Pittsburgh Public Schools offering options for families concerned about students returning to in-person classes

Jul. 15--Pittsburgh Public School families could have the option to send their students to school or continue online instruction this coming school year.

Parental choice was one of several immediate actions proposed Tuesday for the 2020-21 school year, and among 407 recommendations for Pittsburgh schools moving forward.

For those who return to school buildings, all students and staff are to wear masks all day and practice social distancing. Students would also sit one to a seat on buses to and from school.

A possible schedule for in-school instruction would limit the number of students in a building at any time. That means some students may attend school Monday and Tuesday and participate in online learning Wednesday through Friday while other students attend in-person classes on an alternate schedule.

However, all Gifted Center classes will be held virtually.

The recommendations were part of a preliminary report called "All in to Reopen Our Schools," which will be posted Wednesday on the district's website at pghschools.org/allin.

The report was crafted with more than 300 people giving their input. Participants included students, parents, teachers, community partners, health and government officials, Superintendent Anthony Hamlet and other local leaders.

The board plans to vote on the safety plan Wednesday, July 22.

"This meaningful work has resulted in more than 400 thoughtful recommendations to ensure a safe reopening of schools for all students and staff," Hamlet said. "I am grateful for our partnership with the (Pittsburgh Federation of Teachers) and One Pa that has brought so many voices to the table."

Other immediate actions include the district switching to Schoology as its online learning management system, and integrate Microsoft Teams to support communication.

Officials said Schoology is used at the Pittsburgh Science and Technology Academy and was highly rated for its easy use, accessibility, technical integration and content management.

Officials said plans could change depending on circumstances.

"We don't know what will happen in the end of August," said Angel Gober, Western Pennsylvania organizing director for One Pa. "However, we still felt the need to make a localized plan instead of being given one from outsiders. The plan will not be perfect, but I believe the folks who participated in this process showed up in a big way."

District officials also want to move the first day of school from Aug. 26 to Aug. 31 to allow for six professional development days for teachers and staff.

Kindergartners would start no later than Sept. 3.

Hamlet said it is possible to start the school year entirely online if covid-19 cases continue to rise in Allegheny County even if the new start date is approved.

"Our number one priority is the health and safety of our students and staff," Hamlet said. "We will only reopen schools when we can assure our families, students and staff that all social distancing and health and safety measures are in place and can be followed.

"Based on the condition of covid-19 in our area, we will be ready to pivot and offer full-time E-Learning to all students. I am confident that regardless of the condition of the coronavirus in Allegheny County, we will be prepared to provide our students with the high-quality learning experience they deserve."

Michael DiVittorio is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Michael at 412-871-2367, mdivittorio@triblive.com or via Twitter .

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