Spring-Ford School District To Reopen Under 'Red Plan'

ROYERSFORD, PA — The Spring-Ford Area School District Board of School Directors voted on July 27 to reopen schools following the school district's Red Plan. The plan means classes will be held in a digital platform called Canvas, with hours online varying by grade level. The district said it aimed at flexibility for working parents along with quality teacher-lead instruction.

While the reopening decision has been on hold, Spring-Ford school district's board and administration prepared plans for varied "phases," to apply as circumstances of the coronavirus pandemic may require.

In a message to the school community, Superintendent Dr. David Goodin said, "Since May 14, Spring-Ford's leadership team has focused on reopening schools for the 2020-21 school year in three phases – Red, Yellow, and Green. The health and wellness of our students, staff, and families continues to be the top priority when considering all reopening plans. Every decision is made through the lens of public health and based on information related to our community."

On Monday, July 27, the SFASC Board of School Directors voted to reopen schools under the Red Plan in the district's overall plan for phased reopening. Goodin sent out an overview of the Red Plan along with a link to details of the plan.

"While we will share detailed, in-depth information related to the implementation of the Red Plan in the coming days, I feel it is important that you have an overview of the plan," Goodin said immediately after the decision was made. He assured that "All stakeholders - students, parents, teachers, building administrators, central administration- will be supported in the transition to home learning and feel confident in the use of the tool to provide high-quality education in 2020-21 and beyond."

The superintendent's statement told parents and community members that the Red Plan for reopening will:

• Increase the opportunity for students to engage in synchronous instruction during school closures while understanding that many families still require the flexibility of an asynchronous schedule
• Maintain flexibility for families and staff
• Provide structure and support with time management for students and families
• Click here to view the full 19-page Red Phase Instructional Continuation Plan including:
  • Teacher-lead instruction
  • FERPA statement
  • Attendance Expectations
  • Sample schedules
  • Emotional supports for families and students.

Synchronous instruction refers to classes meeting on a set schedule. Asynchronous instruction means that students may access and use instructional materials when they choose.

Goodin said that the SFASD administrative team will be:

• Addressing the social and emotional needs of our students and staff
• Addressing IEPs, GIEPs, and the needs of our Special Education students
• Ensuring we have current contact information for our students and families through First Day Verification, which will open on Aug. 1
• Distributing or refreshing devices for virtual learning as needed
• Assessing the academic readiness of students through the use of assessments, and conducting wellness and social/emotional check-ins with students.

Goodin also explained that families who are more comfortable starting the year in the district's cyber school may do so. SFASD Cyber Learning is not part of the phased reopening plan. Instead, it is an option for online home learning using the district's curriculum and in connection with district teachers. Information on Spring-Ford Cyber Learning is here.

"Though we now have clear guidance, our work is far from complete, and we need your continued support now and throughout the school year," Goodin told parents. "As individuals, we all have personal feelings regarding what is best for our families, and I encourage you to relay this plan responsibly and respectfully to your child(ren)."

Goodin added, "Please understand that we must do what is in the best interest of our entire school community including more than 1,100 employees, 8,000 students, 5,400 families, and nearly 50,000 residents."

The superintendent also said, "I would like to thank our administrative team, teachers, support staff, and school board for taking on the momentous task of moving our brick-and-mortar school district to a virtual school district in just 136 days. As well, I would like to thank our families for their continued support as we look towards the new school year."