Whether you are headed to the classroom or learning at home, the start of the 2020-21 school year for Catasauqua Area School District is just around the corner - Aug. 31. Welcome, returning and new Catasauqua High School students!

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For members of the Class of 2020, COVID-19 redefined the end of their education. For the Class of 2021, the new normal is likely to be very different. Back-to-school time is always a stressful situation, but add in a global pandemic to the scenario, and some decisions become even tougher. The course of the virus continues to evolve, and it’s because of this the school year will begin in an unprecedented way - changes within the school, in calendars and schedules, traffic patterns, staff assignments, curriculum and the way it is delivered, transportation and food services, athletics and health services.

Change is never easy, but administration and staff have gone above and beyond to adapt and strengthen all practices to make sure the safety of students is their top priority in each and every decision that is made.

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Students, parents and guardians are encouraged to review the information in the CHS 2020-21 reopening plan found on the website. Due to the constant change of COVID-19 safety guidelines, CHS will maintain a Return-to-Learn webpage with COVID-19 guidelines and updates. This webpage should be checked consistently for updates because plans can change as new information is available or as state safety guidelines change.

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First-week reminders: Student arrival times are staggered to help ensure social distancing. While riding on any CASD transportation, students must wear a face covering at all times. Prior to entering the school through the main entrance, students must have their masks on.

All students will be dismissed at the same time but will exit the building in different directions. No lockers will be assigned for this school year. Students should keep all their belongings with them in a book bag or backpack.

The use of restrooms and bottle-filling stations is only permitted during class and not the class transition period.

Grab-and-go breakfast will not be provided during the first week of school.

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Students should always remember to be prepared, to keep their items with them and take them home daily. It’s possible any day could be their last day in the school for a while.

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CASD will be closed in observance of the Labor Day holiday Sept. 4 and Sept. 7. Classes will resume Sept. 8.