CORONAVIRUS INFORMATION

  • We have developed this page to share resources and keep staff, students, and parents informed of our efforts to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in our schools. We will continuously update this page with our latest communication to parents/guardians and additional resources as they become available.


    We encourage you to use these links to outside trusted resources that offer the latest updates and guidance concerning this health issue:     

     

    Index of SGASD Communication Updates Related to Coronavirus (COVID-19):

    SGASD Communications to Parents and the Community:

     

    Helpful Resources & Information:

     

    MAY 21, 2020: INDIVIDUAL DRIVE-UP/STAGE-WALK CEREMONY INSTRUCTIONS

    To the Class of 2020,

    On Tuesday, May 19th, we shared with you the next steps in our plan to celebrate and honor the Class of 2020. We are excited to be moving ahead with the Individualized Drive-Up/Stage-Walk Ceremonies and cannot wait to see all of you! 

    Instructions regarding the Individualized Drive-Up/Stage-Walk Ceremonies are below. Please read them carefully.

    Also, please remember that there are still two other celebratory opportunities being planned to honor you:

    • If York County is designated GREEN, and the State allows for large gatherings to occur, by Monday, July 27, 2020, we will hold a commencement ceremony/celebration on Saturday, August 1, 2020. Please hold the date. Further information will be communicated in July.

    • The Virtual Commencement Ceremony will take place on Friday, May 29, 2020, at 7:00 PM. The link to access the Virtual Commencement Ceremony will be available on www.sgasd.org.

    Class of 2020 Individualized Drive-Up/Stage-Walk Ceremonies Instructions

    Please read this entire set of instructions carefully.


    INDIVIDUALIZED DRIVE-UP/STAGE-WALK CEREMONY SCHEDULE & ASSIGNED APPOINTMENTS

    • The Individualized Drive-Up/Stage-Walk Ceremonies will occur May 26th - 28th, from 9:30 AM - 7:48 PM each day.

    • The stage-walk appointments have been scheduled by alphabetical order in six-minute increments. This is due to the large number of graduates participating in the stage walks, adherence to social distancing guidelines, the limit of the number of people allowed to gather at one time/space, and to keep the traffic and the schedule flowing smoothly.

    • Please arrive five minutes prior to your scheduled time. This allows time for the pick-up and drop-off of items and to maximize your time allotted for the stage walk.

    • Please access the schedule with your assigned day and time here: Class of 2020 Individual Commencement Ceremonies Schedule

    • If you are not able to attend your designated appointment, please contact Dr. Intrieri at intrierj@sgasd.org to schedule an alternate time.

    • If you do NOT wish to participate in the stage walk, please kindly let us know also by contacting Dr. Intrieri at intrierj@sgasd.org.  


    SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

    • If you or one of your family members is experiencing any of the following symptoms, please do not attend the Individualized Drive-Up/Stage-Walk Ceremony. This is for everyone’s safety:
      • Fever, cough, shortness of breath, or other COVID-19 related symptoms
      • Have had close contact with another person with confirmed COVID-19 symptoms
         
    • We need to limit the number of people who attend the stage walk to abide by the state-mandates. Only one vehicle with the graduate and up to seven family members will be allowed.  This will be strictly enforced.

    • Please remain in your vehicle at all times until directed to exit for the stage walk.

    • All family members and the graduates should wear masks.

    • To reduce the risk of exposure and to limit the areas that will need to be continuously sanitized, restrooms will not be available.

    • As seniors and family members exit their vehicle at Papermakers Stadium, they must be six feet away from staff members/volunteers working the ceremonies, and they must wear a mask.

    • All staff/volunteers working the ceremonies will be wearing a mask and gloves.

    • When seniors move to the stage, they may remove their mask.

    • Seniors and their family members will be limited to six minutes for the stage walk at the Stadium. This is due to the large number of graduates participating in the stage walks, adherence to social distancing guidelines and the limited number of people allowed to gather at one time/space, and to keep the traffic and the schedule flowing smoothly.

    • Please exercise social distancing at all times.

    • Police and event staff will be present to help guide vehicles and direct traffic.

    ENTERING THE SGASD CAMPUS - **Please follow the directions on this map**

    • Place the graduate’s name and appointment time on a paper in the window of your vehicle. Upon entering the campus at Roth’s Church Road, police and event staff will help guide vehicles to the appropriate areas based on appointment time.

    • Please arrive 5 minutes prior to your scheduled time to drop-off and pick-up items prior to the stage walk. The item drop-off and pick-up will be located at Spring Grove Area Intermediate School (SGI).
       
    • Anyone arriving more than 5 minutes prior to their appointment time will be directed to park and wait in the lot next to SGI.

    • Vehicles should only enter the campus from the Roth’s Church Road entrance. All other entrances will be closed.

    DROP-OFF/PICK-UP OF DISTRICT AND STUDENT OWNED ITEMS

    • Vehicles will proceed to Spring Grove Area Intermediate School to return any district-owned items, such as iPads, books, athletic equipment, and to pay any outstanding account balances. You will also have the contents of your locker returned to you at this area. Please remain in your vehicle during this time.

    • After drop-off/pick-up of items is complete, your vehicle should then proceed to Papermakers Stadium.

    STAGE WALK IN PAPERMAKERS STADIUM

    • You will wait in your vehicle at the entrance to Papermakers Stadium until directed to enter the Stadium. You should make adjustments to your cap and gown as you wait in your vehicle.

    • You will be directed when to exit your vehicle to proceed to the commencement stage. If applicable, you will receive a stole and/or cord before heading to the commencement stage. 

    • At the commencement stage, your name will be announced as you walk across the stage.

    • A professional photographer will be available to take your picture on the stage. The pictures will be available for purchase at a later date. Your family is also invited to take their own video and pictures at this time.

    • After pictures are completed, you will exit the stage, pick-up your diploma, and re-enter your vehicle. You will then receive your yard signs and exit Papermakers Stadium. If applicable, you will return the stole and/or cord after departing the stage.


    EXITING THE SGASD CAMPUS

    • Upon exiting Papermakers Stadium, your vehicle will proceed to the end of the parking lot, make a left turn onto Spirit Drive, and depart the campus via Lake Road. 


    Senior Class Zoom Meetings - Friday, May 22nd

    On Friday, May 22nd, Dr. Cugliari will be holding Zoom meetings with you, seniors, to review the information above, and to answer any questions you may have. The schedule for the Zoom meetings is below. The meeting invitation will be sent to your emails later today. If you cannot make your scheduled time, please contact Dr. Cugliari at cugliarr@sgasd.org to request another time on May 22nd. 

