March 31, 2020
Dear Berlin Brothersvalley School District Families:
Countries across the world have seen firsthand the dangers and impacts of COVID-19. Due to this pandemic, our nation is now facing unprecedented challenges. As your superintendent, I recognize that Pennsylvania’s shutdown of schools and non-life-sustaining businesses is impacting our collective community and each of you individually.
At this time, we do not have any idea when we will return to normal operations, therefore families should prepare for an extended shutdown period. In consideration of that possibility, there have been many questions pertaining to Berlin Brothersvalley School District’s Continuity of Education (CoE) plan now that Pennsylvania’s school shutdown indefinitely.
Please know that we are taking direction from the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) and their directives may change due to the fluidity of the crisis. Additionally, we only have essential personnel present in our buildings and almost all other employees are working remotely.
As a district, our staff has been working to develop educational opportunities and systems that support the social, emotional, physical, and educational needs of all students, while acknowledging and addressing the personal challenges that you may be facing in your family and work lives. Throughout the shutdown, teams of Berlin Brothersvalley School District administrators, teachers, and support staff have been meeting remotely to create a Continuity of Education (CoE) plan which involves a variety of learning methodologies.
Due to these efforts and ongoing to refine the process, Berlin Brothersvalley School District began our Continuity of Education (CoE) plan for our students, teachers, and families on March 30, 2020. Currently, all school buildings in Pennsylvania are closed indefinitely. Even though our buildings are closed, learning continues! Our overall goal is to prepare our students for graduation and provide our underclassmen with the skills and knowledge to be prepared for the next grade level.
As educators, we are aware of the many challenges ahead as we implement an approach to learning that is new for many teachers, students, and families. Therefore, I encourage ALL of us to practice patience and work collaboratively to educate our students. I am confident that our community will rally together and work to the best of our ability to navigate these unchartered waters. Please contact your building principals with any questions or for further guidance.
Sincerely,
Dr. David F. Reeder, Superintendent
Tuesday, March 31, 2020
Good afternoon,
On Monday, March 30, Governor Wolf and Secretary of Education, Pedro Rivera announced that all Pennsylvania school buildings would be closed indefinitely. Even though school buildings are closed, our instructional programs will continue through whatever timeline is necessary.
We are planning another distribution of instructional materials on Thursday, April 2 from 2:00 – 6:00 p.m. using the same locations and format as the first distribution. Many of our grade levels and content classes are able to deliver online work for students. However, some grade levels and content courses will still provide packet information if needed. The work distributed on Thursday, April 2, will be for the time period of April 6 through April 24. Some teachers may be providing work which can be utilized for a longer interval if possible for efficiency in the distribution process. If you are not able to pick up the materials for any reason, please contact your school principal or the district office to make alternate arrangements. Please be reminded that our current office coverage is from 8:00 a.m. until 12 noon Monday through Friday. Unless otherwise notified by teachers, materials will be available for pickup.
We have verified with law enforcement that the most recent “stay at home order” does not prevent us from continuing with this distribution on Thursday.
Thank you for working with staff to continue the education of our students.
Monday, March 30, 2020
Governor Wolf announced that all schools will remain closed until further notice as we work to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 and protect the health of all Pennsylvanians.
Dear Families & Community:
We are all continuing to adjust to challenging schedules and timelines as COVID-19 dominates the current landscape. We will continue our distance learning process indefinately as per guidance from the Pennsylavania Department of Education. An instructional material distribution date has been set for Thursday, April 2nd from 2PM - 6PM for pick-up of instructional materials. Please communicate with your teachers in regard to who will have intstructional material for pick-up.
Communication is critical in order to continue meaningful instruction for students. We believe that most of our community is able to access our teachers via internet but also believe that some may struggle with this based on geographical location. By this time, you should have confirmed your access to your student's teachers. If not, please do so ASAP. Emailing your teachers would verify that information they send is being received.
High school students are reminded to check their school email accounts for communication from teachers. Students should be currently utilizing their Chromebooks for off-campus instruction.
We know this is a stressful time for families and our counselors are available should you need assistance.
Elementary: Mr. Hay khay@bbsd.com
Middle School: Mr. Smith msmith@bbsd.com
High School: Mrs. McMillen cmcmillen@bbsd.com
Please continue to visit our website for important information. As an example, information regarding affordable internet for eligible households has been posted.
We will continue to update you as information changes and is available.
Thank you.
Affordable Internet at Home for Eligible Households:
https://
Dear Families & Community:
This afternoon, the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) announced that all schools in the Commonwealth will remain closed through at least April 6. The earliest that students might return to school is Thursday, April 9. This return is contingent on the containment of the COVID-19 virus.
On a positive note, today we distributed instructional materials for all our students from
Kindergarten through Twelfth grade. Approximately 96% of our students and families picked up their packets for use at home. This is a credit to the great community that makes up the Berlin Brothersvalley School District who are committed to making sure that their children may continue their learning outside the school walls.
It is also a credit to our stellar teachers who prepared all these instructional materials for distribution today. Please review the information from teachers included in the packets and thank them for their dedication!
If you were not able to pick up materials today, please contact the district at (814) 267 - 4621 to make arrangements for building access from 8:00 AM until 12 Noon on Tuesday.
Our Flexible Instruction Days will officially begin on Monday, March 30 as per PDE guidelines.
This does not preclude you from diving in early to begin learning! You will find many enjoyable
activities in your packets which will make learning fun and meaningful. Information in the
packets will provide guidance regarding the communication process your teachers will utilize to assist your learning journey.
