The Cheltenham School District has announced it is closing its seven schools from Tuesday, March 10th through Friday, March 13th due to a district parent having been a caregiver to a patient with a presumptive case of Coronavirus. The district has also canceled all field trips through April 13th.
Below is the announcement:
This morning, CSD Administration learned of a district parent who was the caregiver to a patient with a presumptive case of COVID-19 (coronavirus). The parent has self-quarantined herself and her child. Because of this and any possible transmission to community members, all Cheltenham School District buildings will be closed Tuesday, March 10 through Friday, March 13. This decision was reached in consultation with the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services, and made out of an abundance of caution. As of this afternoon, there are only five confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Montgomery County, none in the Cheltenham School District.
In addition, to reduce or mitigate possible exposure by our students and staff, all field trips have been canceled until students return from spring break on Monday, April 13. The Legislative Board meeting on Tuesday, March 10 will be rescheduled. All CSD buildings are closed to co-curricular activities, and outside organizations with events scheduled in district buildings are also canceled until further notice.
During this four-day closure, maintenance and custodial staff will deep clean all seven schools and the administration building. Cleaning crews will pay special attention to high-touch areas, including door knobs, railings, desktops, student chairs, toilets, soap dispensers, toilet flush handles, faucets, sinks, water fountains, paper towel dispensers, light switches, handles, buttons, sanitary receptacles, countertops-reception, lids and push bars.
The district included four “snow days” in the 2019-20 calendar, and, therefore, these four days will not count against the 180 student days the Pennsylvania Department of Education requires. District administration will use these four days to devise a remote learning plan should a need to close schools arise again. During April’s professional learning day for teachers, remote learning plans will be further developed as a contingency.
According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, beginning later this week or next week, Secretary Pedro Rivera will be hosting weekly coronavirus updates via Zoom for superintendents. Some of the issues to be addressed include athletics, PSSAs and the 180 day rule.
Upon their return to school, students will participate in an assembly about appropriate hygiene habits, including washing hands with soap and water for no less than 20 seconds and not touching their face.
To reiterate the point from my most recent communication, I do not want to cause panic, however, I must prioritize the interests of our students and staff.
For up-to-date information, visit www.cheltenham.org/coronavirus.
As this is a fluid situation, we will keep the lines of communication open and reach out again Friday, March 13 with an update.
Sincerely,
Dr. Wagner Marseille
Superintendent of Schools
GlensideLocal.com will provide publish updates as necessary.