ASPIRA of PA Schools: Frequently Asked Questions and COVID-19 Information
Are ASPIRA Schools closed?
All ASPIRA school buildings are closed. However, instruction will continue to be offered through virtual instruction. Virtual Instruction takes place through the Google Classroom platform.
When will schools reopen?
We will continue to follow the guidance of the state and stay closed until further notice. We will continue to update families as we get more information.
Are all events and activities canceled?
Yes, all extra-curricular activities, athletic events, and social events have been postponed until further notice in conjunction with the closing of schools.
Will my child be promoted as planned next school year?
All ASPIRA school buildings are closed. However, instruction will continue to be offered through virtual instruction. Virtual Instruction takes place through the Google Classroom platform.
When will schools reopen?
We will continue to follow the guidance of the state and stay closed until further notice. We will continue to update families as we get more information.
Are all events and activities canceled?
Yes, all extra-curricular activities, athletic events, and social events have been postponed until further notice in conjunction with the closing of schools.
Will my child be promoted as planned next school year?
Based on all guidance from PDE at this point all students that were on track for promotion/graduation prior to the closure will not be penalized or retained based on circumstances surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic.
What is being done to disinfect schools?
Our schools, including each classroom and common spaces, have been deep cleaned with disinfectant solutions and will be cleaned again prior to school resuming typical classes.
What is Virtual Instruction?
Teachers provide assignments to students using Google Classroom in all grades and content. Planned instruction from the school standards-aligned curriculum and related assessments will be posted daily. Planned instruction will be differentiated by grade and course and for those students with disabilities. Students will be expected to engage with teachers to complete assignments. Teachers will provide new instruction via videos that will be recorded and uploaded to Google Classroom for students to view at any point during a day. A daily schedule template will be shared with families as an optional guide.
Does Virtual Instruction count as a school day?
PDE will not penalize districts/schools that fail to meet the 180-day requirements as a result of COVID-19 response efforts. However, PDE is strongly encouraging all schools to provide continuity of education for all students in the most appropriate and accessible ways possible.
How are you supporting students with IEPs or Language Development needs?
Our schools have ensured that instruction and support will be provided by the special education and EL teachers for each student. Both Co-Teaching and pull out supports have been created using Google Classroom. Modified work is being provided by grade level and content to ensure all students have access. All Specially Designed Instruction is currently being implemented as applicable in our google classrooms. 504 Plans will be followed to the greatest extent possible online and all requests for new support will be addressed by our team.
Related services including Speech and Language Support, Occupational Therapy, and limited Physical Therapy and counseling are being provided via online video link and student equipment (resistance bands, flashcards, adapted scissors, etc.) that are needed to practice exercises or therapy skills are being provided to families for home use where applicable.
How can parents support their child’s education?
Parents can support their children by being patient and supportive through this shift. Help them to find a consistent space and routine for their virtual learning. Talk to your child about assignments and difficulties they may be having through this adjustment. Reach out to the school’s administration team if your child need’s additional support or services.
What is the risk of my child becoming sick with COVID-19?
According to the CDC and based on available evidence, children do not appear to be at higher risk for COVID-19 than adults. While some children and infants have been sick with COVID-19, adults make up most of the known cases to date. You can learn more about who is most at risk for health problems if they have COVID-19 infection on CDC’s current Risk Assessment page.
How can I protect my child from COVID-19 infection?
You can encourage your child to help stop the spread of COVID-19 by teaching them to do the same things everyone should do regularly to stay healthy.
• Clean hands often using soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer • Avoid people who are sick (coughing and sneezing)
• Clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces daily in household common areas (e.g. tables, hard-backed chairs, doorknobs, light switches, remotes, handles, desks, toilets, sinks)
• Launder items including washable plush toys as appropriate in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
If possible, launder items using the warmest appropriate water setting for the items and dry items completely. Dirty laundry from an ill person can be washed with other people’s items.
Are symptoms of COVID-19 different in children than in adults?
This answer is from the CDC website. No. The symptoms of COVID-19 are similar in children and adults. However, children with confirmed COVID-19 have generally presented with mild symptoms. Reported symptoms in children include cold-like symptoms, such as fever, runny nose, and cough. Vomiting and diarrhea have also been reported. It’s not known yet whether some children may be at higher risk for severe illness, for example, children with underlying medical conditions and special healthcare needs. There is much more to be learned about how the disease impacts children.
What is being done to disinfect schools?
Our schools, including each classroom and common spaces, have been deep cleaned with disinfectant solutions and will be cleaned again prior to school resuming typical classes.
What is Virtual Instruction?
Teachers provide assignments to students using Google Classroom in all grades and content. Planned instruction from the school standards-aligned curriculum and related assessments will be posted daily. Planned instruction will be differentiated by grade and course and for those students with disabilities. Students will be expected to engage with teachers to complete assignments. Teachers will provide new instruction via videos that will be recorded and uploaded to Google Classroom for students to view at any point during a day. A daily schedule template will be shared with families as an optional guide.
Does Virtual Instruction count as a school day?
PDE will not penalize districts/schools that fail to meet the 180-day requirements as a result of COVID-19 response efforts. However, PDE is strongly encouraging all schools to provide continuity of education for all students in the most appropriate and accessible ways possible.
How are you supporting students with IEPs or Language Development needs?
Our schools have ensured that instruction and support will be provided by the special education and EL teachers for each student. Both Co-Teaching and pull out supports have been created using Google Classroom. Modified work is being provided by grade level and content to ensure all students have access. All Specially Designed Instruction is currently being implemented as applicable in our google classrooms. 504 Plans will be followed to the greatest extent possible online and all requests for new support will be addressed by our team.
Related services including Speech and Language Support, Occupational Therapy, and limited Physical Therapy and counseling are being provided via online video link and student equipment (resistance bands, flashcards, adapted scissors, etc.) that are needed to practice exercises or therapy skills are being provided to families for home use where applicable.
How can parents support their child’s education?
Parents can support their children by being patient and supportive through this shift. Help them to find a consistent space and routine for their virtual learning. Talk to your child about assignments and difficulties they may be having through this adjustment. Reach out to the school’s administration team if your child need’s additional support or services.
What is the risk of my child becoming sick with COVID-19?
According to the CDC and based on available evidence, children do not appear to be at higher risk for COVID-19 than adults. While some children and infants have been sick with COVID-19, adults make up most of the known cases to date. You can learn more about who is most at risk for health problems if they have COVID-19 infection on CDC’s current Risk Assessment page.
How can I protect my child from COVID-19 infection?
You can encourage your child to help stop the spread of COVID-19 by teaching them to do the same things everyone should do regularly to stay healthy.
• Clean hands often using soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer • Avoid people who are sick (coughing and sneezing)
• Clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces daily in household common areas (e.g. tables, hard-backed chairs, doorknobs, light switches, remotes, handles, desks, toilets, sinks)
• Launder items including washable plush toys as appropriate in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
If possible, launder items using the warmest appropriate water setting for the items and dry items completely. Dirty laundry from an ill person can be washed with other people’s items.
Are symptoms of COVID-19 different in children than in adults?
This answer is from the CDC website. No. The symptoms of COVID-19 are similar in children and adults. However, children with confirmed COVID-19 have generally presented with mild symptoms. Reported symptoms in children include cold-like symptoms, such as fever, runny nose, and cough. Vomiting and diarrhea have also been reported. It’s not known yet whether some children may be at higher risk for severe illness, for example, children with underlying medical conditions and special healthcare needs. There is much more to be learned about how the disease impacts children.