In a letter sent to parents and posted to social media, Galeton Area School District Superintendent Alanna Huck announced that due to positive COVID-19 cases within the community, the school would remain on a remote learning model. At this point, the district has been notified of three students that have tested positive for the virus, while one staff member has also been confirmed positive.
“The decision to go to remote learning was not an easy decision to make, however, we believe it gives us the best opportunity to slow the spread within the school community,” explained Huck in the letter. “In making this decision, several factors were taken into account, including the number of positive cases in our school, the number of persons in quarantine from our school and the moderate level of community transmission for Potter County.
The school district has coordinated efforts with the Pennsylvania Department of Health and has conducted contact tracing. Any individuals who have been in contact with someone who’s tested positive will be notified via the SchoolReach phone messenger system.
“It is important to answer any calls from a 717 area code exchange, as this is the exchange being used for the Department of Health,” said Huck.
Parents are also asked to make the school district aware of any positive cases in the family so that they can trace any potential close contacts. Close contact, as defined by the DOH, is being within six feet or less for 15 minutes or more with or without a mask.
Plans are to remain on a remote learning model through the Thanksgiving holiday and face-to-face instruction is planned to resume on Dec. 1.
The remote learning methods outlined in the letter were as follows:
– Grades 7-12 will log in to live sessions for each regularly scheduled course.
– Grades 5-6 will log in to live sessions scheduled by their classroom teacher.
– Grades K-4 will have the opportunity to join live sessions scheduled by their teacher.
Parents are asked to contact the school if their child doesn’t have access to a device or internet, as a paper-based option will be provided.
The district has placed wireless access points on the outside of the building to allow access to the internet from the parking lot.
“In the event that you do not have access to the internet or poor internet capability, please feel free to drive to the school and use our Wi-Fi to download coursework on devices,” said Huck. Wireless access points will be available at each entrance that has a canopy. District-issued Chromebooks should connect automatically to the system, whereas non-district issued devices can access the guest network.
“Grab and go” school meals will be available daily from 11 a.m. until noon. Parents interested in picking up a meal are asked to pre-order for the week by filling out the link at https://forms.gle/XjUqYuejeXk8iUJy9. This link is also available on the district website. Sign-ups by 10 p.m. on Sunday to be counted for each day through Nov. 25. Parents need not call if they cannot come to pick-up a meal on a particular day. Anyone with questions regarding school meals can call 814-435-6571, Ext. 152.
“I realize this model is not the best model for learning and I want nothing more than to be in school full-time and face-to-face,” said Huck. “This decision has been made to allow time for those who are positive with COVID-19 to become well and for those who do not have the virus to remain healthy.”
Additionally, while Huck acknowledged how important family is during the holidays, she asked that individuals “remain vigilant in wearing a mask,” wash their hands and stay away from others if they are sick.
She asked parents to call the main office with any questions or concerns.
