PITTSBURGH -- On Sunday, Nov. 15, Allegheny County recorded an all-time daily high of 527 COVID-19 cases. As we stated on Friday, we have been closely monitoring the situation.
As a result, the North Hills School District is making a significant schedule change for the upcoming school week, Monday, Nov. 16 through Friday, Nov. 20, as follows:
- Monday, Nov. 16: Students in Group A (last names A-L) will attend school in-person
- Tuesday, Nov. 17: Students in Group B (last names M-Z) will attend school in-person
- Wednesday, Nov. 18 – Friday, Nov. 20: All students virtual
This week’s change allows students in each group one day in-person to gather their belongings from their locker, their teacher(s) and classroom(s) to prepare from their time in the Virtual operational model over the Thanksgiving holiday.
Please note that you are welcome to keep your students virtual on their in-person day if you choose to do so. However, you must fill out the virtual attendance form as always. Also know, all buildings will be thoroughly cleaned on Monday night in preparation for Tuesday’s students.
If you need to order additional daily meals for your students this week, we have extended the pre-order deadline until midnight tomorrow, Monday, Nov. 16. Please fill out the online form.
As announced Friday, the school district will move to full remote learning for the two-week period around Thanksgiving.
As such, students will attend classes remotely Wednesday, Nov. 18 through Friday, Nov. 20, Monday, Nov. 23, Tuesday, Nov. 24 and Tuesday, Dec. 1 through Friday, Dec. 4. There is no school Wednesday, Nov. 25 through Monday, Nov. 30 due to the holiday.
On all virtual days, students will follow the same time schedule they have followed under the Hybrid operational model.
Beattie students can attend in-person Monday and Tuesday if they choose to do so. They will be virtual from Wednesday, Nov. 18 through Friday, Dec. 4.
Hybrid is scheduled to resume in all buildings on Monday, Dec. 7.
While we are confident in our Hybrid operational model, it’s the community spread, specifically in Ross and West View, that’s worrisome.
"The continued increase in new COVID cases is beyond concerning," Allegheny County Health Department Director Dr. Debra Bogen said in announcing Sunday’s all-time record high. "Despite our cautionary messages, the number of cases is continuing to increase rapidly. While we are better prepared today than when we first began seeing cases in March, we must still be proactive in reducing the spread of the virus."
After last week, Allegheny County is now in the “Substantial” Level of Community Transmission as defined by the Pennsylvania Department of Education. When Substantial, full remote learning is the department’s recommended operational model.
If we want our schools to reopen on Dec. 7, it’s crucial, now more than ever, that our students, staff and families follow the guidelines we have in place in school when in the public. Please wear a mask and maintain a safe social distance from others.
We know this is a difficult time and this temporary closure won’t be easy for many families. Please know that we continue to act in the best interest of our students and staff with their health and safety at the forefront, and we thank you for your ongoing understanding and cooperation.