Catasauqua Area School District Superintendent Robert Spengler shared information regarding the 2020-21 school year in a post on the district’s Facebook page July 1.

CASD administration reviewed the recent survey taken by parents, guardians and other stakeholders, as well as the latest research, medical recommendations and best practices, to begin formulating a plan for the fall, according to Spengler.

“We have also led and participated in numerous Lehigh Valley Task Forces to determine the models and practices that result in the most valuable experience for our students,” he said.

Spengler reported they are working on the CASD Health and Safety Plan and expect to have it ready for school board approval the week of July 20.

“In order to work toward a successful return in the fall of 2020, it is paramount we work together as a community in providing a safe environment for our students, staff and families,” Spengler said.

He noted the goal is to have students return to in-person classes in the schools, as recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics. In order to return to in-person classes, there may be changes and adjustments to the traditional school day to maintain safety guidelines for the students and staff, he said.

“As you know, this is a monumental task, but I am confident we will produce a plan that meets the needs of all stakeholders of our school district,” Spengler said.

Spengler recommended all students have a mask to wear during the school day when social-distancing guidelines cannot be met. One possible example is on the school bus. Students may be required to wear face coverings in order to safely offer bus transportation.

“All staff members will be provided with face shields and personal protective equipment in order to provide protection as well as the ability to communicate effectively and meaningfully,” he said.

Spengler also recommends all students and staff members bring a water bottle with them to school. He said there will be additional water bottle filling stations installed at each school building.

It is encouraged parents and guardians have a thermometer at home to regularly perform temperature checks before each school day.

Spengler reported they are also creating instructional models to include an option for families who prefer to stick with virtual learning. This will be a robust learning model linked directly to the learning in the physical classroom with parallel resources.

Additionally, there will be a plan for complete online instruction should the region re-enter a phase that prohibits in-person interaction.

Extra resources include new iPads, purchased for every student in kindergarten through 12th grade.

“This device will be used in school and taken home, providing the flexibility of virtual instruction if conditions necessitate the transition or if a family illness causes a need for a student to connect virtually to his/her classroom for a short period of time,” Spengler said.

He recommended a quiet location be established in the home if possible for the student to perform school work and communicate with teachers.

Spengler also reminded parents and guardians the school day may be up to 30 minutes shorter, so they should plan ahead for any day care needs. The shorter school day would allow staff members to be available for those students learning remotely due to illness or part of the virtual learning program.

Spengler reported he will continue to communicate updates with the community, and building principals will be in contact with families with additional information and procedures.

“We are all in this together, and it will take our collective efforts to provide a meaningful and enjoyable school year for all,” Spengler said. “I have no doubt that our Catty community will rise to the occasion!”