Shanksville-Stonycreek School

District

2020-2021

A Comprehensive Guide to

Returning to the Shanksville-

Stonycreek Building Amid

COVID-19

Table Of Contents Social Distancing .................................................................................................................................... 1 Classrooms ........................................................................................................................................................................ 1

Cafeteria ............................................................................................................................................................................ 1

Band, Chorus, Physical Education, Art, Library, Tech Arts and Recess ............................................................................. 1

Bussing .............................................................................................................................................................................. 1

Classroom Settings ................................................................................................................................. 2 Spacing/Social Distancing ................................................................................................................................................. 2

Cleaning and Sanitation .................................................................................................................................................... 2

Hand Sanitizer Stations ..................................................................................................................................................... 2

Personal Items/Textbooks ................................................................................................................................................ 2

Lockers .............................................................................................................................................................................. 2

Cafeteria Settings ................................................................................................................................... 3 Cafeteria Table Spacing ..................................................................................................................................................... 3

Student Spacing/Social Distancing .................................................................................................................................... 3

Cleaning and Sanitation .................................................................................................................................................... 3

Food, Trays, Dishes and Silverware................................................................................................................................... 3

Student Lines ..................................................................................................................................................................... 4

Restroom Area ....................................................................................................................................... 5

Facility Cleaning ..................................................................................................................................... 5

Instruction and Curriculum ...................................................................................................................... 6 Traditional Curriculum ...................................................................................................................................................... 6

Changes to Instruction – What has changed? .................................................................................................................. 6

Blended Opportunities ...................................................................................................................................................... 7

Blended Instruction – Changes ......................................................................................................................................... 7

Hallway Traffic ....................................................................................................................................... 8

Extra-Curricular ...................................................................................................................................... 8

Facial Coverings ...................................................................................................................................... 9

Bussing & Transportation ..................................................................................................................... 10 Social Distancing/Facial Coverings .................................................................................................................................. 10

Seated by Family or Household ...................................................................................................................................... 10

Vans ................................................................................................................................................................................. 10

Visitors & Volunteers ............................................................................................................................ 11

Service Providers & Outside Groups ...................................................................................................... 11

Phased School Reopening Health & Safety Plan .................................................................................... 11

How Can Parents Help?......................................................................................................................... 12

A Letter from the Superintendent

Dear Shanksville-Stonycreek Vikings,

On behalf of the Shanskville-Stonycreek School Board, staff, and administration, we want to extend our appreciation for

your support and cooperation during the initial phases of the COVID-19 pandemic. On Friday, March 13, all schools

within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania were ordered by Governor, Tom Wolf to close in an attempt to mitigate

Coronavirus that began sweeping the Commonwealth earlier that month. Never in our wildest dreams did we expect

that we would not return for the 2019-2020 school year. At that time, very little was known about the virus, how to

mitigate it, safety precautions necessary to minimize the spread of the disease, or how medical professionals could

effectively treat it. Many hasty decisions had to be made on behalf of government and school leaders with little to no

factual information to guide us. After the first two weeks of building closure, the Pennsylvania Department of Education

(PDE) began providing more clear directives on expectations for schools to educate students remotely. These methods

included paper and pencil packets, virtual meetings and class sessions, and online learning. Other than the paper and

pencil approach, the virtual and online learning platforms were relatively new to teachers and administrators at that

time. We realize there was much confusion on behalf of the parents and students, but we are proud of how the

community overcame these obstacles and persisted in completing the school year.

Now that the 2019-2020 school year has concluded, we have the benefit of several months of experience and reflection

on how we need to be prepared to provide an improved and proper education to our students. We have been consulting

with government officials, Intermediate Unit Directors, the Pennsylvania Secretary of Education, and our local colleagues

on how to be prepared for the continued COVID-19 pandemic as we approach the beginning of the 2020-2021 school

year. Based on our consultation and research, we have made many changes to our traditional form of education while

trying to maintain as many of the “old-school” approaches that our students have experienced in the past. While many

of the changes are a result of mandates and directives coming from Governor Wolf and Secretary of Education, Pedro

Rivera, we have also made changes based on our local values and beliefs that will provide as much protection and safety

as possible when we return to our beautiful school building.

