December 16, 2020

As you are aware, our communities continue to be particularly hard hit by the impact of the COVID-19 virus.  After careful review of the current situation in our schools and in our communities, all schools in Penn Cambria School District will remain in a full remote learning model through January 22nd, 2021.  This decision is based on the current data for Cambria County and all surrounding counties, the new Department of Health mandates, and the continued impact of COVID-related issues on our ability to staff our schools.

The school calendar has been revised with January 21st as the last day of the second marking period for students, January 22nd as a clerical day for faculty, and January 25th as the first day of the third marking period.

Please know that these decisions are never taken lightly, and we all want to return to normal both in our classrooms and in our personal lives.  We understand how difficult this is for our students and our families.   With so much seemingly out of our control right now, we have prioritized maintaining some type of routine.  Learning models that change literally overnight are very challenging for our families and the data currently indicates that we would be facing near constant change in terms of temporary building closures should we return at this time.  While we know that face-to-face learning is preferable to remote learning, we hope that this decision provides some short-term stability over the next several weeks for our learners while our county transmission rates remain so high.

We hope the county levels of transmission will decrease over the next several weeks to allow us to bring children back to our buildings.  Our goal is to return to the hybrid model of learning on January 25th; however, the virus will dictate those decisions.

All faculty and staff will continue to report to school and will work their normal hours.  Faculty will continue to provide opportunities for daily live learning sessions for students.  Our guidance counselors and school nursing staff are available to provide services for our students and families. Please reach out when you need assistance!

Meal pick-up will be available at PCHS, PCMS, and PCI from 12:30 – 1:30 PM on Mondays and Thursdays.  Evening pick-up is available from 6:00-7:00 PM at PCHS on Mondays and Thursday. Pre-ordering meals is appreciated and the link for the meals is on the main page of the Penn Cambria website.  If you have any questions, please call Angela Focht at 814-886-7753 Ext 6.

Due to Christmas break, meal distribution on Monday, December 21st will contain seven days’ worth of meals. The District will release details about meal service for the week starting January 4th in the very near future.

If you or any members of your household develop symptoms of COVID-19 or have symptoms that worsen, notify the Pennsylvania Department of Health immediately at 1-877-724-3258 and contact a health care provider.

Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year as we head into the holiday break!  Stay safe and healthy!

 

William W. Marshall
Superintendent
Penn Cambria School District