On March 13, Gov. Tom Wolf announced all kindergarten through 12th grade Pennsylvania schools would be closed for 10 business days effective March 16.

According to information provided by the governor’s office, the administration has been working with school districts as well as state and local officials to gather input on this decision.

The Wolf administration will continue to monitor COVID-19 in the commonwealth, and at the end of 10 days will reevaluate and decide whether continued closure is needed.

Wolf made the following statement:

“We understand that these are trying times and recognize the impact of the coronavirus on our students and communities.

First and foremost, my top priority as governor - and that of our education leaders - must be to ensure the health and safety of our students and school communities.

“As such, I am ordering that all schools in the commonwealth close for the next two weeks.

Be aware that no school district will be penalized if it fails to meet the 180-day or school hours requirements.

The Department of Education will work with intermediate units and other stakeholders to support school districts with any continuity of learning plans they may be pursuing.”

“In addition, the Pennsylvania Department of Education announced it received a waiver from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to allow eligible schools to serve meals to low-income students in a noncongregate setting, such as a drive-thru or grab and go, during this closure.

“We will also work with schools to assist them with those plans.”

Parkland School District Superintendent Richard Sniscak followed up with the following letter on the district’s webpage and which was emailed to Parkland families:

“Our priority remains to keep our students, staff and community healthy,” Sniscak wrote. “Therefore, effective immediately, all activities and events that were scheduled to take place in Parkland facilities as well as all field trips and other off-campus learning experiences and athletic activities are canceled through March 29 ...

“The governor stated he will continue to monitor the COVID-19 situation in Pennsylvania and, at the end of 10 business days, will reevaluate and decide whether continued closure is needed.

“We know this is a challenging time for everyone and we appreciate your continued patience and support.

“As communicated earlier this week, Parkland teachers and staff have been preparing e-learning opportunities for students.

“For those of you who filled out a form this week to borrow a learning device and/or Internet hot spot, we are working on a way for you to pick up the device or have it mailed to you.

“We will communicate directly with those families. Parents and guardians are asked to direct any questions to info@parklandsd.org.

This email will be monitored frequently during the closure. We will update our staff and families as any additional information becomes available.”