    Graduation Zoom Meeting Q & A on May 22, 2020:

    •    10:00 AM - Last names A-F
    •    11:00 AM - Last names G-L
    •      1:00 PM - Last names M-R
    •      2:00 PM - Last names S-Z

    If you have any questions about the information provided above, please contact Dr. Cugliari at cugliarr@sgasd.org.

    We greatly look forward to seeing all of you!

    Sincerely,

    Dr. Rosemary Cugliari, High School Principal

     

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    MAY 19, 2020: COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY UPDATE

    To the Class of 2020,

    On Friday, May 15, 2020, Governor Wolf announced that York County will be moving to the YELLOW status on Friday, May 22, 2020. Unfortunately, this is not the GREEN status we were all hoping to reach by May 21st and allow us to hold the traditional commencement ceremony on Friday, May 29, 2020. 

    We are truly sorry that these circumstances and restrictions that we face have altered the final moments of your senior year. However, with resiliency and fortitude, we will make the best out of this difficult situation. We will remain Rocket Strong!  

    In light of the Governor’s news, we have put the next phases of our plan into action. *Please continue reading below for important information regarding these plans to honor and celebrate all of you.

     

    • If York County is designated GREEN, and the State allows for large gatherings to occur, by Monday, July 27, 2020, we will hold a commencement ceremony/celebration on Saturday, August 1, 2020. Please hold the date. Further information will be communicated in July.

    • Since York County will be in the YELLOW status on Friday, May 22nd, which reduces the restriction on non-essential travel and allows for gatherings of up to 25 people, we can now move forward with the Individualized Drive-Up/Stage-Walk Ceremonies that will be conducted in a safe manner.

     

      • Please hold the dates of May 26th - 28th for the personalized Individual Drive-Up/Stage-Walk Ceremonies that will include one vehicle per graduate (up to seven family members) to accompany you to Papermakers Stadium where you will be able to walk across the commencement stage, hear your name announced, receive your diploma, and pose for a professional photograph.

     

      • If you cannot make your designated day and time, you may contact us to schedule an alternate date. Please wait to do so until you have been assigned your date and time.

     

      • During the Individualized Drive-Up/Stage-Walk Commencement Ceremonies, we will be distributing diplomas and locker contents, as well as collecting school equipment, such as iPads, books, athletic items, etc.

     

    More information will be sent to you on Thursday, May 21st with specific appointment times, directions, and guidelines for the Individualized Stage-Walk Commencement Ceremonies. Please look for that email on Thursday.

     

    • The Virtual Commencement Ceremony will take place on Friday, May 29, 2020, at 7:00 PM. As communicated on Monday, May 18th, we are giving each senior the opportunity to submit a video of seven seconds or less that includes a senior statement or celebration that will be included as part of the virtual ceremony. Please refer to that email communication for directions on how to submit your video. 

     

    • The yard signs that have been generously provided by the Spring Grove Area Educational Fund and the High School Student Council will be available for pick-up at your designated Individual Commencement Ceremony.

    Please know that we are doing everything in our power within the current restrictions to make the graduation celebrations special and memorable for you and your family. We are proud of your accomplishments, your dedication, and your strength. We look forward to celebrating all of you! 

     

    Sincerely,

    Dr. George W. Ioannidis, Superintendent

    Dr. Rosemary Cugliari, High School Principal

     

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    MAY 18, 2020: SUBMISSION OF SENIOR VIDEOS FOR VIRTUAL CEREMONY

    Dear Class of 2020,

    We have begun working on the virtual graduation ceremony as mentioned in our previous communication. We hope to make the virtual ceremony a unique and memorable experience for the entire Class of 2020. 

    To make the virtual ceremony a truly extraordinary event, we need your help. We are giving each senior the opportunity to submit a video of seven seconds or less that includes a senior statement or celebration that will be included as part of the virtual ceremony. 

    Please review the video guidelines below. The deadline to submit your video is midnight, Wednesday, May 20, 2020. 

    VIDEOS MUST ADHERE TO THE FOLLOWING IN ORDER TO BE ACCEPTED:

     

    • 7 seconds, or less, in length

     

    • You should wear your cap and gown. If you have not received your cap and gown in the mail, please contact Dr. Cugliari at cugliarr@sgasd.org. 

     

    • Backgrounds must be free of any copyrighted images, political statements, or obscene material/language.

     

    • Landscape mode is preferred when recording the video.

     

    • No one but you, the graduate, and immediate family members such as parents and/or siblings, may appear in your video.

     

    • Make sure you speak clearly, and, that you are close enough to your device for your message to be heard.

     

    • Spring Grove Area High School reserves the right to exclude footage from the virtual ceremony if submissions violate any of the above.

     

    DIRECTIONS TO SUBMIT YOUR VIDEO:

     

    • Log into your student Google account.

     

     

     

    • You may submit your video any time before Wednesday, May 20, 2020. The window for submissions closes at midnight on May 20th. Those who do not submit a video will have their Senior Yearbook Portrait used during the ceremony instead.

     

    • When you submit your video to the above link, you will also submit your last name, first name, and email address. These fields must be submitted so that our editors can link the submission to the proper student.


    If you have any questions, please contact Dr. Cugliari at cugliarr@sgasd.org. We look forward to seeing your videos! 

     

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    MAY 5, 2020: SGAHS MESSAGE TO SENIOR STUDENTS AND PARENTS

    To the Graduating Class of 2020,

    We cannot thank you enough for your patience and support as we diligently work to determine the best course of action to safely honor and recognize the entire Class of 2020. You continue to persevere through unprecedented times that have changed the final moments and celebrations of your senior year. 

    I’m sure that you are feeling a wide range of emotions. Know that as parents, educators, and community members, our hearts break for you. Graduation is a proud moment for all of us. As educators, we have watched the majority of you grow since little kindergarten students. We were with you when you learned your ABCs and 123s, and we continued to cheer for you and support you as you learned to become young leaders and to grow into the outstanding Class of 2020 that you are today. 

    We ALL long for the opportunity to see you walk across the stage at the commencement ceremony. And although this is not how you or any of us imagined the culmination of your senior year, we, as a district and community, are determined to celebrate you the best way possible given the current circumstances.

    Over the last several weeks, we have dedicated extensive time to determine the safest and best way to celebrate you within the confines of federal and state health and safety guidelines that have been imposed on all of us. We have gathered the ideas that your class leaders and parents have shared with us, we have consulted with fellow school districts in the region, we have sought the advice and guidance from our district solicitor, we have studied the language of the state-mandates, and much, much more. 

    After contemplating all of the ideas and information available to us at this time, we have decided upon a multi-layered approach that is in line with the Governor’s phased re-opening plan that utilizes red, yellow, and green designations to dictate when and how people can gather and travel for non-essential events/services. 