Several of the necessary changes that we have made include introducing a 1-to-1 computer initiative for grades 6 – 12

where students will be assigned a Chromebook that will be taken home daily, and the Chromebook will become a part of

their daily curriculum as well as be available to them in the event of another pandemic school closure. Plans have been

made for the Pre K – 5 students as well. We have purchased, and are currently training teachers in the use of Schoology

as an online learning management system that will be available to all students to be used on a daily basis in school and

during a closure. We have been working diligently to re-design our classrooms and learning spaces to promote social

distancing for students and staff. New water-filling stations have replaced the traditional water fountains and hand

sanitizer and other cleaning products will be available in every classroom for student use.

Please read this booklet and return the survey as instructed so we can continue to meet our goal of returning to a safe,

face-to-face learning environment within the Shanksville-Stonycreek school building on September 1. If you are

concerned about your child returning to school for any reason, please contact Sam Romesberg or Reno Barkman at 814-

267-4649 so we can discuss those concerns. Changes are likely to happen between now and then, but we will make

adjustments and inform the public of those changes as they occur. Please stay positive and know that our staff is looking

forward to seeing their students once again.

Sincerely,

Dr. Samuel J. Romesberg, III

Superintendent

SOCIAL DISTANCING According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Social

Distancing is most effective when individuals stay a minimum of

three (3) feet apart from one another, while the Center for Disease

Control (CDC) recommends six (6) feet or more feet of distancing

between individuals. In the confines of a school setting, this can

prove to be extremely difficult. Through much evaluation and

planning, students at the Shanksville-Stonycreek School District

should be able to participate in their daily routine by being no closer

than four (4) feet apart (or greater) from one another if the school

protocols and procedures are followed properly.

CLASSROOMS

Classrooms will have their student/teacher desks and other furniture arranged so that a minimum of five (5)

feet will separate student desks, which probably places a distance of six (6) feet between student’s

faces/heads.

CAFETERIA

Our plan is for students to continue to eat lunch in the cafeteria. Cafeteria seating will provide a minimum of

four (4) feet separation from face-to-face. Normally designed to accommodate 12 students per table, our

cafeteria seating will be limited to six (6) students per table. They will be arranged in an alternating fashion to

maximize distance between each student for safety purposes. The cafeteria, actually known as the

“Cafetorium” since this space has a multi-purpose use of serving as our cafeteria and auditorium, has three

main sections, or levels. There is an upper and lower level used daily as the cafeteria, plus a stage level, which

is typically not used for student seating during lunch periods. To maximize social distancing, all three levels will

now be used for cafeteria seating to allow tables to be distanced further apart, allowing for more safe distance

between students. Grab-N-Go breakfasts will still operate as in the past.

BAND, CHORUS, PHYSICAL EDUCATION, ART, LIBRARY, TECH ARTS and RECESS

Students will continue to participate in these daily activities with modifications to promote safe social

distancing. These subject areas and the activities typically associated with them require students to be in close

proximity or full contact with each other. The teaching staff will modify activities to promote a safe distance

between students and to keep students a minimum of four to six (4’-6’) feet away from each other while

participating in the new activities.

BUSSING

Social Distancing on a school bus presents a unique challenge but modifications will be made to the seating

protocol and method of entering and exiting the school buses to promote safe social distancing. Students will

be seated together by family and distanced apart from other students as much as possible. New seating

assignments will be used to make the loading and unloading procedure more efficient and safe.

WHO - 3’

CDC – 6’

SSSD – 4’ min.

1

CLASSROOM

SETTINGS SPACING/SOCIAL DISTANCING

Classrooms will have student/teacher desks

and other furniture arranged so that a

minimum of five (5) feet will separate student

desks, which probably places a distance of six

(6) feet between students’ faces/heads.

