FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)
This page will be updated to include general questions we receive with answers that provide information for community members.
Answers will be revised when additional information becomes available.
July 27,
2021
What
plan is currently in place at WASD regarding COVID-19?
On
June 8, 2021 the Board approved the Transition Plan which provides
guidance for the period of June 7, 2021 through July 30, 2021.
On
July 9, 2021 the proposed 2021-2022 WASD
Health and Safety Plan was shared with stakeholders for review and feedback. On
July 27, 2021 revisions to the 2021-2022 WASD Health and Safety Plan were
shared with stakeholders. This plan
provides guidance for the 2021-22 school year and will appear on the August 9,
2021 Board agenda.
Are
face coverings required?
As
the Universal Masking Order was lifted by Governor Wolf on June 28, 2021, face
coverings are optional for students, staff and visitors in WASD buildings and
at WASD events. Due to a federal order regarding transportation,
face coverings are required for students and drivers while on school buses or
vans.
Will
WASD provide a full schedule of in-person instruction in 2021-22?
Yes.
WASD will provide five (5) days per week of in-person instruction at all WASD
buildings in 2021-22.
Will WASD
provide extra-curricular programs for students?
Yes.
WASD will provide these programs. Program moderators will review the WASD
Health and Safety Plan and modify program plans in conjunction with the
supervising administrator.
Are
vaccinations required?
No.
WASD is not requiring vaccinations for students or employees. WASD will
continue to share information on vaccine opportunities with stakeholders.
Who
needs to follow the Transition Plan or WASD Health and Safety Plan?
All
students, employees and visitors who access WASD buildings, programs or events
will need to follow the District plans.
How
were stakeholders notified?
The
Transition Plan was presented at a public meeting on June 7, 2021 and posted on
the District website on June 8, 2021. An email was sent to all employees
and parents/guardians on June 8, 2021 which included a link to the plan.
The
proposed 2021-22 Health and Safety Plan was posted on the District website on
July 9, 2021. An email with the link, and opportunity to ask questions or
provide feedback, was sent to all employees and parents/guardians on July 9,
2021. Revisions to the 2021-22 Health and Safety Plan were posted on the
District website on July 27, 2021 and shared with parents /guardians and
employees via email. This plan will be
reviewed at the August 9, 2021 Board meeting, which is open to the public.
Do I
need to report exposures, being tested or positive results?
Yes.
Employees must share this information immediately with their immediate supervisor.
Parents/Guardians of students must contact the school nurse to share this
information. During the summer, parents/guardians of students who attend
District programs should contact the school’s main office and the program
teacher or moderator.
Will these
plans be modified?
Maybe. WASD will continue
to monitor direction from the Governor’s Office, PDE and DOH as well as our
local conditions. Plan changes will be communicated to stakeholders and
posted on our District website.
Who do I contact to discuss
virtual instruction?
Based
on results from surveying parents of students enrolled in WAVE during the
2020-21 school year, we understand that a small number of families may be
interested in continuing a full virtual program for their student. Individuals
interested in information should contact Dr. Melissa Woodard, Assistant
Superintendent, by email at mwoodard@wyoarea.org or by phone, 610-374-0739
ext. 1279.
Will parents be notified regarding
positive cases?
Yes. Similar to the 2020-21 school year, WASD will
notify parents (and employees) when a student or employee in their child’s
school is confirmed as positive.
Information for the entire District will continue to be provided on our Dashboard. If students or employees are considered to be
a direct contact, the parent or employee will receive an individualized
communication from a school employee.
Did PDE/DOH establish case numbers
that would require a school closure?
No. We will monitor any changes from PDE/DOH,
work directly with DOH if we experience any positive cases, and Administration
has the authority to temporarily close a school for health reasons if directed
by the DOH.
The
CDC provides a COVID -19 Data Tracker which assigns a rating
per county.
How is the District
monitoring outside air entry and implementing our Health and Safety Plan?
Our
HVAC system allows us to maximize the entry of outside air into our
buildings. Staff monitor our systems on
a daily basis and utilize outside consultants as needed.
Staff are
permitted to open windows where applicable and encouraged to take students
outside when appropriate.