    1. If by May 21st, York County moves to GREEN status, and we are allowed to host large gatherings, we will have the traditional commencement ceremony on Friday, May 29, 2020. This is our preferred option.

    2. If York County remains in the RED status on May 21st, we will adjust the ceremony plans, and move to the next layers of our plan that allow time for York County to change to yellow or green status.

      • A virtual ceremony on May 29th may be our only opportunity to celebrate all of you in a meaningful way if York County is not moved into the yellow or green status this summer. We have begun working with staff and class leaders to develop this unique and special event. More details are to come as we simultaneously plan the virtual ceremony along with other celebrations.

      • If York County moves to the YELLOW status, we will plan to hold drive-up individual commencement ceremonies that will be done in a safe and cautious manner. You will receive details on the date and time when a maximum of four family members will be able to accompany you to an individual outdoor ceremony, at a scheduled time, to honor your accomplishment.  We will still proceed with creating the virtual ceremony to celebrate your Class of 2020, in addition to the individual ceremony.

      • Should York County be changed to the GREEN status, and the State allows for large gatherings, we will hold a graduation celebration later in the summer.


    More details will be shared in the future regarding each of these layered events as we learn more information from the State and Governor Wolf’s reopening plan. 

    Yards Signs
    The Spring Grove Area Educational Fund and the High School Student Council have generously agreed to have yard signs made for each graduating senior. One yard sign for each senior will be displayed in a public area of our community and two signs will be given to each graduate. We are hoping to have the yard signs complete the week of May 18th. We will reach out to you with more details in the near future. 

    Caps and Gowns
    By the end of next week, your cap and gown will be mailed home to you. 


    As we mentioned above, we are extremely grateful for your patience and we sincerely appreciate your understanding. The Class of 2020 will truly be remembered and commended for your resiliency, kindness, and strength during this challenging time.  

    Sincerely,

    Dr. George W. Ioannidis, Superintendent

    Dr. Rosemary Cugliari, High School Principal

     

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    APRIL 22, 2020: SGAHS MESSAGE TO SENIOR STUDENTS AND PARENTS

    Dear SGAHS Seniors and Families,

    We hope that you are staying well and have settled into our new way of learning. Please know that our thoughts and hearts are with you as we face this unprecedented time and recognize its numerous effects on the Class of 2020. None of us could have imagined this scenario for the last months of your senior year. We hope to still provide you with as many memorable milestones as possible, knowing that they will likely look different than originally planned. 

    One of the most treasured milestones is the graduation commencement ceremony. Like you, we believe that a traditional graduation ceremony is the preferred way to honor your achievements. However, state/federal mandates and guidelines regarding social distancing may not allow this to be possible. 

    At this time, no decision has been made regarding the commencement ceremony. We are closely watching as new information and events unfold, and we are examining how any new or prolonged health mandates will affect our senior celebrations. There has been no clear timeline from the state or federal governments of when large gatherings will be safely allowed to take place. 

    Over the last two weeks, our administration team has been meeting to explore options of how we may be able to celebrate all of you and your distinguished accomplishments. We have also met with class leaders to discuss what we are up against with the social distancing guidelines and to gather additional ideas. Below are some of the options that have been discussed with the administration team and class leaders. This is by no means an exhaustive list of options and we will continue to search for creative and meaningful ways to honor all of you.

    • The first, and preferred option, is to hold the traditional commencement ceremony on Friday, May 29, 2020. Please continue to hold that date. If the state-mandated social distancing guidelines are lifted by May 21, 2020, to grant large gatherings, we will hold the ceremony as allowed by the updated guidelines. Please keep in mind that the number of people deemed appropriate for a large gathering could limit the number of family members able to attend the ceremony. 

    • If the social distancing guidelines mandated by the Governor are not lifted and the May 29th traditional ceremony would need to be canceled, we would like to plan for a celebration at a later date in the summer.

    • Due to the many unknowns, we will begin putting together a virtual commencement ceremony in the event that social distancing guidelines do not allow us to hold a large gathering in May or even later in the summer. As mentioned previously, there is no clear timeline on when social distancing guidelines may be lifted and what that may look like, if and when it occurs. 

    Although a virtual ceremony is not our first choice, it may be our only viable option to celebrate all of you in a meaningful way. We do not want to miss out on this opportunity. A project of this magnitude will take time to put together and we will be reaching out with additional information soon. We’d like to reinforce that a virtual ceremony is a backup plan should the federal and state mandates not allow us to gather for a commencement ceremony on May 29th. 

    We are committed to celebrating and recognizing the accomplishments of the Class of 2020. Our administration team and the class leaders will continue to meet concerning commencement and other end of year senior events. We will communicate any updates and detailed information to you as soon as possible. 

    It is an emotional time for all of us, and while there are many things that are beyond our control right now, please know that we are here for you, we support you, and we are all in this together. 

    Sincerely,

    Dr. George W. Ioannidis, Superintendent

    Dr. Rosemary Cugliari, High School Principal

     

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    APRIL 13, 2020: PARENT MESSAGE - REMOTE ONLINE LEARNING FOR GRADES K - 6

    This communication explains how we will be conducting remote student learning using the District iPads beginning on Thursday, April 16th. 

    Dear Spring Grove K - 6 Families,

    It was wonderful to see your smiles and hear your words of encouragement during the iPad distribution. We sincerely miss our students and wish we could be together. It is our goal to stay as connected as possible and provide all of our students with valuable resources to meet their learning needs.

    The goal of the District’s Continuity of Education Plan is to enable an organized, reasonable system of learning and enrichment to be implemented in lieu of traditional schooling, while also being mindful of our families’ diverse situations. Although this plan does not replicate the benefits of a traditional face-to-face model, it will allow us to continue educating all students, despite the challenges faced by our school community.

    Teachers have been working in grade-level teams to provide consistent remote learning assignments and activities for all students in grades K - 6. The remote lessons will be updated weekly and will consist of activities in reading/writing, math, science, and social studies.  Our specialists will also provide information in regards to music, art, library, physical education, and health/wellness options.  

    Students will be engaged with their teachers in an online setting, completing meaningful tasks and activities correlating with eligible grade-level content. Teachers will monitor student participation and engagement through online interactions and the completion of activities. 

    Please note the student work time minutes as stated in the District’s Continuity of Education Plan: 

    • Pre-K: 30 minutes total
    • Grades K - 1: 45 minutes total
    • Grades 2 - 3: 60 minutes total
    • Grades 4 - 6: 90 minutes total

    We realize that this format to receive instruction is new to all of us and that adjustments may be necessary as we move forward.  If you have concerns, suggestions, or questions please don’t hesitate to reach out. Your child’s teachers are your first point of contact for course-specific questions and feedback.   

