SMETHPORT — In addition to the traditional in-class learning that the Smethport Area School Board approved Monday, the back-to-school plan does provide parents with other educational options to start the school year on Aug. 26.
Superintendent David London reviewed these choices for parents with The Era.
Students attend classes every day with district faculty providing instruction. Students will be required to wear face coverings, masks or face shields and social distance to the extent possible in all situations.
“Face coverings and safe distancing will keep us safe,” London stated. “This number one option is the best option for returning to school.”
Second, students may select the at-home distance learning option with district faculty and staff providing the instruction via synchronous, asynchronous learning and/or both methods.
“This is cyber school with Smethport Area School District teachers and staff and is a great option for students who may wish to return to regular classroom instruction during the school year,” London explained.
Under the third option, students select one of the three school district-approved cyber providers and begin asynchronous learning with teachers from the Virtual Learning Network, Edmentum or Waterfront Learning provided through Seneca Highlands Intermediate Unit Nine.
London added, “Beyond these three choices, parents will be responsible to make their own plans for educating their child or children outside the Smethport Area School District.”
The district is requesting all parents to complete a brief survey for their choice of education so that planning can begin for class rosters, at home distance learning and third party provider options. Surveys, which can be found at smethportschools.com, must be completed by noon Friday.
Immediate questions for making your educational choices can be directed to the high school at (887-5545) and elementary school at (887-5012) offices.
Information sessions and question and answer sessions about the plans will be held live at 6:30 p.m. Aug. 18 in the high school auditorium. A virtual information session via Google is slated for 6:30 p.m. Aug. 20.
Parents are to pre-register by calling the district administrative office at 887-5543 or emailing sasd5543@hotmail.com. Questions, comments and concerns should be directed to sasd5543@hotmail.com or to the appropriate level administrator.
The district administration has released the following schedule for back-to-school events:
• Monday, Aug. 17, “Elementary One to One Computer Program,” 6 p.m., high school auditorium. Face coverings and social distancing are required.
• Tuesday, Aug. 18, “Elementary One to One Computer Program,” virtual program via Google at 1 p.m. Register by calling the elementary office.
• Tuesday, Aug. 18, “SASD Back to School Plan,” 6:30 p.m., high school auditorium. Register via email to sasd5543@hotmail.com or call the administrative office at 887-5543.
• Wednesday, Aug. 19, “7th Grade Orientation,” 7 p.m., high school auditorium. Again, face coverings and social distancing are required.
