Shaler Area schools extend remote learning for one more week

Shaler Area School District has extended its remote learning model for an additional week.

Students will return to a hybrid learning model beginning Jan. 11, according to a letter posted to the district’s website on Dec. 17.

“This additional week will provide a natural 10-day quarantine for any coronavirus exposures over the holidays. Our desire is to create the safest environment possible for our returning students and staff,” said Superintendent Sean Aiken.

Aiken warned, however, the new plan could to change.

“This transition schedule is subject to change based on recommendations from the county and state officials and the covid-19 community transmission rate within our county. We will continue to track the data and provide regular communication with any additional information or updates as conditions necessitate,” he said.

The superintendent also said the district’s grab-n-go breakfast and lunch program will continue through winter break, with two pick-up dates in late December. The normal daily program is expected to resume Jan. 4.

To participate in the program, people are asked to fill out a form, found here, by Friday for the following week’s meals. Contact Sue Cook, the district’s food service director, at shaler@thenutritiongroup.biz or by calling 412-492-1200, ext. 1582.

Aiken also provided links to resources for mental and social health in his letter, which can be found on the district’s website.

“We ask that if you have any concerns about your student, please reach out to your student’s teachers, school counselor, building social worker, and/or building principal,” Aiken said.

Aiken provided details on the state’s travel restrictions and requirements, which deems that travelers over the age of 11 must test negative for covid-19 or place themselves in quarantine for 10 days without testing or a seven-day quarantine with a negative test on or after day 5 of quarantine.

More details can be found on the state Department of Health website.