Tredyffrin-Easttown Schools Alter Reopening Based on Covid Risk

TREDYFFRIN TOWNSHIP — Tredyffrin/Easttown School District's Board of Directors on Aug. 24 approved an update reopening plan based on Aug. 14 county health department directives telling schools to use all-virtual instruction through Oct. 9.

Board President Michele Burger said the board takes the recommendations "very seriously." Since Oct. 9 falls on a Friday, the first day that classes could possibly meet in person, even in the hybrid instructional model, is Monday, Oct. 12. But this is not guaranteed, and the board will follow the Chester County Health Department's monitoring of Covid-19 risk in Chester and Delaware counties, as well as pay attention to recommendations of the Pennsylvania Health Department.

The start dates of the school year remain the same, said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Richard Gusick. All TESD students in grades 1-12 will begin school virtually on Aug. 31, and kindergarten students will begin virtually on Sept. 8.

"As we have shared previously, pandemic conditions and recommendations are continually evolving. On Friday, Aug. 14, the Chester County Health Department recommended that schools in Chester and Delaware counties remain virtual until at least Oct. 9," Gusick told parents.

The CCHD provides metrics that categorize districts by risk, as Very High, High, Moderate, or Low. The board said it and administration will continue to monitor those metrics and will adjust reopening plans as information emerges. Chester County has fallen in the Moderate category.

"Like all school districts, we must adjust our reopening plans as we learn about emerging research and best practices for protecting our school community," Gusick said.

Gusick also explained that some students with intensive special needs may need additional support this year.

Those student will begin transitioning to in-person instruction on or about Sept. 21. This instruction will happen in small groups of special education students who demonstrate the highest level of need for learning in school. TESD has been communicating and meeting with these families, said Gusick.

The board also addressed the fact that the school district's summer food program is ending Aug. 31. The board acknowledged that "food scarcity is a concern," and said families participating in the summer program will be connected with community resources while the school lunch program is not functioning in its usual capacity. The T/E Cares group is giving out gift cards.

Fall sports options will follow Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association (PIAA) recommendations, as well as those of the county health department and Gov. Tom Wolf, who has advised that all youth sports be postponed until January 2021.

"Interscholastic sports require collective action by schools to facilitate play between schools," said Gusick. "Other governing bodies such as District 1 and the Central League will need to consider the guidelines set forth by the PIAA. Our local sports options for TESD will be determined largely by the decisions of these organizations."

For now, TESD will continue to allow off-season activities in accordance with its District-approved health and safety plan, Gusick said on Aug. 21.

"Our athletic department will share more information with parents and athletes once a more final decision has been made," said Gusick.

The school district also expressed awareness and concern about mental health issues in students, related to the pandemic.

"We know this has been a particularly difficult time for children and TESD is committed to continuing to provide mental health support for students. As part of the regular curriculum, all students will have opportunities to participate in live sessions focusing on community-building, social/emotional well-being, resiliency, connectedness, developmental guidance, bullying prevention and digital citizenship," Gusick told parents.

In addition, school counselors and mental health specialists will meet with students on an individual or group basis to support students’ emotional and mental health needs throughout the school year, regardless of virtual or in-person attendance.