Archived COVID-19 Communication

Archived Updates:

Update: April 18, 2020 — 8:56 a.m.

We have updated our Frequently Asked Questions pertaining to the last day of school for students.


Update: April 14, 2020 — 12:06 p.m.

Please be aware users of the online learning platforms ConnectED and Edgenuity have been experiencing temporary timeout issues. These issues most likely are caused by a surge of users accessing these portals simultaneously nationwide. These service interruptions are not local. We ask that you please be patient as these vendors work to address the matter to accommodate a larger user base during this time. If you cannot log in, please try again in 30-60 minutes.


Update: April 10, 2020 — 10:24 a.m.

Camp Susque is offering drive-up internet for local families that may need additional network connectivity during the COVID-19 pandemic. Camp Susque is located at 47 Susque Camp Road in Trout Run. A few rules do apply to using this benefit:

  1. Please stay in your car. Because Camp Susque is providing housing for medical personnel who are self-isolating, the rest of its facilities, including restrooms, are off limits.
  2. Please follow appropriate social distancing rules.
  3. Internet is only available in Susque's parking lot from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. each day. Very limited tech support is available, and the network is provided "as is."

UPDATE: Comcast also is offering free access to Xfinity hotspots, as well as providing its Internet Essentials option free to new customers for 60 days.


Update: April 10, 2020 — 9:25 a.m.


Extra Device Pickup Scheduled for Families with 3+ Children

This extra device pickup is intended only for families that picked up a Chromebook or iPad during the week of April 6 and have three (3) or more children enrolled in WASD.

An extra device for your household will be available for pick up from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Wednesday, April 15, at Williamsport Area Middle School and Thursday, April 16, at Curtin Intermediate. Only families with three (3) or more children in a household, based on district enrollment information, will be permitted to pick up an extra device. Presenting an ID will be required.

Please note: The district did not distribute multiple devices to households this past week to ensure that there were enough for all families to receive at least one device.

Pickup Times & Locations:

Wednesday, April 15 | 9AM-11AM
Williamsport Area Middle School

Thursday, April 16 | 9AM-11AM
Curtin Intermediate School


Update: April 9, 2020 — 6:30 p.m.

Note: The following information is intended
for families that do not have a technology device (their own or district-loaned) or do not have reliable access to the internet for their child(ren)’s online learning

During the school closure, the Williamsport Area School District’s preferred learning platform is using technology and online communication tools to connect personally with students and families.  We urge all families to participate online where your students will have the opportunity of daily contact with a teacher who is a resource for questions and support.

The Williamsport Area School District has also prepared and will make available printed at-home learning guides for families who cannot use the district’s online learning platforms. It is stressed that these resources are meant for families and homes where there are significant technology and internet issues that prevent them from accessing the online learning platform.  Families should only request at-home paper learning guides when absolutely necessary for the most challenging cases.

These resources must be requested through your child’s building’s main office where you will leave a voicemail of the request. Arrangements will need to be made how these materials will be picked up by the family, as well as provide a primary contact name and contact information. Families opting for this format must also commit and be prepared to participate in weekly calls from school staff to assess learning.

The learning guides are designed to provide independent practice for students through valuable, self-directed exercises. The guides will maintain student engagement in learning, are designed to reinforce and review key concepts previously taught in the classroom.

In order to deliver more practice for students in becoming more secure in standards and skills, the guides are compiled in the following core subject areas by grade level:

  • Grades K-6: Math and Reading
  • Grades 7-12: Math, Reading, Science and Social Studies

The material should contain enough lessons for a seven- to eight-week period. We suggest incorporating these lessons with other at-home activities, such as independent reading, journal writing, science activities, physical exercise, and other activities while still practicing social distancing.

Throughout this closure period, a district employee will call to check up on your child’s progress. Families will need to commit to participating in these progress check calls.

Key Reminders:

  • Paper curriculum guides should only be requested if a family does not have technology or internet access in their household.
  • Families will need to request at-home learning guides through their building offices and provide information on how materials will be picked up, primary contact, and contact information.
  • Families that have already received a technology device are not eligible to receive both a device and paper learning guide.
  • The guides will maintain student engagement in learning, designed to reinforce and review key concepts previously taught in the classroom.

Update: April 9, 2020 —12:23 p.m.

By order Gov. Tom Wolf earlier this morning, all schools across the Commonwealth, including Williamsport Area School District, will remain closed through the end of the academic year. Details and implications of this declaration are not yet known.