CLEANING and SANITATION

Cleaning and sanitation of walls, floors, counters, student desks and furniture will be a top priority. Student

desks will be deep-cleaned at the conclusion of each school day. Hospital-grade cleaning supplies,

recommended by leading manufacturers and the Center for Disease Control (CDC) will be used in every

classroom and instructional area. A combination of hand cleaning and the use of electrostatic misting

sanitizing equipment will be used to thoroughly clean and disinfect each room on a daily basis.

HAND SANITIZER STATIONS

Each room will be equipped with a hand sanitizer dispenser and students will be encouraged to use them

regularly throughout each school day. Hand sanitizer dispensers will also be strategically placed throughout

the entire school building for open use by any student or staff member.

PERSONAL ITEMS/TEXTBOOKS

Students will be encouraged to carry all of their personal items and textbooks in their book bags from class-to-

class, on a daily basis. Students will also be encouraged to sanitize their personal items and those school items

that are assigned to them on a regular basis and not to share these items with other students.

LOCKERS

Students will have access to lockers on a staggered schedule to minimize the number of students using their

lockers at the same time and to promote social distancing. Lockers will be used for essential personal items

only. Students will be encouraged to carry all classroom and educational materials with them throughout the

day.

WHO - 3’

CDC – 6’

5’-6’

Minimum

Spacing

2

CAFETERIA (Pre K – 12)

SETTING CAFETERIA TABLE SPACING

The cafeteria, actually known as the “Cafetorium”

since this space has a multi-purpose use of serving as

our cafeteria and auditorium, has three main sections,

or levels. There is an upper and lower level used daily

(prior to COVID) as the cafeteria, plus a stage level, which is typically not used for student seating during lunch

periods. To maximize social distancing, all three levels will now be used for cafeteria seating to allow tables to

be distanced further apart, allowing for more safe distance between students as they eat.

STUDENT SPACING/SOCIAL DISTANCING

Cafeteria seating will provide a minimum of four (4) feet separation from face-to-face when the cafeteria is

occupied to full capacity. Additional space will be available with smaller lunch groups. Normally designed to

accommodate 12 students per table, our cafeteria seating will be limited to six (6) students per table.

CLEANING and SANITATION

Cleaning and sanitation of walls, floors, counters, cafeteria tables and furniture will continue to be a top

priority prior to each lunch period. Cafeteria tables will be sanitized by hand after each lunch period. Hospital-

grade cleaning supplies, recommended by leading manufacturers and the Center for Disease Control (CDC) will

be used on cafeteria tables, serving lines, and on the point of purchase station. A combination of hand

cleaning and the use of electrostatic-misting sanitizing equipment will be used to thoroughly clean and

disinfect each room on a daily basis.

FOOD TRAYS, DISHES and SILVERWARE

As always, food trays, dishes, and silverware will be washed and disinfected after each use. These items will be

placed in a commercial dishwasher that uses extremely hot water and approved detergents to clean and

sanitize all the dishware. Disposable food containers will be used as often as possible. Shared food dispensers

such as our spice and condiments bar as well as our Fixins’ and Salad Bar will be discontinued until further

notice to minimize shared food opportunities and to increase safety. Prepackaged and individually wrapped

food items will be offered as much as possible during lunch and breakfast service.

WHO - 3’

CDC – 6’

3

CAFETERIA (Pre K – 12)

SETTING (Continued) STUDENT LINES

While waiting in the cafeteria lines, students will be

spaced five (5) to six (6) feet apart. The hallways on

either side of the cafeteria will be used for students to line

be safely and properly distanced apart from one

another while waiting for food service.

Cafeteria Table Seating Arrangement

Pre-COVID – 12 Students/Table

Cafeteria Table Seating Arrangement

2020-21 – 6 Students/Table

4’ – 5’

4’ – 5’

5’ – 6’

4

RESTROOM AREAS Restroom and locker rooms will continue to be cleaned and

disinfected daily using hospital-grade cleaners and electrostatic

misting sprayers. Each evening, the custodial staff will deep-

clean each restroom and locker room area. Throughout each

day, a custodian will mist-clean each restroom area using an

electrostatic misting machine. Students will be encouraged to

use restrooms only when necessary. Sanitizing hand soap will be

available in every restroom and students/staff will be

encouraged to wash their hands for 20 seconds, using warm

water as a rinse.