    Remote Learning Begins Thursday, April 16th. Please note the following:

    • Teachers will maintain accessibility Monday - Friday from 8:00 - 11:00 am and 1:00 - 3:00 pm, and will communicate several times each week.
    • Students will submit assignments and participate in activities as directed on the teachers’ remote learning lessons.
    • Teachers may provide “face time” through videos and/or meetings, fostering connections for our students.
    • Please note that assignments completed at home may take twice as long due to many factors; teachers will prioritize essential activities and assignments.
    • Please contact your child’s teacher FIRST if questions/concerns or technology problems arise.

    For Grades K - 4

    • Remote learning lessons, called Remote Learning Playlists for K - 4, will be available each week by clicking on the Remote Learning tab of the K - 4 building websites.

    For Grades 5 & 6

    • Remote learning lessons, called Remote eLearning Plans for grades 5 & 6, will be emailed each week on Friday by 4:00 PM as a preview of what is to come for the next week.  You can access these via your parent email and/or your students’ District Gmail accounts.  

     

    District iPad Usage at Home

    The District iPads given to students for the primary use of remote student instruction are filtered in accordance with District Board policies. However, it is not possible for the District to monitor, filter, and enforce a wide range of differing social values, especially when the devices are being used outside of the District network.

    The District recognizes that parents/guardians maintain primary responsibility for imparting their own particular set of values regarding electronic devices and the use of the Internet to their children, as well as the appropriate times and places the iPad should be used in the home. We encourage parents/guardians to discuss the following with their child(ren):

    • What content on the Internet is and is not acceptable for their child(ren) to access while using the District iPads
    • Set guidelines with their child(ren) of when the District iPad is allowed to be used
    • Determine if or when the District iPad can be used for entertainment purposes beyond student schoolwork

    We greatly appreciate your partnership in ensuring a positive and safe experience for your child(ren) while using the District iPads.

    What if my child does not have access to the Internet?

    If your household needs assistance getting access to the Internet for remote student instruction purposes, we have identified some free technology access resources on the District’s Coronavirus Information Page that may be helpful to you.

    The District is also working to secure mobile hotspots for families who have limited resources available to them. Please contact your building principal on how to secure one of these devices.  We may need to prioritize the distribution of the hotspots based on limited supply.

    In addition, comprehensive support for families and caregivers during remote learning is available at the Lincoln Intermediate Unit website, LIULearnON.

    Stay well. Stay connected. Stay Rocket Strong. 

    Sincerely,

    Mr. Jon Weaver, SGE Principal (weaverj@sgasd.org)

    Dr. Michael Holtzapple, PES Principal (holtzapm@sgasd.org)

    Mr. Robert Shick, NSE Principal (shickr@sgasd.org)

    Mrs. Kathy Eshbach, Elementary Assistant Principal (eshbachk@sgasd.org)

    Mr. Craig Seelye, SGI Principal (seelyec@sgasd.org)

    Mrs. Kelly Peake, SGI Assistant Principal (peakek@sgasd.org)

     

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    APRIL 9, 2020: UPDATED INFORMATION FOR PARENTS/GUARDIANS

    Dear Spring Grove Families and Staff,

    The Pennsylvania Department of Education announced today, April 9, that all schools in Pennsylvania will remain closed through the end of the current school year as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. We are evaluating how the new directive will impact our students, staff, and community. 

    Please know that our decisions are made to protect and ensure the health, safety, and well-being of ALL students, staff, and community members. No final decisions have been made regarding prom, graduation, athletics, and other school-related events. Once we are able to determine how this new state-mandated closure will affect our school community, we will be as timely as possible in communicating information. 

    We are confident that our Continuity of Education Plan that began on March 30, will ensure that all of our students remain engaged and connected to our learning community. Although this plan does not replicate the benefits of a traditional face-to-face model, it will allow us to continue educating all students, despite the challenges we face.

    I thank you for your continued patience and attention. I hope that you all have a wonderful holiday break. 

    Sincerely,

    Dr. George W. Ioannidis
    Superintendent

     

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    APRIL 7, 2020: UPDATED INFORMATION FOR PARENTS/GUARDIANS

    Dear Spring Grove Families,

    Last week, we shared with all of you our Continuity of Education Plan that provides details on how the District will maintain and develop skills while away from the customary school environment. I would like to take a moment to provide some important updates to you as we continue our planning and implement the extension of our remote learning through the state-mandated indefinite closure. 

    As you recall, our first phase of remote learning encompassed a total of ten days of lessons that began on Monday, March 30, 2020. The 2019-2020 Board-approved school calendar reflects school closures to instructional staff/students on Thursday, April 9, and Monday, April 13, 2020, reserved as weather make-up days.  Additionally, Friday, April 10, is scheduled as a District closure to observe the Easter Holiday. There is no change to this part of our school calendar; therefore, remote learning will not be in session on Thursday, April 9 through Monday, April 13.  The confirmation of these closures will extend our ten days of planned instruction through Wednesday, April 15.

    Moving forward, our teachers are preparing for the next twelve days of remote lessons that will take us through Friday, May 1, 2020. 

    • Parent of students in grades 7 - 12: Your child(ren)’s teacher(s) will communicate with you, in greater detail, the next set of instructional lessons/activities that will take place over a twelve-day period.

    • Parents of students in grades K - 6: Thank you for your help and cooperation in coming to our buildings to pick up your child(ren)’s iPad(s). Please watch for an additional email from your Building Principal on accessing online learning activities via your child(ren)’s District iPad in lieu of student learning packets.

    As of today, no final decision has been made regarding prom, senior awards, or graduation. We are watching events unfold daily, and we will be as timely as possible in communicating information to you related to these important events. This is certainly not how anyone could have envisioned the senior year for the Class of 2020. We will consider a way to celebrate our seniors and their fortitude through this challenge should the originally scheduled dates need to be modified in any way.

    Thank you for your patience and partnership as we continue to work together to deliver a successful learning experience for all of our students.

    Sincerely,

    Dr. George W. Ioannidis
    Superintendent

     

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    APRIL 3, 2020: CONTINUITY OF EDUCATION PLAN

    Dear Spring Grove Families,

    I hope this letter finds you well and your loved ones safe at home.  As always, the safety of our students is our top priority, along with the continuation of our students’ educational progress.  As such, I am presenting our Continuity of Education Plan to you as we move forward from March into April. 

    The Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) defines Continuity of Education as any educational practices that occur in the event of a prolonged school closure.  It is important that students have the opportunity to develop and maintain skills while away from the customary school environment. 

    Our Plan is an outline of actions developed by the District to provide education activities for our students. The Plan includes identification of resources, provision of teacher and administrative support, and expectation of student engagement and work during this period. Furthermore, the District will use its electronic communication resources to deliver instructions to students/parents, teachers, and other community partners.  The Continuity of Education Plan also provides students with developmentally appropriate enrichment and review activities, as well as planned instruction via online learning while being mindful of their health and wellness. 

