August 16, 2021
Staff, Students, and Stakeholders,
Based on current COVID-19 research, Government of the Commonwealth of PA, PA Department of Health (DOH)/Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE)/United States Department of Education (USDOE) guidelines, survey results, and in an effort to address the learning loss of our students due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Laurel Highlands School District will reinstate a five (5) day per week face-to-face instructional model for the Fall of the 2021-22 school year. To that end, the first day of school will be August 30, 2021. It is the expectation that all students will attend class daily.
Please be aware that the Laurel Highlands School District continues to be vigilant in the sanitation and decontamination of germs within all school district buildings; all DOH/PDE and Commonwealth guidelines will be taken into consideration moving forward. We take pride and are determined in providing and maintaining a germ-free learning environment for all. In this vein, we continue to utilize bacteria/virus destroying air purifiers, ultraviolet light bacteria/virus destroying mechanisms, and our custodial staff is utilizing the most recent, FDA approved, and up-to-date disinfectants and cleaners daily in all buildings.
Likewise, all school bus and district transportation providers are committed and will continue to provide clean and safe transportation for our students on all levels. We will continue with our commitment to establish and maintain a safe and sound learning environment for all students and staff.
On this note, per the United States Department of Transportation, all students who participate in school district provided transportation must wear a mask for the ride to school and home. However, at this juncture, the decision to mask during the school day is voluntary for staff and a parent choice for students. As more information becomes available we will forward it to you, please visit our website (www.lhsd.org) to learn the latest information. We thank you for your support and look forward to a productive and exciting school year.
Sincerely,
Dr. Jesse T. Wallace, III
Superintendent
jesse.wallace@lhsd.org