The Salisbury Township school board held a curriculum and technology committee meeting Jan. 25 via Zoom.

The meeting opened on a sentimental note, with a moment of silence for Donna Ritter, a former instructional assistant at Salisbury High School who died recently. The administrative staff and the board sent warm condolences to her family.

Superintendent Lynn Fuini-Hetten then played a video with clips of students from Salisbury Elementary School thanking the board members for all of their hard work and dedication in honor of School Board Recognition Month, celebrated each year in January.

Director of Teaching and Learning Kelly Pauling facilitated a presentation on the return to brick and mortar learning, starting for the district’s youngest students Jan. 26, with the balance of the student body returning Feb. 8. Building leaders provided updates on key points for the return to face-to-face learning.

Salisbury Elementary School Principal Zachary Brem was pleased to report the school will be able to accommodate all parent requests for their preferred model of learning. SES staff is excited to implement new school dismissal technology, School Dismissal Manager for the return to in-person schooling.

Salisbury Middle School Principal Ken Parliman reported staff have been busy investigating ways to socialize students through creative online and face-to-face options. Another benefit of the schedule planned is that it continues to offer students additional time to connect with teachers for support, regardless if they are learning in the school building or virtually.

Salisbury High School Principal Heather Morningstar reported high school students will return to school on a hybrid schedule. However, 37 percent of students will be remaining in the virtual learning model.

Board President George Gatanis asked if at that rate of students learning from home if social distancing guidelines could be met in high school classrooms, allowing the balance of students to attend class in person five days a week.

Morningstar said the number of students opting to stay home would need to be closer to 50 percent in order to allow for six feet of social distancing in all classrooms.

Other positive news reported during the meeting included the purchase of additional resources for teachers in the district using grant funds.

Equipment such as document cameras, a 360-degree microphone/speaker and tripods were purchased to support virtual learning.

In addition, SES has been recognized by the state for their positive behavior and intervention support program. The motto “responsible, respectful & safe” is a guiding principal of the program and “Falcon Feathers” are used to reinforce positive behavior expectations.

The determination was made after the state sent representatives to interview students and staff at SES. The school will receive a plaque to display in honor of the recognition.

Further updates included the Pennsylvania System School Assessment and Keystone Exams will be administered this year if students opt in and statewide graduation requirements are postponed until the Class of 2023.

The next curriculum and technology meeting will be held 7 p.m. Feb. 22 via Zoom.