    After April 13, our goal is to conduct as much instruction as possible using available resources with guidance from your child’s teacher.  Your child’s teacher is available to provide support and answer any questions that may arise concerning the new instruction.

    The District’s Continuity of Education Plan is available on the District website. We encourage you to review the Plan.  It includes information about our expectations for providing teaching and learning opportunities; access to technology; communication with students; and application of strategies to meet the needs of all students.

    Since we are all in new territory with providing remote student instruction, please work with us to provide the most beneficial educational experience to your child during these uncertain times.  We will provide constant updates to you as we learn, adjust, make modifications, and move forward.

    We cannot thank you enough for your patience and support as we continue to move forward with remote student instruction.  Please, take care of yourselves and your families.

    Sincerely,

    Dr. George W. Ioannidis
    Superintendent

     

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    MARCH 31, 2020: UPDATED INFORMATION FOR PARENTS/GUARDIANS

    Dear Spring Grove Families,

    The Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) announced yesterday, March 30, that all schools in Pennsylvania will remain closed indefinitely to stem the spread of COVID-19. This extended closure includes all of our building and district offices.

    I understand the hardship that the extended school closure places on our families, as well as the social and emotional impact it may have on our students. I also realize that this announcement raises a lot of questions for you. It does for our administrative team, as well. There are many questions for which we simply do not have the answers at this time.

    Our District leaders are working together to evaluate the state-mandated indefinite school closure and what it means for our students, staff, and families.  I am confident that the next few days will bring clarity regarding many of these questions and we will provide updates on these issues as soon as more information is available. 

    In the meantime, please continue with your child’s remote student instruction as planned and know that we are here to support you. If you have a question regarding your child’s online learning or instructional packet, please reach out to your child’s teacher for assistance. 

    The drive-thru to-go meals for any child age 18 and under will continue through this week (March 30 - April 3) at the three designated locations. Please visit our To-Go Meals webpage for more information and the latest updates on the free drive-thru to-go meals.

    Any changes to scheduled school activities will be decided as soon as possible and we will communicate those changes via our regular communication methods.

    We are committed to working together as a community to support one another throughout these unprecedented times, and communication will remain a top priority. 

    We will continue to share updates with you through our email and phone notification system, our Coronavirus Information Page on the District website, and through our social media channels. We encourage you to stay tuned for updates on a regular basis.

    Sincerely,

    Dr. George W. Ioannidis

    Superintendent

     

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    MARCH 24, 2020: UPDATED INFORMATION FOR PARENTS/GUARDIANS

    Dear Spring Grove Families,

    The Pennsylvania Department of Education announced yesterday, March 23, that all schools in Pennsylvania will remain closed through at least April 6 as a result of the COVID-19 response efforts. This includes all of our offices and any scheduled events. The closure could be extended beyond April 6, if necessary.  If a change takes place, we will communicate with you as quickly as we can. 

    We are currently evaluating how the new directive will impact our students, staff, and community. As of this communication, we are still planning to begin remote student instruction on Monday, March 30.  As previously communicated, please note the following regarding Remote Student Instruction: 

    1. Parents of Students in Grades K - 6: student instructional packets have been mailed to you.  Your child's packet should arrive this week. Please contact your child’s teacher if you do not receive your instructional packet or if you have any questions about the content of the instructional packet.

    2. Parents of Students in Grades 7 - 12: student instructional materials will be available online beginning March 30. Teachers will communicate instructions to you for online learning. Some packets may be mailed if requested. Please contact your child’s teacher if you have any questions about online student assignments.

    3. Parents of Students that have an Individualized Education Program (IEP): we are aware that the lessons provided may not fully meet Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) for your child.  You may receive additional instructions from your child's teacher(s).  We will be reaching out to some of you to schedule virtual (Zoom, Google Hangout, Phone Conference, Email) IEP meetings in an effort to meet the required timelines. 

    Student Access to Technology at Home - Please Complete the Survey
    We are asking all of our families to complete the Student Technology Access At Home Survey by Friday, March 27, so we can better determine the level of access to technology and the Internet that our students have at home.  If you know of families with students in the District that do not have access to the Internet which may prevent them from taking this survey, please ask them to contact Chris Enck at 717-225-4731 ext. 6900 or enckc@sgasd.org.

    If your household needs assistance for access to the Internet for remote student instruction purposes, we have identified some free technology access resources on the District’s Coronavirus Information Page that may be helpful to you.

    SGASD Meal Distribution
    SGASD will continue to distribute meals next week to any child age 18 and under at the three designated locations exclusively on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.  Each bag will include two lunches and two breakfasts. Please visit our To-Go Meals webpage for more information and the latest updates on the free drive-thru to-go meals.

    Our district staff serving in essential roles will continue to work throughout the closure. This includes administrators who are working remotely and are accessible via email, as well as our nutrition services and facilities staff who continue to provide meals to the children in our community. 

    These are truly incredible times. I am so proud of our staff who have been working around the clock to adjust, adapt, and prepare to reach out to our students with new instruction.  I speak for all of our staff when I say that we really do love and value our students. We are here for them! 

    Sincerely,

    Dr. George W. Ioannidis

    Superintendent

     

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    MARCH 20, 2020: UPDATED INFORMATION FOR PARENTS/GUARDIANS

    Dear Parents/Guardians,

    Thursday evening, March 19, Governor Wolf ordered all non-life-sustaining businesses to close their physical locations. Spring Grove Area School District is honoring the directive from the Governor to shut down our offices until further notice, with the exception of essential staff. I would like to clarify what this directive means for District operations as we understand it today, March 20. 

    SGASD Meal Distribution

    Currently, the State of Pennsylvania is allowing schools to proceed with the distribution of meals as we have been doing since the closure began. 

    SGASD will continue to distribute meals to any child age 18 and under at the three locations listed below exclusively on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Each bag will include multiple meals. 

    1. Spring Grove Area Middle School: from 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM

     

    1. Paradise Elementary Area: at Chesapeake Estates at the old entrance located at the mailboxes from 12:00 PM - 12:30 PM
    2. New Salem Elementary Area: at the Colonial Crossings (cross-section of Patriot, Cannon, and Eagleton) from 12:00 PM - 12:30 PM

    We will update you on the future status of the meal distributions, including any change to the location and times available. Please stay tuned to the District’s website and social media channels for these (and other) updates.

    Remote Student Instruction

    With the government mandate in effect until further notice, the District will begin remote student instruction on March 30 with ten lessons being mailed home or posted online. If you have any questions, please contact your child’s teacher via email beginning on March 30.  Please note the following:

    • Parents of Students in Grades K - 6: student instructional packets are being mailed to you. Please allow 5 - 7 days for delivery. 

