Board will vote on returning to school

WEST WHITELAND » The West Chester Area School Board will likely decide at a meeting this evening, whether to bring kids back to school with hybrid learning.

In Saturday’s letter to the community, Superintendent Dr. Jim Scanlon said that students would have to learn both virtually and in brick- and- mortar classrooms due to the district’s inability to teach in existing classrooms with students and staff at least six feet apart. Scanlon has written recently that for in- person schooling to resume, the coronavirus infection rate must stay within limits.

“None of this is ideal,” Scanlon wrote. “We all very much want a return to life as normal.

“As a school administrator and a parent, I understand the widely varying viewpoints, concerns, frustrations, and worries that the pandemic has placed on education. In the end, we all want the same thing – for our students to be well educated, nurtured, and supported.”

Under the proposed hybrid schedule, students would learn face- to- face from teachers two days per week and at home three days per week.

“A” students ( last names beginning with A- K) would learn inperson on Monday and Tuesday. “B” students ( L- Z) would attend brick and mortar classes Thursday and Friday. Wednesday would remain a remote learning day.

Elementary students ( grades K- 5) would attend in- person starting Oct. 19, and secondary students ( 6- 12) would start Nov. 5. The school day would be trimmed by 30 minutes to provide additional planning time for teachers.

At the onset, students will attend for half- days and those at home will not have any assignments to complete.

Teachers will set up web cameras and Zoom lessons will be offered for at- home/ remote students. Learners will not be Zooming in all day and the amount of time will vary based on the age, level, and also the subject. Some

instruction will be recorded.

Chester County Depart of Health Director Jeanne Casner will speak at the meeting. Health Department guidelines call for face masks and shields at all times, except when eating lunch or when six feet apart outside. Mask breaks will be scheduled. Those that cannot wear a mask due to a medical condition, including those with respiratory issues that impede breathing, mental health condition or disability will not be required to wear a face covering at all times.

All students will face one direction during class and at lunch.

Students will be limited to two per seat on buses and the district hopes that at least 30 percent of parents volunteer to transport their children to school.

Temperatures will not be taken at school and parents must agree to take the temperatures of their children each morning before sending them to school. Staff must also agree to take their temperatures prior to the school day.

As part of the “Frequently Asked Questions” portion, as listed on the website:

“All classrooms will be disinfected on a daily basis. Common touch areas will be disinfected three times a day. For classrooms with sinks, soap dispensers will be filled regularly. For classrooms without sinks, hand sanitizer will be provided. All water fountains will be disabled unless they are touchless filling stations for water bottles. Students are encouraged to bring their own water bottles. Bottled water will also be provided for students.”

Buildings will be cleaned regularly:

“All high- touch areas ( doorknobs, light switches, handrails) will be cleaned twice during the school day and once in the evening. Bathrooms will be cleaned twice during the day and once in the evening. Building offices will be cleaned each evening. Main entrance vestibules will be cleaned every evening and after student arrival. All cleaning products are CDC- approved.”

Fall sports will operate with no more than 25 people indoors and 250 people outside, with social distancing and mask requirements. League competition may be scheduled in late October as the ChesMont league allows for league competitions.

Formore information, go to www. wcasd. net.