How Valley schools plan to reopen, stay safe

The state Education Department requires all districts to submit a health and safety plan approved by local school boards. In the plans, districts and charter schools outlined what safeguards they will put in place to protect students and staff from the coronavirus and what steps they will take if a student or staff member contracts the virus.

The plans all include such state requirements as mask wearing for students, staff and visitors; daily temperature checks and screening for symptoms of COVID-19; disinfecting of buildings and classrooms; and social distancing, even during gym classes and recess. Schools have cut out field trips, limited the number of visitors and volunteers, and have braced parents for a pivot to online-only classes if cases spike.

The Education Department is posting plans as schools submit them, at education.pa.gov. Schools also are required to post their plans on their websites. Here are highlights from plans that Lehigh Valley schools so far have either publicly announced or submitted to the state.

Chromebook or iPad. Families without internet access will receive a hot spot that will give them wireless access. Virtual instruction will have teachers interacting daily with small groups of students. Among the options being considered are: pre-recorded performances in the school’s theater, Black Box and classrooms; recorded performances from students’ homes; and live performances via Youtube or other online platform.