12/18/20 Virtual Learning Update 1/4-8, 2021

Dear North Penn,

Last night, the NPSD Board of School Directors approved a motion to move to virtual instruction from Monday, January 4 through Friday, January 8, 2021. This means that students will return from winter break to our schools in the hybrid model during the week of January 11, rather than a week earlier as previously adopted. View questions and answers regarding this time period

The proactive decision was made as a preventative measure to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, similar to the transition to virtual for the week after Thanksgiving. We feel that this strategy will limit the potential impact of student and staff exposure during indoor, holiday social gatherings over the coming weeks.

On a related note, we are continuing to plan and organize for rapid testing for staff and some students. As previously announced, NPSD is working with the Montgomery County Office of Public Health, supported by the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), to provide rapid testing to staff and potentially a small number of students in January. NPSD is proud to be selected for this pilot testing program. Details about this great opportunity are being finalized and will be announced soon.

As always, please do all that you can to control the spread of COVID-19. Wear your mask. Wash your hands. Stay six feet away from others. And limit large-group gatherings. This will be especially important during winter break. We must stop transmission outside of school and keep our staff and students healthy for their return in January. We do not want to risk the chance of a functional shutdown because too many staff and students are sick or quarantined to hold in-person instruction. And of course, we just want everyone to remain healthy and safe.

As always, thank you for your patience and support as we navigate this pandemic together.

Take care and stay North Penn Strong.

Sincerely,
Curtis R. Dietrich, Ed.D.
Superintendent