Plum School District will move to all remote learning through Jan. 4, district officials announced Wednesday.
It is one of several districts in Allegheny and Westmoreland counties to make the change this month from hybrid in-person classes to virtual schooling due to surging covid-19 cases.
“We will continue to monitor the situation and communicate with our families if there are updates to this decision,” according to Plum’s letter. “The Pennsylvania Department of Health and the Pennsylvania Department of Education have made very clear their desire to see districts move toward remote learning, and have identified enhanced mitigation strategies that schools in the Commonwealth must adhere to if the county is still in the substantial transmission designation.”
Plum High School was already closed through Dec. 1 due to increased covid cases, including several student cases stemming from a parent-sponsored homecoming dance earlier this month at Five Pines Barn.
Plum’s athletic department is expected to reach out to student-athletes with more information on future activities on Friday as the district continues to work with the PIAA and other WPIAL schools.
Parents should check their students for any covid-19 symptoms and contact their health care provider and school nurse should any be discovered.
The food service department will provide free breakfast and lunch during the closure. Meals will be available for pickup at either the high school or Holiday Park Elementary.
Parents can email grasingerd@pbsd.net or lamberth@pbsd.net for more information about the meal program.
“We will keep our families informed about any new situation that arises to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of our school community,” the district’s letter read. “The health and safety of our students and staff remain our top priority.”
