McKEESPORT OKS HALF-DAY CLASSES

Students returning to classes in the McKeesport Area School District will be limited to half days when the school year begins Wednesday.

The school board voted 7-2 at its Aug. 12 meeting on a plan dividing students into two groups based on their last names. One group will go to school in the morning and one in the afternoon. In between, custodial staff will clean and disinfect the building.

Superintendent Mark Holtzman said students will engage in remote learning for the half day when they are not in classrooms.

Board members Joseph Lopretto, Dave Donoto, Tom Filotei, Ivan Hampton, Stephen Kondrosky, Jim Poston and Diane Elias voted in favor of the plan. James Brown and Mindy Sturgess dissented.

All students will have the option of attending school online for the entire year through the district’s cyber academy.

Students, teachers, faculty and staff in the classrooms will have to wear face coverings during the day aside from when eating or drinking or when 6 feet of distance can be maintained.

Mr. Holtzman said the plan gives students an “opportunity to build rapport with their teachers and an opportunity to see what the environment will be like” at school.

“Our staff is ready to return to school,” Mr. Holtzman said, adding he was proud of the way the district teachers have responded to the changes.

Parent Cher Redwood expressed concern about special-needs students getting the support that they need during the half days.

“How can parents make arrangements for our specialneeds children when the school district has provided no direction? We have no idea what a day in school and what a virtual day will consist of during the school year,” Ms. Redwood said.

Wilamina Goodlow, who said she has two children in the district, asked about the individualized education plans. “Since COVID-19, my children’s school assignments have not been on their levels,” she said, adding that she has opted for her children to stay home and participate in the online learning the district is offering.

Mr. Holtzman said the district is keeping track of students with IEPs so it can address their needs and is working on plans.

Parent Steven Singer said he would be more comfortable with a fully remote start to school. He said it was “imperative” that students start the year with distance learning.

“If you have in-person classes, even on a half-day basis, you will be inviting [COVID-19] into our schools where it can infect others and be brought back to their homes,” he said.