Each of the more than 200 schools within the district will create its own individual plan, while meeting the safety guidelines outlined by Superintendent William R. Hite Jr. on Wednesday.
“We are all experiencing a pandemic, and there will surely be challenges ahead during these uncertain times,” said Hite. “But I am confident that by working together, we will be able to provide our students with the education they need and deserve. And by working together, we will be able to develop solutions as problems arise and ensure that we all get through this as safely as possible.”
California’s two largest districts announced Monday that schools will not open for face-to-face classes when the academic year begins in August. The Los Angeles Unified School District and the San Diego Unified School District are the largest school districts to date to forego any kind of in-person learning.
New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio plans for schools in the nation’s largest district to reopen with at least some face-to-face classes in the fall. By proposing three models of staggered face-to-face classes, De Blasio’s plan would allow in-person attendance one to three days a week.
Governor Andrew Cuomo said Monday that in order for in-person classes to be allowed, a region must be in Phase 4 of reopening, which is not New York City.
Philadelphia’s plan is to provide classroom learning for students with complex needs. K-12 students will be assigned to come to school on Monday / Wednesday or Tuesday / Thursday, with all students doing digital learning on Friday.
Teachers and students will receive masks to wear when it is impossible to maintain 6 feet of social distance. The district has different face coverage requirements depending on grade level and will provide the necessary equipment for each student.
Prekindergarten through fifth grade students will receive two face shields and five surgical masks per week. Teachers in these grades will receive two face shields per week.
Students in grades 6-12 will receive five disposable surgical masks per week. And students with special needs will receive two face shields per week.
School safety officers and transportation personnel will receive a year-long face shield and a disposable surgical mask daily.
While nurses, cleaning and maintenance personnel will receive a weekly mask and a disposable surgical mask daily. All employees will receive a cloth mask.
Hite predicted that this plan would cost “somewhere north of $ 60 million” and “could go as high as” $ 80 million. “
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