District Moves to Full Remote Learning Starting Dec. 1
Dear Highlands Families,
The Highlands Task Force for Reopening Schools met on Monday, November 23, 2020 to review recent data related to the influx of COVID cases in Allegheny County. We also discussed the recent recommendation from the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) that school districts in Allegheny County should move to Full Remote Learning due to the County designation of “substantial” transmission for COVID cases.
After reviewing Pennsylvania and Allegheny County’s COVID data, and the current number of positive COVID cases in Highlands School District, the Task Force has made the difficult decision to transition to full remote learning for all students beginning Tuesday, December 1, 2020 through Friday, January 15, 2021. (Please note start date is Dec. 1, not Dec. 2 as the phone call stated.)
Students who are currently participating in our HVA program will continue as normal. Students transitioning from the hybrid model to full remote, will participate the same way they did during their remote learning days by logging into their google classrooms. Teachers will be providing both synchronous and asynchronous learning during this time. The Task Force Committee will meet shortly after the holiday season to review COVID data. The goal is to return to a hybrid model or more in-person instruction for the start of the second semester. All extracurricular activities and sports are suspended during this time.
During the holiday season, we ask that you remain diligent with following Allegheny County’s most recent advisory so that our students and staff can return to in-person teaching and learning as quickly as possible after the holiday break. This includes avoiding any social gatherings and outings with extended family and friends and wearing face coverings at all times. If possible, avoid traveling over the holiday season, and if you do, consider quarantining for 14 days upon your return if you’ve traveled to one of the identified hot spots.
Students will be directed to take all school supplies home with them on Tuesday, November 24 and Wednesday, November 25 so that they have the necessary resources to be successful during the full remote learning period. The district will remain in close communication throughout this time and keep you updated on any changes.
As always, we appreciate your understanding and cooperation as we continue to navigate through this COVID challenge. We will get through this difficult time as long as we continue to work together as a school and community.
I wish you all a healthy and safe holiday season!
Dr. Monique Mawhinney, Superintendent