Diocese of Pittsburgh to delay elementary school reopening

The first day of elementary school for the Diocese of Pittsburgh will be Tuesday, Sept. 8, school administrators announced .

The diocese said the change is in response to some elementary school teachers requesting more time to implement new health and safety protocols. High schools in the diocese will reopen on their original schedules.

Elementary schools were originally set to reopen Aug. 27, while high schools have staggered start dates.

“The reality is, we have been planning for something that nobody has all the answers for at the moment,” Director of Catholic Schools Michelle Peduto said in a statement. “We are aware that this is a time for us to be patient, open-minded and flexible to adapt to the needs of our teachers and school families. Reopening safely is truly a team effort.”

Peduto sent a letter to families July 31 notifying them of schools’ completed reopening plans, which would be distributed via each respective school. Peduto said in the letter that each plan is a “living” document subject to change.

Each school within the diocese received guidelines for reopening and created their own implementation plans. The plans were then submitted to the diocesan schools office for review and approval.

Peduto said the delay in reopening will give teachers more time to practice new protocols and test distance learning systems. The diocese is offering in-person, remote and hybrid plans this fall.

“We want to make sure everyone feels comfortable, confident and supported as we welcome our students back to school,” Peduto said.