From staff reports
Union School District has announced that if Clarion County remains in Gov. Tom Wolf’s green phase, district students will be brought back for face-to-face learning when the school year starts Aug. 26.
Information from the school district says Union High School is following the district’s health and safety school reopening plan to welcome students back. The district says it plans to use the least restrictive measures allowed by government officials to open school.
Students will be required to wear a face mask while on school provided transportation and during transitions in the hallways. All classrooms will be sanitized between classes, and students won’t need to wear masks in classrooms if they are sufficiently social distanced.
During physical activity in gym class or other activities, the district says it doesn’t plan to make students wear masks as this poses other hazards due to decreased oxygen availability and increased CO2 inhalation.
Students who have a medical condition that prohibits wearing a face covering, as documented by a physician, may schedule a meeting with building administrators and appropriate personnel to discuss the student’s needs. The team can then build a plan to address the medical concerns of the student, which may include an exemption from the mask requirement if recommended by the physician.
The district has purchased two masks for every student, or students can wear their own masks from home.
Distance learning an option
The district says distance learning is also an option for students who aren’t able to return to the physical school environment or whose parents have concerns about returning to the physical building during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Students would follow their normal school schedule and be able to participate with their classmates and teacher who are in physical attendance.
The district says this is its preferred method of distance education for students as it keeps them connected with the school, their classmates and their teachers.
“It also allows us to consistently monitor student progress and alter the educational program to meet any of the student’s needs like we would if they were in the physical classroom,” the district said.
The last option would be to attend a traditional cyber program, and the district says that is its least preferred option. The district says this option comes at a substantial cost that ranges from $18,000 to $36,000 per student and removes the connection between the student and their school peers.
Back to school evening
The district says it is planning a back to school evening soon for parents and students. The event will allow parents to ask questions of each department in relation to the return to school.
Information on this event will be mailed to families, according to the district.
The district hopes to set up tables in the football stadium to allow family members to ask questions, receive clarification and schedule appointments for meetings to address individual needs of each student.