coronavirus

Parents and Guardians:

We hope this communication finds you and your family experiencing good health. Thanks to everyone for your patience over the past two weeks as our leadership team has worked to implement plans for continuous learning for all 1,600 of our learners.

There is quite a bit of chaos and upheaval surrounding us at the moment. Only through strong collaboration between educators, support staff and families will we ensure the youngest members of our community return to as close a sense of normalcy and routine as possible while navigating social distancing, business and school closures, and personal and family challenges that come with volatile times.

On March 23, Governor Wolf announced the continued closure of all Pennsylvania Public Schools through at least April 6. On April 7, the plan is for schools to open for staff to prepare schools and classrooms and subsequently receive our learners. Under this plan, learners would not return to school until Tuesday, April 14 due to the previously planned Spring Break (April 8, 10 and 13).

Continuity of Learning Plans

However, this plan may need to be modified depending on the spread of coronavirus, resulting in another extended closure. Due to this possibility, and starting Monday, March 30, all Salisbury learners will begin a plan for virtual learning, where learning continues through more structured learning activities that reinforce and continue current course learning objectives.

Please take a moment to review this document that outlines the plan in more detail for Parents/Guardians. 

As we begin this new work together, we ask for your support and patience. We know there will be challenges as we transition to virtual learning, and we ask for flexibility. Should you have questions about the plan, please contact your child’s teacher or your building principal.

Internet Access

During the extended school closure many internet providers are offering free or discounted service to support families that currently do not have internet. Presently, we are aware of two options for families available in our area. (If you are unable to access the internet, please leave a message at 610-797-2062, ext 1000.)

Service Electric is offering 90 days free service with no modem fee for new customers. Please call service electric at (800) 232-9100 for more information on this offer. 

everyoneon.org is partnered with PCsForPeople and does offer discounted service rates on hotspots for economically disadvantaged families. You can find out more about this offer by calling (651) 354-2552.

State Assessments

The Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) has cancelled state assessments for this school year. This includes PSSA, PASA and Keystone testing. Read the press release. We do not have any additional information at this time.

School Calendar

PDE has relieved districts of the 180-day requirement for the 2020-21 school year due to the pandemic. At this time, the school calendar has not changed. However, depending on the total length of a school closure, the calendar may be revised. Any changes will need to be approved by the School Board and will be shared with parents as early as possible.

Student Meals 

Similar to the annual Summer Meal Program, free Grab-and-Go meal service is available to any Salisbury students (K-12, regardless of free/reduced status) at select Allentown School District school sites. (Review sites and addresses.) Meal service continues to be available Monday-Friday between the hours of 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM.

Students must be present at meal pick-up. One meal per student, per day. All grab-and-go bags will include one breakfast item, one lunch item, milk and a fruit or vegetable. Thank you to the Allentown School District (a NSLP open feeding site) for providing this opportunity to our community through the National School Lunch Program.

Update from Concern (School-Based Mental Health Provider)

Some of our learners are accessing school-based mental health services. CONCERN is working diligently to monitor the developments regarding the Coronavirus (COVID-19) and adhering to the recommendations made by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). We are considered an essential business and will continue operating to provide Mental Health services. Our priority is keeping the safety and health of our clients and staff. We recognize the need for access to mental health services especially during this difficult time as this situation has had an impact on all of us. To ensure that our clients have minimal disruption to their services we have taken the following measures as well as accommodations for new clients seeking mental health services. If you have questions, please email Shanon Feeser at sfeeser@concern4kids.org.

  • CONCERN outpatient therapy services will continue to operate daily using Telehealth services and/or telephone services. Clients can connect to these services utilizing a computer, laptop, tablet, or phone/cell phone [app]. All our staff are licensed to use/provided with an account for Skype For Business (HIPAA Compliant/Encrypted) and are implementing other methods of communicating virtually- Skype, Zoom, Google Hangouts, Vsee, Doxyme, etc.

  • Psychiatrists will also be available via telehealth, and/or by phone to conduct medical appointments, with some exceptions to in person visits i.e. psychiatric evaluation. 100% of our scripts are filled electronically and sent directly to the pharmacy for the clients’ convenience.

  • CONCERN will continue accepting new clients and are prepared to offer them quality mental health services from the safety of their home- allowing them to use Telehealth during this interim period. Exceptions will be made for the need of in office visits.  

Thank You!

Please join us in thanking those individuals who have been dedicated to ensuring we are acting in the best interest of our learners, staff, families, and community throughout this closure. 

  • Thank you to the Leadership team for devoting hours to planning for the continuity of learning.

  • Thank you to the Teaching and Learning team for distributing technology and organizing our learning resources. 

  • Thank you to our teachers who have been preparing for the transition to virtual learning throughout our initial closing. Our teachers have been working hard to create an engaging online learning experience for all of our learners.

  • Thank you to our community for supporting us as we navigate through these uncertain times.  

Thank you for your continued cooperation and understanding as we work to make decisions in the best interest of the Salisbury community in an ever-evolving, complex situation. The Governor’s administration will continue to monitor COVID-19 in the Commonwealth, and will re-evaluate and decide whether another extended closure is necessary. We will continue to follow the guidance and directives provided by state and federal agencies around this novel situation. 

Be safe; stay healthy!

Randy Ziegenfuss, Ed.D.
Superintendent

Lynn Fuini-Hetten
Associate Superintendent