Virtual and remote learning for students will continue as planned, beginning on Monday, April 13. As a reminder, details of our continuity of education plan are available here. As always, we’ll continue to provide updates here and on our social media pages.


Update: April 1, 2020 — 11:14 a.m.

As we continue our transition to an online learning platform, we will distribute technology devices to WASD families in need next week. Details of this plan can be found by clicking here.

Please note that a mailing to all student homes will be sent today with these and other details, and another mailing will be sent by your child's school next week with more specific details as to how online learning will work for your child at their grade level(s).


Update: March 31, 2020 — 2:01 p.m.

We are aware of the implications this closure could have on our students, particularly our senior class, and we've been getting many questions regarding the implications of the shutdown on year-end events and activities. We've now created a frequently asked questions page for our seniors to help provide some guidance and information.


Update: March 30, 2020 — 2:54 p.m.

Effective today by order of Gov. Tom Wolf, all schools in the Commonwealth, including WASD, will remain CLOSED until further notice.


Update: March 27, 2020 — 6:15 p.m.

Dear Williamsport Area School District Families, Friends and Community:

I hope this message finds you and your families safe and healthy. This is an anxious time for everyone, and I’m sure many of you are eager to get back to learning.

Today would have marked the end of our initial two-week closure, though, as you know by now, the governor has extended that closure until at least April 6. While I’m hopeful we’ll see the return to our normal schedules and daily routines soon, we can’t know for sure how long this unprecedented and evolving situation will continue.

Since the statewide shutdown on March 13, our administrative team has been working remotely while closely monitoring the health crisis. We’ve also been working in accordance with the governor’s mandates and the guidance of the Pennsylvania Department of Education on how to proceed with our operations.

The last two weeks have been filled with around-the-clock planning on what this closure means for our employees and students, and how we can transition to a virtual learning platform if we have to endure an even longer shutdown. We’ve also swiftly implemented a meal assistance program, which has, to date, experienced a distribution of more than 1,600 meals for students. As you may have seen, we’ll be modifying this program beginning on Monday to further reduce face-to-face interaction. While the program remains at the same locations during the same time, increased meal supplies will only be distributed on Mondays and Wednesdays.

The emergency amendments made to the school code bill mandate that school districts develop and post to their websites a Continuity of Education Plan. Although each of us strongly believes that direct, face-to-face instruction is the best method of teaching, these are extraordinary times. We can only do our best, which will require flexibility, understanding, and dedication to our students to provide the best alternative to the physical classroom. This Continuity of Education plan will be discussed and professionally developed between April 1 and April 9 as we all prepare for our students to reengage in their learning on April 13. 

We understand many questions remain. Given the uncertainty of the situation, we ask for your continued patience and understanding as we work to develop alternative plans or find those answers. Rest assured, we will provide them as soon as possible and post answers to the district’s website (last updated March 27).

As always, we are thankful to all of those that have reached out to us to volunteer time and to help in any way.  We are appreciative for all of your support and sharing positive messages and keeping our families engaged during this time.

Sincerely,

Tim Bowers

Dr. Timothy S. Bowers
Superintendent


Update: March 25, 2020 — 1:00 p.m.

The Williamsport Area School District will adjust operations to its meal assistance program beginning Monday, March 30.

In order to reduce daily face-to-face interaction in the growing number of cases of COVID-19 across the Commonwealth and to further limit the number of employees in its buildings, the meal assistance program will only operate on Mondays and Wednesdays from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. 

However, Monday’s bagged meals will include two breakfasts and two lunches, and Wednesday’s bags will include three breakfasts and three lunches. Meals will continue to be offered at the following locations:

  • Curtin Intermediate School, 85 Eldred St., at Doors 9 and 10 on the east side of the building (enter on Mulberry Street and exit onto Eldred Street).
  • Lycoming Valley Intermediate School, 1825 Hays Lane, along the front of the building.
  • Stevens Primary School, 1150 Louisa St, along the front entrance of the building.
  • Williamsport Area Middle School, 2800 West Fourth St., at the front entrance of the building/parent drop-off loop.

The district launched its meal assistance program for all students 18 years of age and younger on March 17 following Gov. Tom Wolf’s mandated statewide school closure on March 13, which was extended on Monday through at least April 6.

To date, the district has served more than 1,200 meals to students and families.

Reminders:
Children benefiting from this program must be present to receive bagged meals. Meals are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. The above locations are open to all students, not just those who attend these specific buildings. Parents do not need to be with their child(ren) for students to receive bagged meals.

