Catasauqua Area School District is moving to online instruction for the week after the holiday break - Jan. 4-8, 2021 - according to Superintendent of Schools Robert Spengler.

Spengler sent a notification Dec. 22 informing families that all students in kindergarten through 12th grade will do virtual learning that first week to minimize the potential spread of COVID-19 in the district due to holiday gatherings.

“As you have observed, the district experienced significant activity including quarantines and testing-related absences after the Thanksgiving holiday,” Spengler said. “While a very small number of positive student cases resulted, the impact was felt in staffing our programs and the ability to effectively follow the Pennsylvania Department of Health recommendations.”

Students are expected to return to regular instruction Jan. 11, 2021.

This virtual week is a “proactive decision” meant to help preserve the district’s parent-choice instructional model of full in-person learning or online instruction for the school year, according to Spengler.

“Research and experience are clear that the social interactions and in-person learning we are able to provide in the Catasauqua Area School District are of the utmost benefit to your child’s education,” Spengler noted. “Our ultimate goal is to continue our successful five-day-per- week in-person model of instruction since our students and families benefit tremendously as a result.”

Spengler shared his appreciation for the understanding of district families at this time. He also expressed gratitude for the support shared in allowing the district to continue with in-person learning.

“Please have an enjoyable, healthy, safe and prosperous holiday and New Year,” Spengler said.

For more information and COVID-19 updates in the district, go to pa02217706.schoolwires.net/domain/653.