Dear Methacton Families,

News of the school shooting in Uvalde, Texas is beyond comprehension. This tragic event has broken our hearts and challenges all of us.

We are extremely sensitive to the stress, anxiety, and fear that this incident may cause for many in our school community. Our counselors are prepared to support any students and staff who may need it.

The safety of our students, staff and visitors is of the utmost importance in our district. We want all of our students to feel safe and secure in our schools.

Over the years, we have employed various tools to improve and strengthen safety and security across the district including working with the county’s emergency management, engaging with safety consultants, training and regular meetings of our emergency response teams and district staff and maintaining a strong relationship with local and state law enforcement, among many other measures. We have also dedicated resources to improving and increasing access to student mental and emotional health.

If would like some support in talking with your children about this incident, the following are some resources you might consider:

• Talking to Children About Violence: Tips for Parents and Teachers
• Helping Your Child Manage Distress in the Aftermath of a Shooting

Sincerely,

Dr. David Zerbe

Superintendent of Schools

Dear District Families,

According to the CDC’s Covid-19 Community Level Transmission tracking system data tool, Montgomery County is now at the High Community Transmission Level. As such, the change in this level comes with recommendations from the CDC to mask indoors and on public transportation.

At this time, the district will remain mask optional.

We are providing this information to inform you and to allow you an opportunity to discuss with your child how to best proceed with respects to masking or other mitigation measures as you see fit.

The district will continue to monitor and communicate with families on this matter as appropriate.

Sincerely,

Dr. David Zerbe

Superintendent of Schools

Dear Methacton Families,

Please be advised that we continue to monitor COVID cases of students and staff. As such, it is important for me to share that we have had a slight uptick (nothing near what we experienced in January 2022) in cases beginning this week. We had around 10 cases last week and jumped to 24 on Monday district-wide and now at 34 as of April 29, 2022. The largest uptick is at Eagleville Elementary School by about 10 students and many are from same neighborhood and happen to ride the same bus. I have instructed that the bus associated with this uptick in cases be cleaned/disinfected each evening for the next 5 school days. This uptick in cases is also occurring in many of our surrounding districts.

In an abundance of caution, I have instructed our custodial staff to do the following starting today for the next 7 school days in all buildings:

• Frequent cleaning/disinfecting of door handles, desks, water fountains, light switches, and other high touch areas
• Disinfecting/wiping down cafeteria tables between lunches

Further, the county department of health is recommending that staff and students do the following for the next 7 days:

• Frequent hand washing; cover your cough; voluntary mask wearing to protect others
• Stay home when not feeling well 
• Report any cases of COVID-19 to school nurse
• Open windows for ventilation when reasonable

Please note that the district is not requiring the wearing of masks. This communication is being sent only as a precautionary measure.

Sincerely,

Dr. David Zerbe

Superintendent of Schools

Dear Methacton Families,

Today marks the last day of school prior to our Spring Break (April 13-18). Students will return to school on Tuesday April 19, 2022.

I want to take this opportunity to communicate two important things:

1. THANK YOU!!!
   • Thank you for being a partner with us in the education of your child(ren). Our staff does amazing work, but we always do it better when parents are directly involved in their child’s education or are involved as a volunteer in the education of other children.
2. ENJOY!!!
   • Please take this opportunity during Spring Break to create moments with your family that will be cherished for a lifetime. This might come in the form of a family trip or by sharing the sofa with your child and a good book.

Sincerely,

Dr. David Zerbe

Dear Methacton Families,

This communication shall serve as a reminder that we must all remain cognizant of the protocols used in our schools with respects to COVID.

Please know that our nursing staff remains vigilant at evaluating students and staff who present with COVID symptoms. Recognizing that flu, allergy, and other viruses may contribute to the frequency of people presenting with similar symptoms, our nursing staff, upon their evaluation, can require COVID testing prior to returning to school/work.

If a nurse sends a student or an employee home requiring a COVID test, then the communication of the test result must occur prior to the student’s/employee’s return. Home tests or tests administered by a provider are all acceptable and simply require the nurse to know if there is a positive or negative result. If positive, the nurse will assess the unique situation and determine, and communicate, the date of return for the student/employee.

The building office will notify parents/guardians when a student tests positive via an email communication home to the primary parent contact on the child’s record.

We encourage students, parents, and staff to continue with self-health checks daily and when feeling ill to stay home.

Reminder, you can always contact your child’s school nurse for guidance.
 
Sincerely,
Dr. David Zerbe
Superintendent of Methacton School District

Dear Methacton Families,

March 12, 2020 marked the beginning of what has been one of the most challenging periods of time in the history of our country and the world. The Coronavirus pandemic has influenced all facets of our lives, including the operation of public schools. The Methacton Board of School Directors, all volunteers from within our community, stepped forward to keep the safety of your children and our staff at the forefront of their decision making.