It seems that our world continues to change and we will continue to adapt and work together
to provide a quality education for our children.
Dr. David F. Reeder
Superintendent
How long will schools be closed?
The Governor has ordered the closure of all Pennsylvania public schools for two weeks, which will extend through March 27, 2020. The Governor’s Office will determine if additional closure is necessary. We will communicate directly with families as the District receives additional notifications.
Will you re-evaluate the situation before students are required to return to school?
The Governor will continue to monitor the situation and issue notifications on the status of the State-wide closure. When the Governor, determines that the closure will be lifted, the District will also make a separate determination as to our local readiness to return to school.
Are we required to make up the missed days?
The Governor has indicated that school districts will not be penalized for the two-week closure. In other words, the State does not expect that these days be made up.
Our District prides itself on the education of students and recognizes the importance of instructional time spent with students. We will assess the valuable instructional time lost and make decision on missed days once we have a better idea on the scope of the closure.
Are there instructional expectations during the closure?
During the initial two-week closure, there will be no instructional assignments that are graded.
If a closure extends beyond the initial two weeks, then the District may need to provide more structured learning opportunities for students (via online learning models, more detailed assignments, etc.).
How can I retrieve my child’s medication from school?
Call Mr. Mudry in the middle school to make arrangements to pick up medication if needed. (814) 267 – 4621.
Will students have access to meals during the closure?
We are planning to begin a meal service on Wednesday, March 18, 2020 at the middle school gym from 10 AM – 12 Noon. Lunch and breakfast pickup for the following morning will be provided. Parents should contact the district (267 – 4621) if interested in participating in order to prepare enough food on each pickup day. In addition, students who participate in the “Backpack Program” will be able to pick up their food for the weekend during the Friday meal distribution time. Additional details are located on the district website.
How can our Community support students in need?
We have received an outpouring of support from individuals and organizations within our community. As we assess our needs we will engage groups such as the local ministerium who have offered support.
Will prom and graduation continue as scheduled? What about other school events?
A decision has not yet been made on the continuation of events like Prom and Graduation. These decisions would be influenced by the potential spread of the Coronavirus and recommendations issued by State and Local Authorities. We recognize that these are important events for students and their families and will communicate any changes as they become known.
All events are currently canceled through March 27, 2020. Individual buildings will communicate the status of scheduled events for any events outside this window.
Will there be a spring sports season?
The PIAA has not made a final decision on the status of the spring sports season. In the meantime, all athletic and extra-curricular activities have been postponed until further notice.
What does the closure mean for AP exams, standardized tests (PSSA and Keystone Exam), and SAT/ACT/AP?
The PA Department of Education will provide guidance regarding the requirements to administer the PSSA or Keystone Exam. We are awaiting further guidance on schedules related to these tests.
Currently we know the following:
The April 4 ACT has been rescheduled for June 13, 2020.
The May 2nd SAT administration is cancelled.
School Day SAT information will be shared when available.
Advanced Placement (AP) information will be shared when available.
We will communicate any further changes to the schedules for SAT, ACT or AP as they become better defined. These organizations have acknowledged the emergency situation and are preparing options as a result of school closures across the United States.
What are BBSD office hours during the closure?
The district offices may be contacted by phone from 8:00 AM - 12:00 Noon on Monday thru Friday by phone at (814) 267 – 4621.
March 16, 2020
As you are aware, we are all in unchartered territory with the closure of all schools in Pennsylvania due to the COVID-19 virus. We have been communicating with the State, surrounding counties and districts as well as our elected representatives as we seek clarification and guidance moving through these two weeks.
Our first order of business is to provide adequate nutrition for students in need over this period of time. Beginning on Wednesday, March 18, 2020, Berlin Brothersvalley School District will provide breakfast and lunch for any students who need food during this school closure. The meals will be available for pickup only, from 10 AM until 12 noon each weekday beginning Wednesday, March 18. The process for pickup will be to enter the middle school main doors, pick up the food in the middle school gym and exit the gym exterior doors.
We need to get an idea of how much food to prepare for pickup. If you wish to utilize this service, please call the district on Tuesday, March 17, on the main office line (267 – 4621) between the hours of 8 AM and 12 noon.
Thank you for your cooperation as we work through this challenging time. Please refer to our district website for updates.
Thank you.
The FFA Banquet and Wrestling Banquet have been postponed due to the Covid-19 issues.
Scholarship OpportunitiesSeniors & Juniors - Be sure to check out available scholarship opportunities.
Southern Alleghenies Planning and Development Commission was recently awarded a grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission to complete an analysis of broadband needs in the region. The study will inventory existing broadband assets, identify gaps in service, and develop a plan for improving connectivity throughout the region. As part of the study, SAP&DC is conducting a survey to assess current levels of broadband service and needs.
The results of this survey will help guide SAP&DC on how best to ensure that residents and businesses in the region have affordable and adequate access to broadband internet. Participation is important, as it will help support future grant applications that can fund improved broadband infrastructure.
Take the survey in less than 5 minutes by visiting one of the follow websites:
For Your Home: https://tinyurl.com/BroadbandHOME
For Your Business: https://tinyurl.com/BroadbandBiz
2020 yearbooks are currently on sale for $68.00. Please see Mrs. Ritenour or contact her at britenour@bbsd.com to place an order. Orders can also be placed online through the following link: https://www.yearbookordercenter.com/. Enter order #13298. All orders need to be placed by Friday, April 24th.
As part of Pennsylvania's Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), Berlin Brothersvalley is required to post its ESSA Report Card.
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