Gateway School District moves to full-remote learning through Jan. 4

Gateway schools will remain in remote learning through Jan. 4.

The announcement came through a letter to district parents authored by Superintendent Bill Short. It was posted to the district’s website Dec. 2.

“Based on the metrics and data associated with significant increases in covid-19 cases and positivity percentages, Allegheny County will remain in the ‘substantial’ level through the next two week, 14 day window,” wrote Short, referencing the state Department of Health’s “substantial level of community transmission” of covid-19.

State data shows Allegheny County has remained in that substantial level — an incidence rate of greater than or equal to 10% of 100,000 residents — for the last three weeks. The DOH recommends schools adopt a full-remote learning model while in the “substantial” level.

The school district had operated under remote learning since Nov. 23 and was expected to last through Dec. 4.

Winter break begins Dec. 24 for all Gateway students. They return Jan. 4.

High school students who are enrolled in classes at Forbes Road Career and Technology Center will also engage in remote learning, Short’s letter said. Other activities and clubs will also continue in a virtual fashion.

Athletic competitions could resume by Jan. 1, which Gov. Tom Wolf has offered as a recommended start date.

Lunch pickups will continue unless otherwise communicated through the district’s food service director, Martin Lorenzo.

“All K-12 buildings will continue to be cleaned and sanitized,” Short said.