Food distribution is “grab-and-go” in format. Facilities are not be open as a location in which students and families may eat, and those who come to our buildings are not congregate at these locations. The district reminds families that all buildings are closed to the public, and no access beyond meal pickup is permitted. 


Update: March 23, 2020 — 3:14 p.m.

Under the order of Gov. Tom Wolf, the statewide school closure has been extended for students through at least April 9. 


Update: March 20, 2020 — 12:33 p.m.

We all know this is a difficult and stressful time for all adults across the country, but it is also important that we address the social and emotional needs of our children.

Many children struggle to understand what is going on currently with the coronavirus pandemic and why they cannot go to school or play with their friends. As a district, we believe that it was important to share with you some resources that may assist you in talking to your child about the COVID-19, and to help you assist with their stress during this situation. Also included with our list are some local resources should your child have significant mental or emotional needs.

The most important thing we can do right now on a daily basis is to reinforce to children that they are safe, not to be afraid, to answer their questions and try to keep them in some sort of routine at home.


Update: March 19, 2020 — 4:39 p.m.

The Pennsylvania Department of Education announced today the cancellation of all PSSA testing and Keystone exams for the 2019-2020 school year as a result of COVID-19. This includes the Pennsylvania Alternate System of Assessment (PASA). For more information, click here to view PDE's official announcement.


Update: March 19, 2020 — 12:56 p.m.

Effective immediately, the Tax Office will be closed to the public. For contact information, please visit the Tax Office website by clicking here.


Update: March 19, 2020 — 9:09 a.m.

The district is receiving questions about whether we will try to remotely provide instruction to students at home. We recognize the challenges and limitations for all homes having the needed access to technology devices and Internet capabilities to deliver meaningful and equitable online instruction. For these reasons, the district is not requiring online learning as a replacement to classroom instruction, which would be inconsistent, inequitable and, for some homes, impossible. 

However, we have added an Educational Enrichment Resources section to this website, a list curated by our WASD curriculum team.


Update: March 17, 2020 — 3:30 p.m.

We appreciate the patience and understanding of our community as we navigate this unprecedented situation. Throughout the process, we want to be sure that we are keeping you informed and answering your questions to the best of our ability. Click here to find a running list of frequently asked questions. Please use this as your initial resource before reaching out to the district with any questions you may have of your own. We encourage you to check this page often for any updates.


Update: March 15, 2020 — 4:38 p.m.

Beginning Tuesday, March 17, the district will provide free bagged lunches and breakfasts on weekdays for all students 18 years of age and younger from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the following WASD schools:

Curtin Intermediate School, 85 Eldred St.
Distribution location: Doors 9 and 10 on the east side of the building (enter on Mulberry Street and exit onto Eldred Street)

Lycoming Valley Intermediate School, 1825 Hays Lane
Distribution location: Along the front of the building

Stevens Primary School, 1150 Louisa St.
Update: Distribution location: Drive-up will take place at the rear of the building in the parking lot from Rural Avenue. Walk-up will take place along the front of the building along Louisa Street.

Williamsport Area Middle School, 2800 West Fourth St.
Distribution location: Front entrance/parent drop-off loop

Clarification: Please note that these locations are open to all students, not just those who attend these specific buildings. Parents do not need to be with their child(ren) for students to receive bagged meals.

Children benefiting from this program must be present to receive bagged meals. Meals will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. Food distribution will simply be “grab-and-go” in format. Our facilities will not be open as a location in which our students and families may eat, and we ask those who come to our buildings for meals to not congregate at these locations. Please be advised that our buildings are closed to the public, and no access beyond meal pickup will be permitted.

(Note: Adjustments or modifications may be made to this plan to meet demand, if needed, and will be communicated.)

Thanks to the generosity of our community, alternative meal options also are available for free at a number of businesses and organizations. For the most up-to-date and comprehensive listing of locations providing free meals, click here.


Update: March 15, 2020 — 4:12 p.m.

Limited school personnel will be available at each WASD school tomorrow Monday, March 16, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. for parents and/or guardians to retrieve student medication and any critical items that may be needed while schools are closed. It is imperative that parents/guardians retrieve these items tomorrow. It will not be possible to pick up any items beyond tomorrow until schools re-open, as staff will not be working. Critical items include only phones/electronic devices/coats. Other non-critical student items will be secured in schools until students return.


Update: March 13, 2020 — 5:52 p.m.

As mandated by Gov. Tom Wolf, all K-12 public schools in the Commonwealth will close for two weeks, effective Monday, March 16. WASD officials just learned of this directive and will provide additional communication as plans develop. 