The consistent regard for the health, safety, and wellness of students, families, and staff during these past 23 months reflects the commitment of the Board to Methacton Schools. The Board of School Directors, together with the Superintendent, made safety-focused decisions without direct guidance from the federal, state or county governmental levels. The Board’s decisions and mitigation measures to keep children safe, including the masking of staff and students, prevented the virus spread within our schools while continuing to provide students with an exceptional education.

It goes without saying, but none of our School Directors signed up for making virus mitigation decisions. However, this is what they have done -- and by keeping the health and safety of students and staff at the forefront, did an extraordinary job during these most challenging times.

On February 25, 2022, the CDC issued new guidance on masking in schools. This guidance recommends masking indoors for schools that are in counties with “High” level of transmission. Transmission levels of “Low” and “Medium” do not have the masking recommendations. As of this notice, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania is in the “Medium” transmission level.

The Board of School Directors and Superintendent have determined that the new CDC guidance provides a positive reset on the metrics used to determine levels and the associated masking recommendation. As a school entity that has followed the CDC guidance from the beginning of this pandemic, it is both enlightening and revealing that this pandemic is near its end.

A tremendous thank you to all of our Methacton students, staff, and families for everything you have done to mitigate the risks of COVID in our community.

The position of the Board has always been that when safe to remove masking requirements, it would move swiftly to accomplish this action. Therefore, today, 2/26/2022, beginning at 3:00PM EST, all Methacton Schools will proceed to a mask-optional environment.

Sincerely,

Dr. David Zerbe

Superintendent of Methacton Schools

Note: Federal Transportation Mask Requirement is now eliminated as of 2/25/2022. CDC does not require wearing of masks on buses or vans operated by public or private school systems, including early care and education/child care programs.

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Dear Methacton Families and Staff,

Welcome to 2022.

As we near the end of this winter break and recognizing that COVID incidence and positivity rates have recently risen, please remember to be vigilant in your efforts to keep yourself, your children, and others as safe as possible.

To that end, I want to share these updates with you:

1. Based on recommendations from CHOP and the Montgomery County Department of Health, all Methacton Schools will return to school on January 3, 2022 for in-person instruction.
2. All persons (students/staff) are required to wear a mask.
3. Students/Parents/Staff must continue to conduct daily self-health checks and practice “Stay Home if feeling ill”
4. The district continues to monitor local levels of virus transmission and will resume updates on the district data dashboard beginning January 1, 2022.
5. The County Department of Health Exclusion protocol (otherwise known as the quarantine protocol) was updated on 12/28/21 to reflect recent CDC changes. We ask that parents/students be patient when dealing with our nursing staff as these changes are being implemented.
6. Please keep your building nurse updated on COVID related issues regarding your student.
7. All other health and safety protocols will remain in force.

Sincerely,
Dr. David Zerbe
Superintendent of Schools

Dear Skyview Families,

It is important that I share this communication regarding our continued effort to keep students and staff safe.

Late this evening, we received a Safe 2 Say notice and a communication from a parent with concerns regarding information their Skyview child saw on social media.

The information was collected, assessed and shared with local law enforcement.

In an abundance of caution, law enforcement made a home visit, completed their investigation and determined that the situation does not constitute a credible threat.

Recognizing that the frequency with which I am sending these messages can be challenging for parents and students alike, I am making Skyview Administration and School Counselors available tomorrow in the event that any student needs to speak to an adult.

Please know that it takes all of us to continue to be vigilant, so say something when you see or hear something that causes concern. Additionally, it is helpful for you to share with your child that they can report concerns to a teacher or via Safe 2 Say system:

Reach Safe2Say Online:  https://www.safe2saypa.org

Download the App:  https://www.safe2saypa.org/download/

Call the Helpline:  1-844-SAF2SAY

Sincerely,

Dr. David Zerbe

Superintendent of Schools

Dear Methacton Families,

The Methacton Board of School Directors will be holding a special meeting on Thursday, December 16, 2021 to consider changes to the Health and Safety Plan.

The Methacton School District Pandemic Team has recommended that the Board consider changing to a mask optional environment for students, staff, and visitors in grades 7-12 at the end of January 2022 and in grades K-6 at the end of February 2022.

The rational for the recommendation involves a number of matters, including:

• The county Department of Health’s plan to release a sliding scale masking recommendation that asks school districts to treat vaccinated and unvaccinated students and staff differently;
• The planned end to the state masking mandate that was originally set to expire on January 17, 2022;
• Adults and students of all ages have had the opportunity to take advantage of vaccinations;
• Transmission rates generally decline as we go into the spring.

The special meeting of the Board will begin at 7PM in the Arcola Intermediate School Auditorium and will be broadcasted via YouTube.

Dr. David Zerbe
Superintendent of Schools

Dear Arcola and Skyview Families,

It is important that I share another communication regarding our continued effort to keep students and staff safe.

