Dear Penn Charter Parents,
We continue to work on our plans for the 2020-21 school year, aware that disease levels of Covid-19 in our region may require that we move between three learning models: in-person, hybrid and distance learning.
We assess our progress daily and remain in close contact with experts so that we have data and evolving understanding about metrics, research and the latest in safeguards.
We have made every effort and investment to make it possible to welcome students back to campus beginning the week of August 31 for orientation, and for in-person class beginning on September 8.
In addition to accessing our readiness and the metrics about Covid-19 in our area, it is important that we gain a current understanding about parent, student, and faculty and staff frame of mind.
To that end, we need to take a parent pulse. We ask that you complete this survey by midday this Monday, Aug. 17, so that we know how many families are planning to send students to campus if we are open. This isn't a commitment, but rather an expression of your current thinking.
We will poll you again next week, as we move closer to August 31 and after we share with you our completed Health & Safety Plan. That plan is awaiting new metrics from the Philadelphia Department of Public Health that will set out disease levels and positivity rates which must be met in Philadelphia in order for school to open in-person. We anticipate sharing the full plan with you after next Wednesday, following approval by Penn Charter's board. In the meantime, we offer two documents to help you prepare for the coming year:
- Short summaries, from our Health & Safety Plan draft, related to several important safeguards,
- A parent checklist intended to help families prepare for in-person learning.
Thank you in advance for your response to the quick poll, as well as your continuing support and patience.
Sincerely,
Darryl J. Ford
Head of School