and academic success. Dr. Chance added, “DASD promotes student social and emotional health by aligning health and education to support the whole child. A keen focus on these areas is imperative during this global crisis.”

Though most students will begin online, schools will not be completely closed on August 31. The district has given parents and guardians of students in low incidence programs the option to allow their children to return to some in-person instruction. This optional pilot will include in-person instruction for its supplemental to full time autistic support, life skills, multi-disability, K-6 supplemental emotional support and transition classrooms.

In addition, the district has requested that its onsite childcare contractor, A Child’s Place (ACP), extend its childcare services to provide full-day services at deeply discounted rates. Dr. Lonardi added, “We are sensitive to the impact that virtual learning has on families with working parents, and so we have negotiated with ACP to provide a discounted solution to support our families. In addition to providing all families with the reduced rates, many students, including those who qualify for free and reduced meals, are receiving scholarships for

childcare.”

All in-person instruction and childcare will include significant safety precautions including maximized social distancing and personal protective equipment. Dr. Lonardi explained, “We have more than 13,000 students in our school district which makes the six-foot social distancing mandate impossible in our buildings with a full cohort of students. By bringing in small groups of our low incidence population and less than 330 children to ACP, we can spread these students out across our buildings to help protect the safety of our staff and students.”

Once COVID-19 cases begin to decline and the Chester County Health Department indicates it is safe to do so, DASD plans to begin transitioning into a hybrid model.

In May and June of this year, DASD held a series of task force meetings with more than 600 volunteer parents and guardians, teachers, staff members, administrators, board members and students. The Reopening Task Force researched and brainstormed solutions in areas including teaching and learning, special education, encores, facilities and workplace safety, transportation, food services, technology, student health and safety, staff health and safety, and athletics and extracurricular activities.

Considering grade level, the volunteers created recommendations following each of the Governor’s colored phases. These recommendations were used to shape the DASD Phased Reopening Health and Safety Plan, which will be used once students are able to safely return to the classrooms.