Good Morning,
Reading Education Association: There seems to be some confusion on who may use the name Reading Education Association. Using the name Reading Education Association, or any abbreviation of the name, may not be used by individuals for their own agendas. When using the name, it speaks on behalf of 1,162 members. It is to be used exclusively by the representatives (Executive Board) of the Association. Any REA supported initiatives will come directly from the President or an appointed representative.
This last week has been a whirlwind to say the least. This week’s Monday Message will focus ONLY on Re-Opening information and strategy. I will outline the plan that was presented to myself and the RESPA President. It will hopefully shed a little more light on what the district’s plan is. Please remember that at the end of the day the Board and ONLY the Board will make the decision if we return. In addition to the plan information, I will also include a 1 answer survey as I realize last week’s was confusing (I apologize for that) and we have new information this week. I will present that data with my public comment to the Board on Wednesday. In addition to myself speaking at the board, several of REA Exec board members will also be speaking so we may touch on as many of your concerns as possible. In the meantime, as you begin to think about questions and concerns, please forward those on to your building reps. Once they have a list of concerns, they will pass them on to me and I will answer what I can or add it to our list of questions for the district.
Results from last week’s survey: 786 members responded to the survey (highest response rate ever!) 80% of you wish to remain virtual, 20% would like to return in some capacity. Your #1 concern was the HVAC system;#2 was tied between face coverings / cleaning and sanitation; #3 again tied between face coverings / cleaning and sanitation; #4 Social distancing; #5 Schedule. 93% of you wanted the information shared with both Central admin and the board.
Re-Opening Plan:
March 15: Extra curricular activities begin
April 6: Return of ALL staff, NO students.
April 19: Return of students in K-4 on a M/W or T/TH hybrid model.
- From the district’s last survey to parents only 40% stated they wished to return under a hybrid model. So let’s say you have a class of 30 students and take 40% you would have 12 students who would return to in-person learning. Now take that number and divide it in half equaling 6 students per day in your room. The district is projecting at most you will have 10 students in your room per day.
- Staff would continue to follow their contractual day. Students would arrive at 8:30 and leave at 2:00.
- Prep time would be divided amongst the morning and afternoon when students are not present
- A scheduled 10-15 minute break would be provided to staff during the instructional day. Coverage would be provided by specialist, school counselors, reading specialist, etc.
- Duty free lunch would be given after students dismiss at 2 pm
- Learning support students would be pulled out for services
- “Designated” students would be offered to attend 4 days a week. These students are our homeless population, special ed, and newcomers
- Friday would remain virtual for ALL students. Staff would still report on site
- The focus of instruction in person will be social/emotional. Anne Fisher and the social workers have been working on a curriculum and lessons for classroom teachers.
- Students would still have a scheduled lunch from 12-1pm. Most classes will eat in their classroom with their teacher. Alcohol wipes have been order and will be provided for cleaning up after meals in the classroom
- Teachers would move about the buildings, students will remain in the classrooms
May 3: Return of students in 5-8 on a M/W or T/TH hybrid model.
- All items listed above
- Students would arrive at 9:30 and leave at 2:50
- Buses will run for Central
RHS:
- No scheduled return of students
- “Designated” students will be offered in-person instruction
- Appointments may be made with students at the teacher’s discretion. These appointments MAY be scheduled before, during, or after school. It is NOT mandatory to schedule any appointments or any specific times. It is what works best for your personal schedule.
May 28: All instruction ends.
June 1-9: TENTATIVELY the district would like to start scheduling students for PSSA/PASA/Keystone testing. It will be handled much like the WIDA testing was done where the parents will receive a letter asking if they would like their child to come in for testing. All staff will be used during this time to help keep groups small in administering the tests.
Survey: Now that you have this information, I’d like you to answer whether YES, you would like to remain virtual or NO, you would like to return to in-person instruction. https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe0tLCiCAKxnkXyC2kDFOIjNTukDqM-59ymdUy9fNzRdjCdpA/viewform?usp=sf_link
Vaccines: Please remember, the choice to receive a vaccine is a very personal decision. There are many factors that play in to a person’s decision and they should not be singled out for choosing differently from you. We were presented with a wonderful opportunity to receive a vaccine and I hope those of you who were willing and able took part in that opportunity.
While I would normally like to not overload you with information, things may change rapidly this week and there would be a need for further communication. As a reminder, all accurate information will come to you via an email from me.
Be Well,
Rebecca