  • SAT testing scheduled to take place at Williamsport Area High School tomorrow, March 14, is cancelled.
  • Effective immediately, ALL school-based events, activities and performances (including athletics), either on-site or off-site, are suspended or cancelled at this time.



Update: March 12, 2020 — 10:40 a.m.

Dear WASD Families,

We are aware of the heightened anxiety in our community regarding the coronavirus (COVID-19) and its recent spread in regions across the Commonwealth. The health and welfare of our students and employees is our number-one priority, and we respect the concerns this health issue creates.

At this time, the Williamsport Area School District does NOT have any suspected or confirmed cases of the coronavirus in our schools or offices. Please know we’re closely monitoring the ongoing situation, and will continue to work in consultation with the Pennsylvania Department of Health as well as follow the recommendations provided by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Upon their advice, we’re using the following criteria to assess events, activities and travel, such as:

  • Restricting non-essential travel to affected areas
  • Social distancing (avoiding crowds/gatherings of 250+)
  • Elevating cleaning and hygiene measures
  • Requesting self-quarantine if traveling to/from affected areas

Out of an abundance of concern for the health and well-being of our students and staff, the district has decided to cancel a number of school field trips, conferences, and district-approved travel plans that take our students and/or staff near or to affected areas. Information (including any plans for rescheduling) for specific groups will be communicated directly to students and families impacted by this decision. 

With no known cases locally, district events scheduled within our facilities will continue as planned, unless the criteria above apply. Should any suspected or confirmed cases of coronavirus surface in the county or region, those plans will change accordingly. 

We’re working with and staying informed of the actions of colleges, universities and organizations that may be host to school field trips, conferences, competitions, etc., and will respond appropriately. Parents at any time are free to withhold their child from a field trip or event. In that case, please notify a principal and/or advisor.

Similar to other school districts across the Commonwealth, we are proactively planning in the event the coronavirus becomes more widespread and its potential impact on the Williamsport area, which may require us to temporarily close schools. We’re actively engaged in planning ways to minimize any significant disruption to our students’ education should a shutdown of our schools need to occur.

As mentioned in our previous communication (see below), we’re continuing an elevated cleaning protocol in our schools, buses and offices to minimize the risk, with extra attention paid to more high-touch/high-traffic areas, such as bathrooms, doorknobs, desktops and keyboards. We’re also reminding our students and staff to exercise healthy hygiene and hand-washing. For families that have plans to domestically or internationally travel to any Level 3 — or presumably affected — areas in the foreseeable future, we ask that you abide by the CDC’s travel guidelines. As per the guidelines, please self-quarantine for 14 days after returning and inform your child’s school.

Given that this is an evolving situation, the challenges associated with the coronavirus are likely to continue for some time. Please continue to monitor our website for additional updates and to review previous communications. Any immediate impact on school and district operations will be promptly communicated to families through our SwiftK12 system, as well as posted to our website and social media channels. 

Sincerely,

Tim Bowers

 

Dr. Timothy S. Bowers
Superintendent


March 3, 2020 — 9:02 a.m.

 Dear WASD Families,

This communication is to inform staff, students, parents, and extended family members that the Williamsport Area School District is aware and monitoring the Coronavirus (COVID-19) closely and has plans in place to react swiftly if the virus would impact our community. The PA Department of Health and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is closely monitoring the spread of COVID-19 virus and the district is updated daily on potential issues within the state and across the nation.

Please note there are no reported cases of Coronavirus connected to the Williamsport Area School District or the state of Pennsylvania at this time.

Please be assured that WASD is monitoring this health issue closely and has preventative measures in place to keep our schools safe. Preventative measures include:

Encouraging staff and students to wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

  • Asking staff and students to avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands
  • Asking staff and students to avoid close contact with people who are sick
  • Instructing staff and students to stay home when they are sick
  • Students with a temperature more than 100 degrees (without fever reducing medication) should stay home until fever free for 24 hours
  • Asking staff and students to sneeze into their elbows, instead of their hands.

Cleaning and disinfecting schools daily as part of ongoing custodial services in the schools, following recommendations from federal, state and local entities concerning the Coronavirus.

We are closely monitoring the CDC’s recommendations (the latest of which can be found on their website at www.cdc.gov), as well as those from the Pennsylvania Department of Education and the Pennsylvania Department of Health (www.health.pa.gov).

As more information becomes available, we will update the district website. Our response and planning will be in accordance with federal, state, and local health experts, as well as the Pennsylvania Department of Education.

Sincerely,

Tim Bowers

Dr. Timothy S. Bowers
Superintendent