     

    • Parents of Students in Grades 7 - 12: student instructional materials will be available online beginning March 30. Teachers will communicate instructions to you for online learning. Some packets may be mailed if requested. 

     

    • Parents of Students that Have an Individualized Education Program (IEP): we are aware that the lessons provided may not meet Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) for your child.  You may receive additional instructions from your child's teacher(s).  We will be reaching out to some of you to schedule virtual (Zoom, Google Hangout, Phone Conference, Email) IEP meetings in an effort to stay within the required timelines. 

    State Assessments

    The Pennsylvania Department of Education announced today the cancelation of all PSSA testing and Keystone exams for the 2019-20 school year as a result of COVID-19. This includes the Pennsylvania Alternate System of Assessment. 

    Free Educational and Wellness Resources

    For a list of free educational resources, please visit the Coronavirus Information Page on the District website. We have also provided a few wellness and community resources on the Coronavirus Information Page that you may find helpful during this challenging time. 

    Again, we will continue to share updates with you through our email and phone notification system, as well as our Coronavirus Information Page on the District website, and we encourage you to stay tuned for updates on a daily basis.

    Sincerely,

    Dr. George W. Ioannidis

    Superintendent

     

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    MARCH 19, 2020: UPDATED INFORMATION FOR PARENTS/GUARDIANS

    Dear Parents and Guardians:

    The effects of the COVID-19 virus have been profound, and we are still working through their impact on our schools.  Our educational system has been disrupted by the 10-day closure announced by the Governor, done as a precautionary measure.  

    At this time, we are scheduled to return to our buildings on March 30. Given the fluid nature of what we are experiencing, there could be a possibility for an extended closure. We have taken this 10-day period to intentionally prepare for any additional directives concerning the re-opening of our schools.

    We are preparing for the potential implementation of remote learning activities and lessons for our students should the closure be extended.  

    • Parents of Students in Grades K - 6: we will communicate instructions to you on when and where student instructional materials can be picked up.

    • Parents of Students in Grades 7 - 12: instructional materials will be available primarily online. We will communicate instructions to you for online and/or instructional material pick up.

    • Parents of Students that Have an Individualized Education Program (IEP): we are aware that the lessons that may be provided may not meet Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) for your child.  In the meantime, we will be reaching out to some of you to schedule virtual (Zoom, Google Hangout, Phone Conference, Email) IEP meetings to make an effort to stay within the required timelines. 

    In the interim, resources to help students continue to have learning experiences during the COVID-19 related school closure are currently available on the Coronavirus Information Page on the District website. We encourage you to have your child read daily and take advantage of the free instructional resources provided.

    If you haven’t already heard, the District is providing free drive-thru to-go meals for children 18 and under. Meals are available for pick up at the Middle School during the closure on weekdays from 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM. For Friday, March 20, we are adding two locations for meal distribution. A District van with SGASD staff will be at these two locations from 12:00 PM – 12:30 PM to hand out the meals. The addition of these two locations may expand into next week. Please continue to check the District website for updates. The two new locations in addition to the Middle School are the following:

    1. Paradise Elementary Area: Chesapeake Estates at the old entrance located at the mailboxes

    2. New Salem Elementary Area: at the Colonial Crossings (cross-section of Patriot, Cannon, and Eagleton)

    We will share instructions and updates with you through our email and phone notification system, as well as our Coronavirus Information Page on the District website, and we encourage you to stay tuned for updates on a daily basis.

    We ask for your continued patience as we navigate through this very unique situation.  We thank you for your ongoing continued assistance and for your encouragement as we work to resolve the challenges we are facing.  We are part of an incredible community, and we are grateful for your support.

    Sincerely,

    Dr. George W. Ioannidis
    Superintendent

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    MARCH 16, 2020: UPDATED INFORMATION FOR PARENTS/GUARDIANS

    Dear Spring Grove Families,

    Last Friday, March 13th, we communicated to you Governor Wolf’s announcement of the state-wide closure of Pennsylvania schools through March 29, 2020. We are honoring the directive of the Governor to close schools and limit public contact. This includes the closing of school offices to the public and the cancelation of all athletic events, extracurricular activities, and all facility use by outside groups. We understand that this closure may cause an inconvenience, and trust that you will support our efforts on behalf of the wellness of our community.

    During the closure, students are not required to complete instructional work at home. However, we highly encourage you to have your child read daily and take advantage of free instructional resources. We will provide a list to some of the free resources available to you on the Coronavirus Information Page on the District website.

    If your student has medicine that is currently at a school building that you will need prior to March 30th, please contact the building’s main office between 7:00 AM - 3:30 PM to set up an appointment to pick-up the medicine.

    Beginning Tuesday, March 17th through Friday, March 27th on weekdays only, SGASD will be providing drive-thru to-go meals at no cost for any child 18 years of age or younger, regardless of the family’s economic status. No registration is necessary. Meals can be picked up at the Spring Grove Area Middle School between the times of 11:00  AM - 1:00 PM.

    Spring Grove Area School District administration, along with health and government officials, continue to monitor the latest developments regarding COVID-19. As of this communication, there continue to be no known cases of COVID-19 associated with our District. During the school closure, the custodial and maintenance crews will be performing a deep clean of all of the District facilities.

    We will continue open communication with you regarding our ongoing measures to ensure the safety and security of our students, staff, and community.  As we receive direction from government authorities and can determine how that direction impacts our District and community, we will update you accordingly using the Sapphire Notification System and the District’s Coronavirus Information Page.

    We greatly appreciate your patience, understanding, and support during this time.

    Sincerely,

    Dr. George W. Ioannidis
    Superintendent of Schools

     

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    MARCH 13, 2020: UPDATED INFORMATION FOR PARENTS/GUARDIANS

    Dear SGASD Families,

    Earlier this afternoon, we communicated the closure of our schools and cancelation of all SGASD activities through March 29, 2020. 

    As of 3:30 PM this afternoon, Governor Wolf announced the state-wide closure of Pennsylvania schools. We continue to monitor these new and ongoing developments to determine the impact on the Spring Grove Area School District, its students, and the instructional calendar. 

    We continue to follow the Pennsylvania Department of Education’s guidelines and communications regarding this evolving situation. At this time, we are reviewing the expectations for meeting instructional days and how this announcement will impact the remainder of the school calendar. We will communicate this information to you when it is available, which may be several weeks from today, pending notification at the state level.

    Additionally, please await further guidance on the expectations for any school assignments that may have been sent home with your child or assigned online. 

    As we shared earlier, we will update you as more information becomes available. We thank you for your patience as we navigate these new and challenging times.

