Centre County schools make preparations to reopen this fall. Here’s what you need to know
Centre County schools are set to reopen to students for the first time since March, but learning will be anything but normal amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
All Pennsylvania schools are required to submit a health and safety plan, a guide for all school activities, to the state Department of Education prior to reopening. As with all school emergency plans, they must be tailored to the unique needs of each school and should be designed with help from health experts. Plans must be approved by the school governing body and posted on each district website.
Plans vary in terms of learning options — in person, remote and virtual — mask requirements, cleaning procedures and other safety practices.
Here’s what Centre County schools have planned for the 2020-21 school year.
Bald Eagle Area
- The first day of school for students is Aug. 25.
- District families may choose between four learning options: in-person learning, a hybrid model of in-person and remote learning, virtual learning or Bald Eagle Area Cyber Academy.
- Masks are required for students and staff when social distancing cannot be maintained.
- Temperature checks will be conducted prior to entering school facilities.
- Plan submitted to PDE Aug. 3.
- For more info, visit the district’s website.
Bellefonte
- The first day of school for students is Aug. 25.
- District families may choose between four learning options — in person, remote learning, a hybrid model or the Bellefonte Learning Academy.
- The hybrid model will allow students to learn in person twice a week and attend virtual classes the other three days of instruction. This approach aims to limit the number of students in school facilities and make compliance with social distancing easier.
- Masks are required for students and staff when social distancing cannot be maintained.
- Plan submitted to PDE Aug. 6.
- For more info, visit the district’s website.
CPI
- The first day of school for students is Aug. 25.
- Students are expected to return for in-person learning.
- Social distancing will be maintained while in classrooms, and masks are required in common spaces.
- Plan submitted to PDE July 30.
- For more info, visit the school’s website.
Centre Learning Community
- The first day of school for students is Aug. 25.
- Reopening plan consists of a blended reopening that balances in-person learning and remote instruction for all students.
- Social distancing will be followed in classrooms and common spaces.
- Plastic dividers have been purchased for teacher-student conferences.
- Upon arrival, students will go directly to classrooms to avoid communal gatherings. All classrooms will be restructured to limit time spent in the hallways.
- Masks are required by all people within the school building unless a doctor’s not indicates a medical exception.
- For more info, visit the school’s website.
Grace Prep
- Students will return for in-person learning five days a week. Virtual learning is an option for students unable to physically attend classes.
- Masking and social distance requirements will be followed while inside school facilities.
- Students and staff will be required to undergo temperature checks before entering the building each day.
All common surfaces will be sanitized throughout the day. Deep cleaning will be conducted each week.
Students will be expected to have and use their own school supplies.
For more info, visit the school’s website.
Nittany Christian School
- The first day of school for students is Sept. 2.
- Masks are required while in school facilities.
- Social distancing is to be followed in spaces that allow — gym, cafeteria and sanctuary.
- All students will be given a Chromebook in the event that schools are closed.
- Plan submitted to PDE July 28.
- For more info, visit the school’s website.
Nittany Valley Charter School
- The first day of school for students is Aug. 25.
- All students and staff will go through a health screening process before attending school each day.
- Social distancing will be followed in each classroom, with the largest classroom size being 14.
- Masks or face coverings must be worn when social distancing cannot be followed.
- Plan submitted to PDE July 14.
- For more info, visit the school’s website.
Our Lady of Victory
- All students will return for in-person learning Aug. 25.
- Classrooms will be modified to accommodate social distancing.
- Masking guidelines will be adhered to, and hand-washing guidelines are listed in the health and safety plan.
- If public schools close, OLV might shutdown due to transportation issues.
- For more info, visit the school’s website.
Penns Valley
- The first day of school for students is Aug. 25.
- Students will be expected to wear masks when social distancing cannot be followed.
- The district will provide explicit instruction for hand washing.
- District families may choose between in-person learning or two online options PV Rams Online or PV Cyber Academy.
- Plan submitted to PDE July 17.
- For more info, visit the district’s website.
Philipsburg-Osceola
- The first day of school for students is Aug. 26.
- Students and staff will be screened before entering facilities each day.
- All staff members are expected to wear masks or face shields.
- Students must wear masks when changing classes.
- The district plans to enhance cleaning procedures.
- Plan submitted to PDE July 29.
- For more info, visit the district’s website.
St. Joseph’s Catholic Academy
- Students will return for in-person learning Monday.
- Shared spaces will be cleaned daily, and ventilation filters will be cleaned regularly.
- Desks will be moved in classrooms to accommodate social distancing.
- Lunch will be served via tray service.
- Masks are required when social distancing cannot be followed.
- For more info, visit the school’s website.
St. John the Evangelist
- A total reopening and return to in-person learning is scheduled for Aug. 18.
- The school has enhanced its daily, nightly and weekly cleaning procedures.
- No more than 20 students are allowed in each classroom.
- Social distancing and masking guidelines will be followed.
- Students must bring their own lunch where they will eat in the auditorium.
- The number of visitors inside facilities will be limited.
- For more info, visit the school’s website.
State College
- The first day of school for students is Aug. 25.
- District families could choose between in-person learning or online instruction options.
- All students, staff and faculty are required to wear masks and maintain social distancing.
- Plan submitted to PDE July 6.
- For more info, visit the school’s website.
Young Scholars of Central Pa.
- A total reopening is scheduled for students and staff on Aug. 25.
- Daily cleaning procedures have been enhanced, and common spaces will be used as little as possible.
- Staff and students must follow masking and social distancing guidelines.
- Students will be given assigned seats in their classroom.
- Visitors will be limited and must undergo a health screening before entering school facilities.
- For more info, visit the school’s website.
Marley Parish
Centre Daily Times