Hello Salisbury!
As we approach November, we wanted to provide the community with an update on changes in plans for Continuity of Education for the 2nd marking period.
If you have specific questions, you can reach out to us or your building principal.
Randy Ziegenfuss, Ed.D., Superintendent
Lynn Fuini-Hetten, Associate Superintendent
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Positive COVID-19 Case at Salisbury Elementary School
This afternoon, we received a report that a staff member at Salisbury Elementary School has tested positive for COVID-19. The last time the staff member was in school was Friday, October 23, 2020. We have spoken with the COVID-19 Rapid Response Center, and we are waiting for further guidance on next steps from the PA Department of Health. Additional information will be provided in a separate communication.
COVID-19 Data Dashboard/Instructional Model Selection
As you are aware, we are continuing to monitor the county transmission rate data.
At this time, Lehigh County has a MODERATE level of transmission. Most recent numbers as presented in this St. Luke’s presentation indicates an upward trend which may result in Lehigh County being designated as a county with SUBSTANTIAL community transmission over the next couple of weeks.The fully remote instructional model is recommended for counties with SUBSTANTIAL transmission levels.
The data may impact the decision to implement the scaffolded return model as planned. If the number of cases in Lehigh County increases, and the transmission level increases to SUBSTANTIAL, the District anticipates utilizing the fully remote model. You can view the Early Warning Dashboard and the state’s guidance for determining instructional models.
K-4 Parent/Teacher Conferences
Elementary parent/teacher conferences will take place from November 10-13. All parents/guardians of elementary students should have received information from SES Principal, Mr. Brem.
This is a change from the 2020-21 calendar approved earlier this year. This will allow a smoother transition when Grades K-1 return to face-to-face instruction in mid-November.
Grades K-1
We are committed to working to explore the safest and most effective options for returning all of our students to instruction in the schools.
At the October 14 Board meeting, the board voted to update the Health & Safety Plan to begin a scaffolded return for grades K-6 (5 days, face-to-face), beginning with Grades K-1 during the second marking period. (Presentation shared with the Board.)
The purpose of a phased in approach is to most effectively address both operational and staffing challenges within our human and financial resources.
Implementation of the scaffolded plan at each grade level is dependent on some families opting to select remote learning (with a Salisbury teacher) and/or VAST for the remainder of the year. It may be possible to allocate a Salisbury teacher for each grade level for the fully remote model. This is dependent on the number of learners who select this mode.
K-1 parents/guardians received an email earlier explaining the process for committing to a model of learning for the remainder of the school year. Based on today’s numbers, we anticipate there will be 23 students in the fully remote online kindergarten class with a Salisbury teacher. The face-to-face class sizes will be approximately 19 students per class. Based on today’s numbers, we anticipate there will be 30 students in the fully remote online first grade class with a Salisbury teacher. The face-to-face classes will approximately 16 students per class .
To provide the option of fully remote with a Salisbury teacher, classroom rosters needed to be adjusted. Some students will be changing teachers, and prior to making this change, we want to be certain the data does not indicate the need for the District to remain in the fully remote model.
We will provide families with 2 weeks notice prior to implementing the face-to-face model.
Grades 2-6
At this time, we anticipate phasing in grades 2-6 for some in-person learning across the second marking period. This is dependent on the county transmission rate remaining at the MODERATE level.
Surveys will be shared with families asking for commitments to a model of learning for the remainder of the year. We had intended to send those surveys earlier this week, but we have decided to wait until we see our updated county data over the next two Fridays.
Grades 7-8
We will also be sharing surveys for families of learners in grades 7-8 to determine feasibility of a scaffolded return for these grade levels. We had intended to send those surveys earlier this week, but we have decided to wait until we see our updated county data over the next two Fridays.
Grades 9-12
Our principals and teachers are engaging in conversations on the best way to return our high school learners to some form of face-to-face instruction at the beginning of the second semester.