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Some KCSD schools move to remote learning

MILL HALL — Some schools in the Keystone Central School District will be making the move to remote learning.

On Wednesday, KCSD superintendent Jacquelyn Martin notified staff, students, parents and families of the change via email. It said that beginning today (Thursday, Jan. 13), that Bucktail High School, Central Mountain High School and Central Mountain Middle School would be closing their doors and going to online learning.

The email said: “Due to the rising number of positive cases of Covid-19 in our secondary schools, as of today we have reached the threshold of 5% of cases among students and staff at Bucktail High School and Central Mountain High School. Central Mountain Middle School is currently at 4% and awaiting test results for many others. All elementary schools are currently at 3% or lower for total cases. The PA Department of Health recommends full remote learning when the 5% threshold is reached.

As of Thursday, January 13, 2022, we will be closing Bucktail High School (7-12), Central Mountain High School (9-12) and Central Mountain Middle School (5-8). We will close for a minimum of five days with an expected return on Tuesday, January 18, 2022.”

According to Martin, the district had no choice but to go remote.

“We were hoping to avoid this scenario, but the recent rise in cases in our schools made our wishes irrelevant,” Martin said.

The email also noted that the following conditions will be in place during the period of the closure:

— All students will participate in synchronous remote learning as of (today) with the exception of students who participate in Life Skills, Multi Disability, or Autistic Support Classrooms.

— Life Skills, Multi Disability, or Autistic Support students have the choice (unless under quarantine) to attend in person or remotely.

— All KCSD staff members should report to their respective buildings for their regular school hours.

— All KCSD staff members (all buildings) will be required to wear masks while in the buildings unless working alone in a classroom or office.

— Universal masking of staff will be in effect until further notice. Masks are available in the main office at each building for anyone who needs them.

— All afterschool activities will be canceled, including intramurals, athletic practices and athletic events as of Thursday, Jan. 13, 2022.

— We will plan to re-evaluate the number of cases during the remote learning period to determine if the closures need to be extended.

— Staff and students are expected to report Covid-19 positive cases and quarantines to school nurses or Mark Condo.

Martin said that she knows remote learning is not ideal.

“We know that remote learning is not ideal for many families but after consultation with the administrative team members earlier today, we believe it is necessary,” Martin said.

She asked that everyone “please review reliable sources of information on vaccinations and consult with your physician to determine if vaccinations are recommended for any members of your family.”

More information can be found here: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/index.html

“We appreciate your support as we continue to keep our students and staff safe,” Martin said in the email.

For more information about the closure, visit www.kcsd.us.

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