FACILITY CLEANING The Shanksville-Stonycreek School District has always

taken pride in the cleanliness and appearance of our

educational facility. The COVID term of “deep-cleaning” is

not a new concept to our maintenance and custodial staff.

Our staff has always cleaned and sanitized our facility at a high standard on a daily basis. This high standard

will continue but with the addition of new hospital-grade cleaning equipment and cleaning products. The

addition of electrostatic misting equipment will allow our staff to sanitize every corner, floor to ceiling, in

addition to the traditional “hand-scrubbed” method of cleaning. Our custodial staff will be cleaning night and

day in an effort to provide a safe and healthy learning environment for our students.

It is the goal of the Shanksville-Stonycreek School District to provide the cleanest and most sanitized facility

available to our students, staff, and community on a daily basis. This is a non-negotiable philosophy that has

been adopted by our staff, administration and school board that will increase the safety within our facility and

decrease the likelihood of COVID or other infectious diseases spreading throughout our facility.

WHO - 3’

CDC – 6’

WHO - 3’

CDC – 6’

5

INSTRUCTION

& CURRICULUM Traditional Curriculum

For many years, the Shanksville-Stonycreek School

District has focused on a student-centered

curriculum that is aligned to PA State and National

Standards. In 2001, No Child Left Behind (NCLB)

introduced standardized testing including the PSSA

and Keystone exam. Our curriculum was modified and adapted to better prepare students for these

standardized tests as well as provide them with general instruction that focused directly on core curriculum.

Most recently, there has been a focus on Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math (STEAM), which

has developed from a direct response to industry leaders as they share their expectations and work

requirements with educators. Career preparedness and awareness has also emerged recently as a key

component to a child’s education. Along with the advancement of technology and its increased integrated use

in education and industry, Shanksville-Stonycreek has always strived to keep our curriculum up-to-date and

comparable to schools across the state, nation and globally. Our vocational students continue to have hands-

on, practical instruction at the Somerset County Technology Center (SCTC), as they develop vocational skills in

their individual fields of study.

Our goal is to provide our students with the best educational opportunities possible to prepare them for their

next step in life after high school. Whether students choose to pursue a college degree, enter the military, or

go directly into the workforce, our curriculum and instructional program is designed to support them in any

endeavor they choose.

Until the COVID -19 Pandemic struck our nation in March, 2020, teachers provided these opportunities face-

to-face within the confines of our brick-and-mortar school building with several opportunities being available

for students to participate in online courses when desired.

As of March 13, 2020, that has all changed!

CHANGES TO INSTRUCTION – What has changed?

Our curriculum, what we teach and courses we offer, has not changed as a result of the COVID-19 school

building closure. What has changed is the format in which we will deliver the instruction. With the uncertainty

of future building closures during the 2020-2021 school year, we have to be prepared to deliver instruction in

a variety of ways, rather than in a single face-to-face format as has been done in the past.

6

INSTRUCTION

& CURRICULUM (Continued)

BLENDED OPPORTUNITIES

During the COVID closure, many of you are aware,

our students had to continue their education

through the use of paper/pencil packets and

eventually, online instruction through the use of

Google Classroom, Zoom, and other online formats.

Only those who had electronic devices and/or internet service were able to fully participate in direct

instruction with their teachers during the closure. We are now better prepared to introduce a BLENDED

METHOD of instruction as we return to school in fall 2020. We are expanding our learning opportunities and

methods of instruction to blend traditional classroom instruction with an increased use of technology and

online instructional programs. Explained below are the new Blended Opportunities that will be available at

Shanksville-Stonycreek.

BLENDED INSTRUCTION - CHANGES

One-to-One Computer Initiative – During the 2020-21 school year, students in grades 6 – 12 will be provided a

Chromebook electronic device to be used for educational assignments and projects. Each student will be

personally responsible for their device and will be expected to bring it to school and take it home daily to

enable them to participate in online and in-person instruction.

