Northampton Area School District administration is planning for in-person, five-day-per-week classroom instruction this fall. NASD Superintendent of Schools Joseph S. Kovalchik and Assistant Superintendent Dr. Michelle Schoeneberger unveiled the 2021-22 NASD Health and Safety Plan at the July 19 board of education meeting.

The full plan, required to be filed with the commonwealth by July 31, is to be posted July 30 on the NASD website, nasdschools.org.

There’s uncertainty among officials concerning COVID-19 mitigation because of the Delta variant. The Delta variant is the dominant strain of COVID-19 in the United States, representing approximately 83 percent of new infections, as of press time. Unvaccinated people represent nearly 97 percent of severe cases.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention updated its face mask guidance July 27, recommending fully vaccinated people wear masks indoors in areas with “substantial” or “high” transmission of COVID-19 and that school staff, teachers, students and visitors should wear masks, regardless of vaccination status.

Kovalchik hinted at the uncertainty that may await administrators, teachers, students and parents when classes resume when he introduced the plan at the July 19 school board meeting.

“We’re still six weeks out. Things could change,” Kovalchik said. “The American Academy of Pediatrics is recommending face masks for age 2 and up, including staff.”

Kovalchik noted, in a July 20 video chat, the plan will probably be adjusted in the coming weeks because of changes to requirements and recommendations from local health experts, based on the number of positive cases.

An email was sent to parents and guardians July 20 concerning the Aug. 6 deadline for switching educational platforms. Kovalchik said he would continue to post updates.

“We really don’t know how many people are coming back,” Kovalchik said at the July 19 board meeting, noting 97 percent of parents and guardians in the district want in-person, five-day-per-week instruction.

The recommended distancing of students in schools is 3 feet. Kovalchik said there is a good chance they can keep the students distant, but it might be difficult at Northampton Area Middle School.

“We’re going to work with our local experts,” Kovalchik said. “St. Luke’s is our main contractor. I’m meeting with them Wednesday (July 21). We’re in a transition now. Supposedly, the numbers are climbing.”

Health and safety strategies include optional face coverings in buildings and events and required face coverings on district transportation, per state mandate.

The school day will be 8:45 a.m.-3:15 p.m. for elementary students. The NAMS school day is 7:09 a.m.-2:22 p.m. and 7:09 a.m.-2:28 p.m. for Northampton Area High School.

NASD will determine by Aug. 6 if eLearning will be offered. The program is contingent on the number of students enrolled and resources available.

Northampton Cyber Academy continues to be an option. Typically, 75 to 80 students are enrolled. So far, 20 are enrolled, but Kovalchik noted people often wait until mid-August to enroll.

In cafeterias, students will be seated to minimize transmission to the extent feasible and practical. Plexiglas will be in place at cashiers. There will be no cost to purchase a lunch, and cash can be used for a la carte items.

Athletic trainers and health professionals will wear face coverings during direct patient care. Athletes are required to bring their own water to practices and competitions.

There will be continuity of services to assist students academically and emotionally, the plan states. This summer, academic services include the K-12 Summer Bridge Program, high school college and career readiness workshops, extended school year and teacher summer instructional planning and collaboration.

This fall, St. Luke’s University Health Network school-based therapy, Valley Youth House counseling, multitiered systems of support and the student assistance program will be offered.

With the unknowns in consideration, the school board approved the NASD Emergency Instructional Time Template Section 520.1 for the 2021-22 school year, also found on the NASD website.

The board of education next meets 6:30 p.m. Aug. 9 in the NAMS cafeteria, 1617 Laubach Ave., Northampton.