Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf has extended the school closures until further notice.

To help offer continuity and learning skills for students, Catasauqua Area School District is “providing additional guidance and resources to engage students in review, reinforcement and enrichment activities,” according to CASD Superintendent Robert Spengler.

The optional and ungraded activities will focus on concepts students have already been taught. Teachers will not be teaching new lessons or concepts but rather strengthening students’ understanding of previously taught lessons.

The district released a survey for families to better understand and determine students’ access to technology at home. This will help teachers and administrators know how best to reach the students and what methods will meet the students’ needs.

The survey was to be taken by March 30.

Administrators are developing continuity of education plans for the students to provide new learning opportunities in the event of an extended closure.

The Department of Education canceled all PSSA testing and Keystone exams for the 2019-20 school year, as well as the Pennsylvania Alternate System of Assessment (PASA).

Secretary of Education Pedro Rivera canceled standardized testing for students in career and technical education programs for the 2019-20 school year as well. These include exams from the National Occupational Competency Testing Institute (NOCTI) and the National Institute of Metalworking Skills (NIMS).

Furthermore, the college board recently released information related to the 2019-20 exam administration only. The most up-to-date Advanced Placement information can be accessed at apstudents.collegeboard.org/coronavirus-updates.

“We remain committed to prioritizing student learning and providing resources to keep your child(ren) engaged while learning from home,” Spengler said.

In addition to caring about the students’ academic needs, the district understands how emotionally challenging a time like this can be.

“In the event of a mental health emergency, please call Lehigh County Crisis at 610-782-3127 or Northampton County Crisis at 610-252-9060,” Spengler said. “You can also call a toll-free number, 1-855-501-6785, for help on homelessness, food insecurity, mental health counseling, health care services and/or youth and child care programs.”

The district continues to provide food for students in need, during this time of closure, to all CASD residents ages 0-18.

Grab N Go meals will be available 10:30 a.m.-noon April 2. The distribution takes place at Sheckler Elementary School. Proof of residency is required.

District personnel request meal program participants have a clean vehicle trunk when arriving. Walk-ups will be accommodated.

If you are homebound or otherwise unable to make the meal distribution time, either email c3p@cattysd.org or call 610-264-5571 and leave a message including a phone number or email address.

The meal distribution schedule is subject to change and is posted weekly on the district website, cattysd.org, as well as on the Facebook pages of the district and individual schools. Please check these outlets regularly for updates and changes.

“We understand how disruptive this school closure has been to your families - practicing social distancing, supporting at-home learning and fulfilling both home and work-related responsibilities,” Spengler said. “We truly appreciate all that you do to support your children.”