TOWANDA, PA. (WENY) – The Towanda Area School District released a letter to families, outlining the COVID-19 guidance in place for the upcoming school year.

The school will be only offering in-person classes this year.

“We will not be offering a virtual option for students to zoom into their classes. Although utilized last year, we do not feel that is the best instructional model for our students and teachers,” writes Superintendent Dennis Peachey in the letter. “A full, time, online option is available for students through the Black Knight Academy. Beginning this year, these courses will be supervised by Towanda Area School District teachers.”

Questions about the Black Knight Academy, families should contact Joel Spinney, Principal of Academy Affairs: jspinney@tsd.k12.pa.us.

Face coverings will be optional for students and staff on campus; masks will be required for all students on school transportation because school buses are included in the federal mask mandate for public transportation. The school district says it will have a supply of masks available in each building.

The district also asks students to pre-screen children for illness before sending them to school. Students should be kept at home if they are sick.

 Regarding physical distancing, schools will “continue to implement physical distancing where feasible”, but cafeterias, playgrounds and gymnasiums “will be returning to normal”. Classrooms and other areas that allow physical distancing will continue “where possible”.

“Again, while not minimizing the physical health of our students, we must be aware of their social and emotional health as well,” writes Peachey. “With that said, if something changes, we are ready to implement safe practices that are proven from past experience to mitigate the spread of COVID-19”.

Any student or staff member who tests positive for COVID-19 will be required to quarantine. The Pennsylvania Department of Health will continue to conduct contact tracing for positive cases and advise on the next steps when exposure happens.

The Towanda Area School District says it will also continue utilizing various disinfecting protocols such as:

High traffic and touchpoint areas (doorknobs, light switches, water bottle filling stations, etc.) will continue to be cleaned throughout the day
School buses will be disinfected daily
Teachers and staff will have access to disinfecting supplies if desired

Superintendent Peachey also tells families the district is not requiring the COVID-19 vaccine, but will “continue to provide information” to the community about vaccination opportunities for those who wish to get the shot.