Windber Area High School issued the following announcement on Dec. 18.
This message is a notification that Windber Area School District will extend remote learning through Monday, January 18th. Friday, January 15th is the end of the first semester and Monday, January 18th is an Act 80 Day and school is not in session for students. Students will return to in-person learning on Tuesday, January 19th. We understand the many challenges that remote learning places on our families. The District's faculty and staff are committed to working with families and supporting our students during these challenging times.
Our decision to extend remote learning is based on two orders recently issued by Pennsylvania's Secretary of Health, under the authority of Governor Wolf. The first order is the updated face-covering order. The second-order involves school districts in counties where the spread of COVID-19 has reached "substantial". At this time, Somerset County is identified as a "substantial" county and it does not appear that this identification will change in the near future. Under this new order, the State recommends all schools in the county transition to remote-only instruction. However, school districts may continue in-person instruction if the districts attest to strictly following the new face-covering order and all associated guidance, as well as all recommendations when there are positive cases of COVID-19 in schools.
The new face-covering order and associated guidance are much more restrictive than the previous order and provide very limited face-covering exceptions. In anticipation of returning to in-person instruction in the future, students who qualify for a face-covering exception will be required to provide a doctor's Medical Exemption for Covid 19 Mask Requirement. In addition, face shields are no longer considered to be acceptable face coverings and are only permitted as an alternative to a mask when an individual qualifies for an exception. Only those individuals who have medical or mental health conditions or other disabilities that preclude the wearing of a face-covering will qualify for an exception. Individuals who qualify for an exception will be required to provide medical documentation from a licensed medical provider prior to returning to in-person learning.
Student meals will continue to be provided on Mondays and Thursdays from 11:00 to 11:30 a.m. at the HS/MS and the Elementary School, with the exception of the week of Christmas when meals will be available on Monday, December 21st and Wednesday, December 23rd.
We recognize that schools are much more than educational institutions. Although we pride ourselves on our academic achievements, we understand more than ever the value of supporting the whole student with social emotional learning (SEL) as a priority endeavor during these difficult times. As such, the Windber Area School District, in collaboration with our school counselors, physical education teachers and Assurance Counseling Services LLC are pleased to offer our students Wellness Wednesday sessions during our asynchronous virtual learning days. The goal of these sessions is to promote connections between students while offering social interactions and physical activities to develop and maintain SEL skills. We will be sending information out about our “Wellness Wednesday” activities for all of our students, with the first session being held on Wednesday, December 16th. Look for a video from the WASD with more information about this program dedicated to supporting students, staff and parents through these extraordinary times.
We do have the ability to pivot back to in-person learning/extra curricular activities if guidance and data support this decision. We believe that nothing compares to face-to-face learning and we want our students in the building, but the safety of all staff and students is of the utmost importance. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact your building principal.
The holidays are usually a stressful time for most of us and this year even more so. The continued support, guidance, cooperation, and patience of the school community are very much appreciated. We wish you and your family a Very Merry, Healthy, and Happy Holiday Season!
Original source can be found here.
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