• July 1, 2020

    Dear Methacton Families,

    With this message, I hope to encourage your family and you to truly enjoy this Independence Day weekend. Celebrate and do what makes sense for you and your loved ones. Please keep the spirit of the 4th in your hearts and minds as you enjoy this holiday.

    I also want to share important information and a timeline for our reopening plan as we work towards welcoming back students to Methacton Schools on Monday, August 31, 2020.

    REMINDER- You will find all released and upcoming documents and
    communications relevant to the reopening of Methacton Schools here.

    Please refer to the timeline below for the process inclusive of parent feedback events as we work towards approval on July 28, 2020.

    • July 6, 2020 Education Committee of the Board - Preliminary Draft Presentation and

    Discussion of Instructional and Health and Safety Plan

    • July 8, 2020 Release of Methacton Online Parent Interest Query – Soft Registration
    • July 14, 2020 Present Plans to Parent Review Committee (Home and School Representatives)
    • July 21, 2020 Board of School Directors – Work Session of the Board- Presentation of Plans

    Plans in DRAFT format will be posted to Board Agenda for public review

    • July 22, 2020 Public Focus Group Presentation and Feedback
    • July 23, 2020 Public Focus Group Presentation and Feedback
    • July 28, 2020 Board of School Directors – Final Approval of Instructional and Phased Health and Safety Plan
    • July 29, 2020 Communications on Plan Distributed in all forms- Phone call, Email, Web site, Facebook, Twitter
    • August 5, 2020 Methacton Online Parental Commitment Deadline

    NOTE: Public Focus Groups on 7/22 and 7/23 will cover identical matters – Two dates held for parent/guardian convenience.

    Plan Summary:

    Schools are fundamental to the development and well-being of children and provide academic, social and emotional, safety, nutrition, and opportunities for physical activity, among many other benefits. Consistent with the American Academy of Pediatrics, as well as many health organizations who are strongly advocating for students to be physically present in school this Fall, the Methacton School District’s reopening plan focuses on providing on-premises instruction by Methacton teachers using our Methacton curriculum and resources. The district is planning to provide as close to traditional on premises live instruction to students in core, elective, related arts, and special areas as possible, while taking health and safety measures that will require some modifications to some courses, gatherings, and daily routines.

    The plan accounts for the on premises offerings from an instructional, health and safety focus. It also addresses the following needs:

    • The continuity of education for students who may be required to quarantine as a result of guidance from a medical professional;
    • The continuity of instruction for all students dependent on the level of viral transmission in the school and throughout the community where teachers will be prepared to deliver instruction regardless of place;
    • Outlines an alternative to on premises instruction where Methacton curriculum is delivered via Google Classroom with live synchronous whole class, small group, and individualized instruction by Methacton teachers entitled Methacton Online.

    I am grateful to our community for your partnership and support as we work together to reopen Methacton Schools.

    Sincerely,

    Dr. David Zerbe
    Superintendent of Schools