Bache-Martin School issued the following announcement on April 9
All School District of Philadelphia schools will remain closed for the rest of the 2019-2020 academic year, as ordered by Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf, in an effort to reduce the spread of COVID-19 throughout the Commonwealth.
“Schools buildings are closed, but instruction and learning will continue,” said Superintendent William R. Hite, Jr., Ed.D. “If there is a silver lining in this, it is that, through the generosity of local individuals and businesses, the District has been able to equip our students with resources that will allow them to participate in remote learning programming. Nothing can replace the impact made from engaging with a teacher in a classroom, but we are actively working to provide each and every student with the tools to have a positive educational experience in what is truly an unprecedented time.”
As of today, 173 District schools have already received their Chromebook shipments. Chromebook distribution will continue throughout next week with the expectation that all remaining schools will have distributed devices by Friday, April 17.
The District has been working with the City of Philadelphia to provide a comprehensive list of low-cost Internet options or details on accessing free WiFi mobile hotspots to ensure that students can use the Chromebooks provided for distance learning. More information on these free and low-cost internet options is available here.
The review and enrichment learning phase for all students will take place for two weeks beginning April 20. On May 4, formal instruction begins with new lessons in all content areas, aligned to grade-level standards made available to teachers on a weekly basis.
Per the decision of Pennsylvania Education Secretary Pedro A. Rivera, the school year will not extend beyond June 30, and the District has decided against making any changes to the current school calendar. However, there will be expanded opportunities for credit recovery, special education, and other programs to support students. Counselors will also remain available to assist high school seniors preparing for college and career, as well as any student who needs social/emotional support.
Meals for students will continue to be available at 49 School District meal distribution sites. Grab-and-go meal service originally scheduled for Monday, April 13 will now shift to Tuesday, April 14 (from 9 a.m. to noon) due to the holiday. Regular meal distribution will resume on Thursday, April 16.
For more information on the District’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic and how it continues to support students, families are encouraged to call District Hotlines, email covid19info@philasd.org, and visit www.philasd.org for regular updates.
Original source can be found here.
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