    Sincerely,

    Dr. George W. Ioannidis
    Superintendent of Schools

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    MARCH 13, 2020: SCHOOL DISTRICT CLOSURE

    Dear SGASD Parents and Guardians,

    Currently, there are no known cases of COVID-19 associated with the Spring Grove Area School District.

    Out of an abundance of caution, the Spring Grove Area School District will be closing for two weeks as a precautionary measure against the transmission of COVID-19. After the closure of the normal school day today, Friday, March 13, 2020, all school building activities (including school day instruction, athletics, extracurricular activities, facility rentals, etc.) are canceled through Sunday, March 29, 2020. All offices will remain open. 

    At this time, the District plans to resume normal school instruction and activities on Monday, March 30, 2020.

    Together, we are facing an unprecedented health crisis. We have been following the guidance of the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the Pennsylvania Department of Health, as well as additional government agencies, and health care providers by implementing preventative and responsive strategies to help slow the spread of COVID-19. 

    We know that closing our schools will impact all families, and we recognize that working families depend on the consistency and predictability of supports and services our schools offer. We also recognize there are still a lot of unknowns about this disease and just how prevalent it is in our community. While children appear to be more protected from extreme symptoms, adults, including our educators and employees, need support and protection, as well.

    We will be sending further communication regarding implementing remote learning and answers to more questions as they become available. Please review the SGASD Coronavirus Information page for continuing updates. We cannot emphasize enough that the safety of our students and staff is our number one priority and we take our responsibility seriously. 

    Sincerely,

    Dr. George Ioannidis
    Superintendent of Schools

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    MARCH 12, 2020: COMMUNITY UPDATE

    To Our Spring Grove Community:

    The health and safety of our students and staff remain the District’s top priority. As the novel coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) is having a greater impact in the United States, our thoughts are with all those who have been affected by the virus. We feel it is important to reassure you of the steps we are taking within our District and across all of our schools to help keep our students, staff, guests, and families safe and healthy.

    As part of our commitment to the health and well-being of our students and staff, we are carefully monitoring the COVID-19 situation with regular updates and guidance from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the Pennsylvania Department of Health, as well as additional government agencies, and health care providers. We are also working closely with other local and surrounding school districts, intermediate units, and county health and wellness professionals.

    Our facilities staff across all of our buildings conduct rigorous cleaning of all classrooms, cafeterias, gymnasiums, locker rooms, and all public spaces several times throughout the day. Further, we follow exhaustive cleaning, sanitation, and disinfection protocols that meet or exceed government/educational building guidelines. These protocols, which assist with illness prevention, include:

    • Clearly established cleaning and disinfection cycles for all areas.
    • Prominent placement of handwashing posters with expectations for continued cleansing requirements throughout all facilities.
    • Prominent placement of hand sanitizers.
    • Fast response to off-cycle cleaning issues.
    • Frequent cleaning and wash down of high touch locations, including classrooms, walkways, reception areas, cafeterias, gymnasiums, etc.

    Given the current concerns related to COVID-19, we have increased our cleaning, sanitation, and disinfection frequency above our already high standards.

    We are reinforcing the recommended precautionary steps from the CDC to prevent the spread of germs. These guidelines include:

    • Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
    • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
    • Cover a cough or sneeze – preferably with a disposable tissue.
    • Avoid touching your face – especially your eyes, nose, and mouth.
    • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects.
    • Stay home if you have flu-like symptoms.

    We are taking the necessary steps to be prepared should this issue become a more significant concern for our area. Spring Grove Area School District will continue to implement preventive measures in line with the recommendations of the CDC and other health agencies. We have also taken measures to prepare for remote learning should it become necessary. In that event, we will communicate with parents and guardians through our normal school communication channels with further instructions.

    Based on the guidance we have received and our general state of preparedness, we are confident our operations continue to be safe and ready to serve our students, staff, and visiting guests. We are prepared to take whatever steps may be necessary to ensure the safety of our students, staff, guests, and community.

    We look forward to the continuity of regular operations.

    Sincerely, 
      
    Dr. George W. Ioannidis 
    Superintendent of Schools

     

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    MARCH 9, 2020: PARENT/GUARDIAN COMMUNICATION


    Dear SGASD Parents and Guardians, 

    The safety and health of our students and staff are of utmost importance to the Spring Grove Area School District. This message is to update you on our proactive efforts in response to the coronavirus, also known as COVID-19. The School District is closely monitoring and following the guidance from the  Centers for Disease Control, the  Pennsylvania Department of Health, and other medical professionals regarding the spread of COVID-19.  
      
    Please note: At this time, there are NO reported cases of the coronavirus connected to our School District. 

    We are sharing this information with you so you are aware of the preparations the School District has made to monitor, prepare for, and respond to any health or safety issue that may have an impact on our community.  
      
    Prevention 
    Our schools are cleaned and disinfected daily as part of ongoing custodial services.  During a time of potential heightened illness, such as flu season, our staff enhances cleaning services and has protocols in place to address areas in which greater attention may be needed. 
      
    As a reminder, there are steps you can take to slow the spread of respiratory viruses and influenza. The Center for Disease Control recommends the following:

    • Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
    • Use hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
    • Avoid touching eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
    • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
    • Stay home when sick. Students who have a fever of 100.4 or higher should be fever-free without the aid of fever-reducing medications for at least 24 hours before returning to school.
    • Cough or sneeze into an elbow or use a tissue and place it immediately in the trash.
    • Clean and disinfect objects and surfaces that are frequently touched.

    Preparation and Communication 
    We will continue to follow the recommendations from federal, state, and local health officials concerning COVID-19, and we will share updates related to this issue as we receive them. Additionally, our administrative team is working on plans should there be a prolonged disruption of normal school operations.   

    In the event of an urgent announcement, we will use our regular channels of communication, including Sapphire Notification phone calls, electronic mail, and news/social media outlets.  Please be sure we have your updated contact information in the School District's  Sapphire Community Portal. 
      
    Additional Resources 
    We encourage you to access the websites of the Centers for Disease Control and the Pennsylvania Department of Public Health. They are factual and trusted resources that provide the most up-to-date guidance concerning this health issue. Please see our website for the links to these organizations and other resources (https://www.sgasd.org/domain/887). 
      
    Our priority is the health and well-being of our students and staff, and we will remain vigilant regarding the ongoing situation. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding. Together, we can ensure the health of our schools and community, and minimize the impact of COVID-19.  
      
    Sincerely, 
      
    Dr. George W. Ioannidis 
    Superintendent of Schools

     

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    FEBRUARY 28, 2020: GENERAL INFORMATION

    The Spring Grove Area School District is closely monitoring and following the guidance from the Centers for Disease Control, the Pennsylvania Department of Health, and other medical professionals regarding the spread of the 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19). 


