Our school board approved the proposed Hybrid Reopening Plan Aug. 10. You can find detailed information on the plan and other COVID-19 related information on the district website at https://www.basdschools. org/reopening.

By implementing the hybrid plan, we will have roughly 50 percent of students attending school on any given day. As a result, we can meet the social distancing guideline of six feet separation in classrooms, we reduce hallway traffic, we reduce the number of students on buses and in cafeterias at lunch time.

Additionally, although Pa. Department of Health Guidelines do not require masks to be worn in schools when students are six feet apart, we are requiring masks to be worn. Our goal is to enhance the safety of our teachers, staff and students by exceeding state guidelines with regard to masks while meeting guidelines for social distancing. Just like other BASD students, my daughters will be starting this school year wearing masks while in school. This pandemic requires personal sacrifice to protect the wider community. I believe this is an important life lesson that I am happy for my girls to learn.

As an educator and a BASD parent, I recognize and feel the stress that this pandemic is placing on all of us. Parents have been put into the tough position of figuring out what is best for their child and family, given limited options. I am deeply saddened that my two daughters will not be able to spend five days a week in school with their wonderful teachers and their classmates. At the same time, I recognize having them in school two days a week is the most prudent reopening strategy. Our goal is to have a safe hybrid opening, balancing safety concerns with the need to educate our children.

Dr. Joseph Roy

Superintendent

of Schools

BASD