• August 31, 2020

    Dear Methacton Families (Grades 1-6),

    In a message that I issued back on the 14th of August, I explained that the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the supply chain process whereby the 1,000 plus computer devices ordered in April for students in grades 1-6 have been delayed. While the district had planned to issue devices for all students as part of its 1:1 initiative, we will not be able to provide a device for every child prior to the start of the school term on September 8, 2020.

     

    Given the scope of the shortfall of devices, we are working through the distribution of all available technology devices with priority targeted at students in families with greatest need. We will continue to schedule targeted distributions in these next two weeks and the Technology Office will communicate directly with these families. As we progress through the distribution process, there will likely come a point that we will issue desktop computers and other devices to families. Please know that we are making every effort to address the delay.

     

    It is anticipated that a majority of the delayed device shipment will be available for distribution to students by the last week of September.

     

    Please know that we are not requiring families to purchase a device. The district recognizes the shortfall of devices may challenge student’s ability to attend on time to some synchronous class sessions. Recognizing these limitations, teachers will provide asynchronous video instruction that aligns with the skills being taught by the classroom teacher. They will issue instruction that can complement the use of the textbooks, workbooks and other instructional materials and supplies being issued at this level. This will allow children to continue the learning process outside of the regular daily synchronous schedule. It will allow students to attend school and to complete work offline or at alternative times best suited for access in the home.

     

    I know that we have asked for your cooperation, patience and more during the pandemic and we ask kindly for your cooperation again as we work through these challenges.

     

    Sincerely,

     

    Dr. David Zerbe

    Superintendent of Schools