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.

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


    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:

     

    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

    March 23, 2020 Update

    SGASD will continue to distribute meals through next week 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:

    • Prepared York - A compiled list of various constituencies on resources available to you in your place of business, your employment status, and day to day lives.

    • York County Families in Need - A group of York business owners launched an effort to offer meals and food (delivered if needed) to help students, elderly, and families during the closure.

     

     

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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: Spring Grove Area School District closed for two weeks as a precautionary measure against the transmission of COVID-19. 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.

    The Pennsylvania Department of Education announced on 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.

     

    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.  We will respond appropriately as a district once the total number of days missed due to coronavirus closures has been determined.

     

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

    A: The PA Dept. of Education will provide guidance regarding PSSA’s and Keystones which our district would follow when any changes are determined.  We will communicate any changes to SAT, ACT or AP guidance as it is communicated with our district.

     

    Q: My child’s school has an event planned during this time (i.e. musical, awards night, academic night (STEM Night), etc.) Will these events take place when school resumes?

    A: All activities are currently canceled through April 5.  Individual buildings, programs, and activities will communicate plans for events scheduled after that date; or make-up dates for those missed, as they are determined.

     

    Q: Will you re-evaluate the situation in two weeks before the students go back to school?
    A: Yes, the Governor has stated that the closures state-wide will be re-evaluated during the current closure.  We as a district will also re-evaluate operations during that time as well. We remain in close contact with PA Dept. of Ed., PA Dept of Health, and the other districts in our Intermediate Unit (Adams, Franklin, York Counties).

     

    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.

    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

     

    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: My child attends the SGFlex online... is it closed?

    A: All public schools are closed during the two week period (March 16 - March 27), this includes all virtual programs provided by school districts and charter entities. 

     

    Q: Some students can continue to just get information from teachers online; was that considered?

    A:  As a district, we are responsible for the equity of access to instruction for all students; that includes students without home access to the internet and appropriate programming for students with disabilities.

    This is taken into consideration with any days that we consider “instructional days”; and will be part of any planning that occurs for days missed beyond this two week period (March 16 - March 27). 

     

    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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