With that being said, the health and safety of our students is still very important to us. As a district, we will continue to be proactive in maintaining the health and safety of our students and staff as we continue to learn to live with COVID-19. Below are several key updates on the 2021-2022 school reopening.
Pre-Screen for COVID-19 symptoms: We ask that you continue to pre-screen your child(ren) for illness prior to sending them to school. Please keep them home if they are exhibiting signs or symptoms of COVID-19 (or other illnesses). This is an excellent way of proactively keeping COVID-19 out of our buildings. We will continue to work with you with regards to attendance during this time.
Face Coverings: Please be advised that face coverings will be optional for all students and staff on campus. NOTE: Due to a Federal Mandate, face coverings are still required for all students on school transportation.
We will have a supply of face coverings available for students and adults in each building.
Learning Options: As a district, we feel that in-person learning is crucial to the success of our students. Therefore, we will not be offering a virtual option for students to zoom into their classes. Although utilized last year, we do not feel that is the best instructional model for our students and teachers. A full time, online option is available for students through the Black Knight Academy. Beginning this year, these courses will be supervised by Towanda Area School District teachers. For questions about the Black Knight Academy, please contact Mr. Joel Spinney, Principal of Academic Affairs: [email protected].
Physical Distancing: Although schools will continue to implement physical distancing where feasible, we will be returning to normal as much as possible. Cafeterias, playgrounds, and gymnasiums will be returning to normal. Classrooms and areas that allow for physical distancing will continue where possible. Again, while not minimizing the physical health of our students, we must be aware of their social and emotional health as well. With that said, if something changes, we are ready to implement safe practices that are proven from past experience to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.
Quarantine/Isolation: Students and staff who test positive for COVID-19 will be required to quarantine. Pennsylvania Department of Health will continue to contact trace positive cases and advise on next steps when an exposure occurs.
Disinfection: Towanda Area School District will continue to utilize a variety of disinfecting and ventilation protocols:
- High traffic and touchpoint areas (doorknobs, light switches, water bottle filling stations, etc.) will continue to be cleaned throughout the day.
- School buses will be disinfected daily.
- Teachers and staff will have access to disinfecting supplies if desired.
COVID Vaccinations: Towanda Area School District is not requiring COVID vaccinations. COVID-19 vaccinations are another layer of protection against COVID-19. We will continue to provide information to our community about COVID immunization opportunities as a courtesy for those who wish to access the vaccine.
Building Principal Information: Please contact your building principal with any questions, comments or concerns. They are excited to welcome students back into their buildings and help them to have a successful 2021-2022 school year.
Towanda Elementary School: Mrs. Laura Steele, Principal [email protected]
Towanda Jr/Sr High School: Mrs. Rebecca Stanfield, Principal [email protected]
Upcoming Dates:
Wednesday, August 18 @ 6:00 PM: 7th Grade/New Student Orientation (Jr/Sr HS)
Thursday, August 19 @ 9:00 AM: Pre-K Orientation (JAM Primary School)
Thursday, August 19 @ 12:00 PM: Kindergarten Orientation (JAM Primary School)
Monday August 23 @ 5:30 PM: Meet and Greet the new Elementary Principal and Special Education Director
(Towanda Elementary School)
Tuesday, August 24: Teacher In-Service
Wednesday, August 25: Teacher In-Service
Thursday, August 26: First Student Day
Monday, September 6: No School (Labor Day)