SCHOOLOGY – Schoology is a learning management system that supports face-to-face and

virtual learning. Teachers have been trained on the use of Schoology as one component of

their instructional and educational program. Schoology will become part of students’ daily

instruction and will allow them to continue their education with little interruption in the event of another

short or long-term school closure. Students will be trained by their teacher on how to use Schoology as soon

as the school year begins.

PAPER PACKETS – The use of paper packets as a means of providing instruction is not a new idea in the world

of education. However, the use of these informational packets as instruction has changed during the COVID

closure. We will limit the use of paper packets with a focus on students using online and virtual resources as

their primary learning source.

7

HALLWAY

TRAFFIC A one-way traffic pattern will be used in the

hallways and staircases to promote social

distancing. The middle school/high school staircase

closest to the library will be up-only and the

staircase closest to the high school office will be

down-only. The ramp near the computer labs will not be used for daily foot traffic. Hallways and staircases will

be clearly marked with directional markers.

EXTRA

CURRICULAR Extra-Curricular activities and athletics will continue to be

provided while following the guidelines provided by PDE,

PIAA, CDC and other organizational restrictions/requirements.

Student Activities (Reading Competition, Student Council, etc.) will continue to meet while practicing social

distancing guidelines.

The Shanksville-Stonycreek School District Athletic, Health and Safety Plan and Team Activity Guidelines are

available on our website for review at www.sssd.com.

WHO - 3’

CDC – 6’

WHO - 3’

CDC – 6’

8

FACIAL

COVERINGS On July 1, 2020, the Pennsylvania Secretary of Health issued the

Universal Face Covering Order, requiring that face-coverings are worn by

every Pennsylvanian aged 2 and over when not inside the home.

Although we know many have strong feelings about wearing face-

coverings, the District must obey such orders.

Parents/guardians have asked to know the details about the face-covering order as it applies to their

children’s attendance in school, as this information may affect decisions about educational preferences.

Please note that students are not required to wear masks the entire school day.

Per Department of Education directives, students are NOT required to wear face-coverings the entire school

day. For instance, students will not need to wear them…

1. During scheduled lunch or snack, if they are eating or drinking while socially distanced.

2. When they are seated at desks or assigned work spaces while socially distanced.

3. When they are engaged in any activity while socially distanced (e.g. face covering breaks, etc.).

4. If they have applicable medical conditions or disabilities that make wearing a face-covering a health

risk, as determined by a physician.

5. You can select the type of face-covering that makes your child the most comfortable. For instance,

bandanas, 2 or 3-ply masks, cloth masks, face shields, and gaiters are all acceptable face-coverings, as

long as they can cover the mouth and nose. All face-coverings must comply with each building’s dress

code, i.e. they may not depict inappropriate graphics or language.

Please note that students are required to wear face-coverings on the bus and when they cannot social

distance in school. Students are welcomed to wear a face-covering the entire school day, if they or their

parent/guardians wish.

More information about the Pennsylvania Department of Education’s requirements for schools in regards to

the Secretary of Health’s order can be found at this link:

https://www.education.pa.gov/Schools/safeschools/emergencyplanning/COVID-

19/Waivers/MaskWearing/Pages/default.aspx.

WHO - 3’

CDC – 6’

9

BUSSING &

TRANSPORTATION Seating on busses is one of the largest challenges schools

will be facing while trying to comply with social distancing

guidelines. Several modifications have been made to

improve safe distancing in an attempt to minimize the spread of COVID-19 or other infectious diseases. The

following changes have been made while students ride school buses.

Social Distancing/Facial Coverings – Students (or families of students) will be separated as much as possible

and distanced throughout the entire bus using assigned seats to maximize social distancing space. Students

will be required to wear facial coverings on the bus at all times for safety purposes.

Seated By Family or Household – Students who reside in the same household will be seated together on the

bus, regardless of age. Traditionally, older students like to be seated near the rear of the bus with the younger

students seated near the front. Students will be seated in the following manner:

AM Run /Loading – First students picked-up will be seated near the rear of the bus and fill-in towards the

front until the last students are picked up, who will be seated near the front of the bus.

