In a letter published on the school district website this week, Riverside Beaver County School District Administration Team provided more information on its reopening plans including instructional plans and Chromebook distribution:
Dear Parents/Guardians of Riverside Students,
As the upcoming school year rapidly approaches, the administration and the members of the Riverside Beaver County Board of Education recognize the questions and concerns relating to the return of school and the upcoming procedures we will follow within the district. Continually, we are proactively utilizing guidance and recommendations from the CDC as well as the Pennsylvania Department of Education to formulate our plans. This year’s plans and protocols will be adjusted and new for everyone at the district including all staff members as well as students; however, these changes are necessary to provide the highest level of safety precautions for our students and staff. Included in our Health and Safety Plan are many of the protocols we will follow for the year; nevertheless, we do understand that our plans must remain fluid to the potential changes issued by governing bodies and obstacles we face on a daily basis.
As we prepare to open schools for in-person instruction, it is important that everyone recognizes the role they play in protecting themselves and others. It is absolutely imperative that if anyone experiences COVID -19 symptoms (e.g., fever, cough, chills, nausea, etc.) they stay home. Each building will place a heightened emphasis on facility sanitation, including the regular cleaning of high traffic areas and the use of electrostatic sprayers to maintain a clean and healthy school environment. We will have hand sanitation stations placed throughout our schools, and students will be encouraged to regularly wash their hands as a way to remove germs, avoid getting sick, and prevent the spread of germs to others. We are also mandated to comply with the PA Department of Health orders for requiring face coverings for all people inside the buildings regardless of social distancing and other protective measures. The district will be providing all employees and students with a light-weight, reusable face mask to use on a regular basis. We do understand the limitations of this protocol, and we are actively pursuing all potential accommodations to alleviate many of the known concerns.
Instructional Plan for Back to School:
Currently, our tentative plan is to provide in-person instruction each day for all students in grades K-5 and utilize a hybrid (A and B Day) schedule for students in grades 6-12. To provide the necessary support for this modification to our instructional delivery, our teaching staff will participate in several professional development days and have access to new resources to heighten the expected level of rigor as well as to ensure all students receive an appropriate education. Additionally, some families have enrolled in our second option, the P.A.W. Program. This cyber option allows students to remain Riverside students, engage with district professional staff members for questions and assistance, and participate in extracurricular activities. We will continue to accept enrollments to this program. If any family is interested in a cyber option please, click here and Mr. Aaron Dobish or an administrator will contact you directly.
Many complications and challenges arise for any district to tackle in the efforts to return to in-person learning and teaching as well as our efforts to provide hybrid learning. Presently, we are confident in our abilities and appreciate the continued support from all staff, students, and parents. We will continue to modify and make appropriate changes to ensure the safety and overall well-being of all people.
Chromebook Distribution:
In the upcoming weeks, several pieces of information will be necessary to set in motion our set of procedures and educational learning pathways. The first step in providing all students with the necessary equipment required for synchronous (real-time) /asynchronous (recorded) learning is the distribution of Chromebook devices. * Note that any family who has a portable device that has the capability to access the Internet, camera, speakers, and microphone is encouraged to use their own device . If any family needs a district-owned device, we are requesting that you complete the DEVICE REQUEST FORM form by August 17.
Please click here for additional information concerning our District Distribution days (August 18 & 19) . Students and families are encouraged to read and understand the Riverside Acceptable Use Policy (School Board Policy #815) before requesting a school device. We will continue to provide additional information on our district webpage.
In closing, please stay safe and healthy and continue to use prudent judgement when gathering in large group settings and/or traveling to identified hot spots. We are committed to offering and moving forward with our plans, and our efforts need everyone’s support and assistance. We appreciate your continued flexibility and understanding during this challenging time. If you have any additional questions and/or concerns, please reach out to your building administrator. They will be happy to assist you in any way possible.
Sincerely,
Riverside Administrative Team
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