Late this evening, we received several Safe 2 Say notices and emails from parents with concerns regarding the information their children are now reading on social media. This information is different than what we investigated earlier today, which was communicated to you, and was found to be unsubstantiated.

The new information involves different students and, as such, required us to complete an entirely new administrative investigation into this matter along with involving local law enforcement.

It is important that you are aware that this new matter involved a home visit by police. In summary, the information reported this evening was investigated and is determined not to be a credible threat.

Please know that each day we have various security measures in place to help us maintain a safe campus. We are always in direct contact with law enforcement in matters such as these and appreciate your patience and cooperation in these matters.

As stated in an earlier message today, we do recognize that recent events in the news have placed all of us on heightened concern. I can tell you that the Arcola and Skyview Principals and School Counselors did hold meetings today with students in order to provide information and reassurances and particularly thank students for reporting concerns.

Please know that it takes all of us to continue to be vigilant, so say something when you see or hear something that causes concern. Additionally, it is helpful for you to share with your child that they can report concerns to a teacher or via Safe 2 Say system:

Reach Safe2Say Online:  https://www.safe2saypa.org

Download the App:  https://www.safe2saypa.org/download/

Call the Helpline:  1-844-SAF2SAY

Sincerely,

Dr. David Zerbe

Superintendent of Schools

Dear Methacton Families,

As partners in the continued effort to keep students and staff safe, I want to make sure that all of our parents/guardians are aware of rumors circulating that are perpetuating concern. We are sharing this with all our families in the instance that the rumors continue to circulate outside of the Arcola/Skyview families.

There have been more than 50 reports to the administration from students and parents that they heard a student from Arcola Intermediate School could be a potential threat.

These reports have been investigated and a determination made that there is no credible threat. All claims were unsubstantiated. Local authorities have reviewed the matter and determined the same.

In summary, all students and staff are safe.

We do recognize that recent events in the news have placed all of us on heightened concern. As such, the Arcola and Skyview Principals and School Counselors will be meeting with students in the school today to provide information and reassurances regarding this particular matter and to thank students for reporting concerning information when they hear it.

Please know that it takes all of us to continue to be vigilant, so say something when you see or hear something that causes concern. Additionally, it is helpful for you to share with your child that they can report concerns to a teacher or via Safe 2 Say system:

Reach Safe2Say Online:  https://www.safe2saypa.org

Download the App:  https://www.safe2saypa.org/download/

Call the Helpline:  1-844-SAF2SAY

Sincerely,

Dr. David Zerbe

Superintendent of Schools

Dear Methacton Families,

As partners in the continued effort to keep students and staff safe, I want to make sure that our parents/guardians have accurate information.

The administration at Skyview and Arcola received information recently from parents and students regarding a potential threat.

The outcome of the investigations suggests that the information is based on rumors from an unsubstantiated threat that originated in Georgia in October 2021 (see message to families on October 27, 2021).

All Methacton students and staff are safe.

If you see something, say something. We encourage students to report any concerning matters to our teachers or support staff. Students can also report tips to the Safe 2 Say Something system.

Reach Safe2Say Online:  https://www.safe2saypa.org

Download the App:  https://www.safe2saypa.org/download/

Call the Helpline:  1-844-SAF2SAY

Sincerely,

Dr. David Zerbe

Superintendent of Schools

Dear Methacton Families,

This notice is for parents with children who are currently in the asynchronous online instruction delivery model, known as Methacton Virtual Academy, and for parents of children that are interested in attending the asynchronous online instruction delivery model beginning mid-January.

If your child is currently attending in person and will continue to attend in person for the second half of the school year, please disregard this message.

Message:

The district will be issuing notices to families of students currently in the asynchronous online instruction delivery model, known as Methacton Virtual Academy, to determine their child’s/children’s continuation in this program for next semester.

Furthermore, the district will provide notice to families with children participating in in-person instruction that the option of the asynchronous online instruction delivery model will be available beginning with the semester change on January 21, 2022.

As outlined in the Methacton School District Health and Safety Plan, approved 8/10/2021, parents have the option for their child to return from online to in-person, and to go online from in-person, at the change in mid-year.

Notices are scheduled for distribution around mid-December 2021. The only actions required are for parents of children that want to continue or begin online instruction for the second half of the year.

That deadline will be January 10, 2022.

Sincerely,

Dr. David Zerbe

Superintendent of Schools

Dear Methacton Families,

This message is to serve as a reminder that all Methacton Schools will dismiss early on November 19, 2021 in order to provide access to the vaccine booster clinic for staff.

The early dismissal schedule is as follows:

1. Grades 9-12 will be dismissed at 11:00AM
   1. Full-time NMTCC students will attend a regular NMTCC schedule that day.
2. Grades 5-8 will be dismissed at 12:00PM
3. Grades 1-4 will be dismissed at 1:00PM
   2021. AM & PM Kindergarten students will not be attending in person on Nov 19, 2021.

Thank you,

Methacton School District