AM Run/Offloading – Students near the front of the bus will off-load first with the remainder of the students

following until the bus is empty.

PM Runs – Students will sit in the same assigned seat.

VANS – Vans will operate as they have in the past. The number of students will be minimized when possible.

As much spacing

as possible

will be used.

PLEASE ENCOURAGE YOUR CHILD TO STAY SEATED AT ALL TIMES AND FOLLOW

ALL BUS RULES.

It is strongly recommended for all students to wear masks on the bus at all times.

10

VISITORS &

VOLUNTEERS Visitors and volunteers are an important part of our school programming. Unfortunately, with health and

physical safety being a top priority within our educational facility during the COVID-19 pandemic, we will not

be permitting visitors into the building until further notice. Volunteers will only be permitted on an as-

needed basis and only with approval from the Administration. Parents will not be permitted to eat lunch with

their children as has happened in the past.

SERVICE PROVIDERS &

OUTSIDE GROUPS Service Providers such as Physical Therapy, Speech & Hearing Therapy, Occupational Therapy, CYS, DBHMC,

and other student services providers will be permitted to continue their services within the school building as

long as they adhere to the CDC and Commonwealth of Pennsylvania safety guidelines. Other outside groups

such as College Recruiters, Military Recruiters, Career Recruiters will only be permitted with prior approval

from the Administration. We will continue to make these resources available to our students with modified

arrangements.

PHASED SCHOOL REOPENING

HEALTH & SAFETY PLAN Each school district in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is required to submit a Phased School Reopening

Health and Safety Plan to the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE). This plan addresses the Return To

School plan that will be unique to each individual school district. Our plan is approved by the Shanksville-

Stonycreek Board of School Directors and is available at www.sssd.com and on the Shanksville-Stonycreek

Facebook page.

11

http://www.sssd.com/

HOW CAN PARENTS HELP? The COVID-19 pandemic is unprecedented as a world-wide health crisis. We realize that there are many

unanswered questions and ways in which to address many concerns. The health and well-being of our school

and community is our top priority. You will see many changes to our daily routines and instructional methods

as we continue to provide a strong and meaningful education to our students. We understand that many of

the modifications to the educational environment are inconvenient. We feel strongly that these measures are

in the best interest of our entire community. In times of crisis, we all have to work together to support each

other in our shared effort to overcome all obstacles and promote a safe environment.

We realize that emotions are running high for everyone as we prepare to reopen our public schools. We need

your help to promote safety within our building and to encourage a positive outlook to our student body as

we enter into the 2020-2021 school year. Please consider helping your children, our students, in the following

ways:

Monitoring your child’s health prior to sending them to school. If they are sick, please do not send

them to school.

Emphasize personal hygiene and frequent hand washing with warm water and soap.

Make sure your child has all necessary school supplies, lunches, snacks, glasses, etc., PRIOR to them

arriving to school.

Check your child’s book bag daily and help them organize appropriately since they will have limited

access to their lockers.

Encourage your child to remain positive to help them adjust to the new school environment.

Communicate with the school if you have concerns about your child’s mental health and well-being.

Please understand that our modified policies, procedures and daily routines may change with new

mandates or recommendations.

Provide a labeled water bottle for your child to use at the new water filling stations since water

fountains will not be available for use.

Experiment with various face coverings and find the most comfortable option for them to wear when

required.

This is a short list of ways to help prepare your child for their return to school. We are looking forward to their

safe return. With so many unknown factors being involved in the COVID-19 return to school plan, we would

much rather be overly-cautious than underprepared to ensure the safety of our students, staff, and

community.

12

IMPORTANT

TELEPHONE NUMBERS

School 814-267-4649

Business Office ............. Prompt 8 Elementary Office ......... Prompt 7 Secondary Office........... Prompt 6 Transportation .............. Prompt 8

NON-PROFIT

U.S. Postage PAID

Permit No. 2

Shanksville, PA 15560

Shanksville-Stonycreek School District

PO Box 128

Shanksville, PA 15560-0128 The halls have been dark,

but the light has remained

in our hearts.