    Currently, there are no reported cases of COVID-19 connected to Spring Grove Area School District.


    The District takes measures to reduce the potential for widespread contamination while preparing for any potential health issue that may impact us. Our schools are cleaned and disinfected daily as part of ongoing custodial services. During a time of potential heightened illness, such as flu season, our staff enhances cleaning services and has plans in place to address areas in which higher incidents of illness may occur throughout that time.


    The District will continue to follow all recommendations from federal, state, and local health officials concerning the coronavirus, and will continue to provide you with updates related to this issue as we receive them. At this time, there is no guidance on canceling school or events such as field trips and co-curricular activities. We are reviewing all upcoming events daily, as well as any new updates to the situation provided by the Centers for Disease Control and the PA Department of Health. We are preparing for the possibility of having to alter our school schedules should the situation change. No plans are in place to change our schedule at this time. 

    In the event that school operations and activities need to be changed, please check our website and social media channels for the appropriate announcements. If you have a child attending our schools, please be sure we have your updated contact information in the District's Sapphire Community Portal.

    As a reminder, there are steps you and your family can take to slow the spread of respiratory viruses and influenza. The Center for Disease Control recommends the following:

    • Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds 
    • Use hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available
    • Avoid touching eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands
    • Avoid close contact with people who are sick
    • Stay home when sick. Students who have a fever of 100.4 or higher should be fever-free without the aid of fever-reducing medications for at least 24 hours before returning to school.
    • Cough or sneeze into an elbow or use a tissue and place it immediately in the trash
    • Clean and disinfect objects and surfaces that are frequently touched

     

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    FREE TO-GO MEALS INFORMATION

    SGASD will continue to distribute meals at no cost for any child 18 years of age or younger, regardless of the family’s economic status. No registration is necessary.

    Meal distribution will take place at the three locations listed below exclusively on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Each child will receive two lunches and two breakfasts. 

    1. Spring Grove Area Middle School: from 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM


    2. Paradise Elementary Area: at Chesapeake Estates at the old entrance located at the mailboxes from 12:00 PM - 12:30 PM


    3. New Salem Elementary Area: at the Colonial Crossings (cross-section of Patriot, Cannon, and Eagleton) from 12:00 PM - 12:30 PM


    Please follow the directions on the map for where to pick up the to-go meals at the Middle School.

    To-Go Meals Map


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    FREE EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES

    During the closure, students are not required to complete instructional work at home. However, we highly encourage you to have your child read daily and take advantage of the free instructional resources listed below.

    Elementary Resources:

     

    Secondary Resources:

     

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    WELLNESS RESOURCES


    Talking to Your Child About the Coronavirus:

     

    Managing Anxiety & Stress:

     

    York County Resources:

     

     

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    TECHNOLOGY ACCESS RESOURCES

    The list below provides ideas and some free options for families who do not have Internet access at home.  The list is not an endorsement of the service/product offered and we encourage you to review the service terms and conditions.


    Comcast Internet Essentials Program
    Comcast announced it will be increasing speeds for the Internet Essentials program, and making the program free to new customers for two months, amid the coronavirus outbreak.


    Xfinity WiFi Hotspots
    Until further notice, all Xfinity WiFi Public Hotspots are now open to everyone on the “xfinitywifi” SSID. Public hotspots can be found in small/medium businesses and outdoors in commercial areas. Non-Xfinity subscribers need to accept Terms and Conditions to access the network and repeat when requested to continue to receive free unlimited access. Please refer to the map below for available public hotspots.


    National Free Wi-Fi Map
    This site and app will show you public hotspots nearby. Some of the businesses may be closed due to the quarantine, but they may continue to provide WiFi service from their parking lots. 

     

    WiFi is available outside of all Spring Grove Area School District school buildings.
    By practicing social distancing, you can sit in a vehicle outside our schools to access the District’s Internet.  Personal devices can connect to our SGASD Guest network, while SGASD iPads will connect to the same network they use inside our schools. 

     

    Glatfelter Memorial Library
    The Library has free WiFi that is accessible from their parking lot.

     

    Mobile Phone Providers

    • Current T-Mobile Customers - Providing unlimited smartphone data for the next 60 days.  They'll also receive an additional 20GB of mobile hot spot/tethering service for those two months.

    • Current Sprint Customers - Providing Unlimited data for 60 days to customers with metered data plans (effective 3/18) and giving 20 GB of free mobile hotspot to customers with hotspot-capable devices (effective 3/18).

     

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    FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS


    Q: Will schools be closing? 

    A: The Pennsylvania Department of Education announced on April 9, that all schools in Pennsylvania will remain closed through the end of the current school year as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The closure includes all of our building and district offices. 

     

    Q: When will these days be made up?

    A: Currently, the Governor has stated that the days missed from March 16-March 27 will not count against the state-required 180 school days. 

     

    Q: What does the closure mean for standardized tests, PSSA’s and Keystones?

    A: The Pennsylvania Department of Education announced the cancelation of all PSSA testing and Keystone exams for the 2019-20 school year as a result of COVID-19. This includes the Pennsylvania Alternate System of Assessment. 

      

    Q: Does the district have a plan for meal distribution to our students on free and reduced breakfast/lunch?

    A: SGASD is providing drive-thru to-go meals at no cost for any child 18 years of age or younger, regardless of the family’s economic status. No registration is necessary. Please check the drive-thru to-go meals webpage for the latest updates.

      

    Q: Can my child disinfect their laptop provided by the school? If so, how?

    A: The recommendation for cleaning devices is to use a mix of up to 70% isopropyl alcohol and water. Clorox and other cleaners will remove the coating on devices that minimize the fingerprint on the screen. Avoid using any chlorine-based cleaners, such as bleach, peroxides (including hydrogen peroxide), solvents such as; acetone, paint thinner, benzene, methylene chloride or toluene ammonia (ex. Windex) or ethyl alcohol.

      

    Q: What are SGASD’s cleaning procedures?

    A: Our Facilities Department uses a disinfectant that is known to be effective at killing COVID-19 and most other viruses. Custodians are wiping down surfaces such as tables, doorknobs, handrails, light switches, and drinking fountains on a regular basis. Red Lion Bus Co. and School Express have increased the disinfection of school buses/van transports, as well.

     

    Q: What measures are you taking to prevent the spread of illness?

    A: Our normal operations include the disinfection of schools.  We have plans in place to increase the normal practice of disinfection of schools, including surfaces and buses. 

     

    Q: How can my child and family stay well?

    A: To help prevent the spread of illness, follow these important tips:

    • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
    • Avoid touching your face, eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
    • Avoid close contact (four to six feet) with people who are sick.
    • Stay home when you are sick.
    • Cover your cough (cough into your elbow) or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
    • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

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