July 16, 2020

Millersburg Area School District Families:

I hope this communication finds you and your family members healthy, productive, and enjoying the summer as we continue to navigate the diverse course of the COVID-19 pandemic. The safety of our students, staff and community remain at the forefront of our planning for in-person instruction for the 2020-2021 school year. I recognize the COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact each household in a variety of ways. The district remains committed to its responsibility to educate all students with health, safety, and practicality in mind. We will continue to examine and incorporate the federal, state, and local mandates, guidelines, and recommendations into our planning for full, in-person instruction on August 24, 2020. An overview of the documents posted to our website are as follows:

1. The district’s Health and Safety Plan, inclusive of strategies and protocols related to our students return to school, was approved by the Board of School Directors on July 14, 2020. This plan incorporates guidance and recommendations from the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE), Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). In the best interest of health and safety, routines and procedures will look different than in previous years. In accordance with requirements established by the PDE, the plan has been submitted to PDE and posted on the district website for reference.

2. The administrative team developed a Quick Reference Guide which provides a summary of the entire Health and Safety Plan. This Guide is meant to provide quick-reference information regarding the district’s plans in Green/Yellow and Red.

3. The third document is an overview of the district’s Continuity of Education Plan for the 2020-2021 school year. This document will provide a high-level perspective of the district’s instructional options. An important concept in this overarching document is the expanded learning requirements during remote instruction. Should remote instruction be necessary during the 2020-2021 school year, we will be expanding our remote learning from the spring to include daily attendance, assignments, grading, and assessment in all content areas: in essence a “normal” day of school.

We are excited about our plans to have students for full, in-person instruction on August 24, 2020. We remain mindful of the governmental guidance and the potential changing landscape prior to the opening of school. We are preparing to adapt on short notice, as warranted. Future communications will be disseminated as the summer progresses.
I thank you for your patience, partnership, and support of the district as we continue to work to provide safe, effective, and meaningful public education for our students.

Sincerely,

Thomas J. Haupt
Superintendent