From the Superintendent's Desk

Dear SDST Community,

Good morning.  As some of you have likely heard, yesterday afternoon Our Mother of Consolation School in Chestnut Hill tragically suffered a significant fire.  Thankfully, no students or staff were injured, but the school does not appear to be usable for its primary purpose at this time.  Last evening I spoke with Sister Theresa Maugle, Principal of St. Genevieve School in Flourtown, and asked that she convey the district's offer of support to the leadership at OMC, should they find the need.  I have also alerted our administrative team to consider ways our school community can support the students and staff at OMC.  These may include:

• Clinical team services for those families affected by the fire
• Curricular resources that could be of use to the staff and students
• School furniture on loan for temporary classrooms
• Other requests we may receive for services or supplies

If you or your family have been affected by the fire at OMC, please reach out to your child's building principal or any administrator, and we will be happy to assist you.  

Thank you,

MaryJo Yannacone, Ed.D.

Superintendent

Dear SDST Families,

I am a diehard Philly fan and our Philadelphia Eagles, possibly the best team of all-time in the franchise, are representing us this Sunday night in the Super Bowl.  I will be glued to the television all evening and will cheer on our massively talented o-line, our MVP quarterback, our stellar special teams and our #1 defense.  When the clock winds down to 0:00, I will plan to celebrate a tremendous season for the Birds as they parade down Broad Street as NFC Champions and hopefully, as Super Bowl Champions.  

Knowing all this, you might imagine that I would call an audible and bring us in on a delay on Monday morning, and perhaps even call off late next week when the city celebrates as one.  It certainly has been tempting to consider.  But here’s the hitch: many families and students count on us to be here for you, to show up every day and do our best, as we expect our Iggles to do this Sunday in Arizona.  Many of our students count on the breakfast we provide in the morning, and many families will be expected to report to work on time on Monday to their jobs in hospitals, storefronts, and businesses that serve our community.  We know that you are counting on us, and we must be there for you.

So here’s the plan:

On Friday, February 10th, in addition to our regular menu, our lunchrooms will offer a special Philly-themed meal of cheesesteaks, soft pretzels, fries and 100% juice ice for students and staff (Free/Reduced-eligible, $2.75 elementary, $3.00 secondary, $3.75 staff). We’ll also have Philly soft pretzels for 85 cents.  All schools have been encouraged to find ways to celebrate the Eagles in the Super Bowl this week.

On Monday, February 13th, our schools will open on time.  Families of students who submit a late note on Monday morning as a result of a family event over the weekend will be excused.

In the event of a parade later in the week, our schools will follow our schedule as listed on our calendar.  We have full days of school on February 14th and 15th, a half day on February 16th, and no school on February 17th.  If a parade occurs on a school day, families of students who submit an absence or early dismissal note to attend the parade will be excused for a family event.

Staff have been requested and encouraged to report to work as usual in order to provide support for our students and families who need us.  

We’d love to see our students and staff wearing your Eagles green, decorating the halls, singing the fight songs, and enjoying the festive atmosphere that a championship brings to our city, right here in fantastic Springfield Township School District!  

GO EAGLES!

MaryJo Yannacone, Ed.D.

Superintendent

Dear SDST Staff and Families,

I am proud to share that Dr. Catherine VanVooren, our SDST Director of Student Services, has been announced as the next Superintendent in the Coatesville Area School District.  She is scheduled to be appointed by their board of school directors Tuesday evening, January 17, 2023, and her transition will occur over the month of February.  

Dr. VanVooren came to Springfield in 2016, after serving as an administrator in the Coatesville Area School District.  She is very excited to be able to return there and provide leadership to the district as they move forward.  

In her time as a Spartan, Dr. VanVooren has served as the Principal of Enfield Elementary School and helped navigate the design, construction and transition into our new facility on Montgomery Avenue.  In January 2021, Dr. VanVooren began her tenure as Director of Student Services.  In her two years in the central office, Dr. VanVooren has built systems of support and relationships with district faculty, staff, families and students. She actively worked to provide meaningful and consistent professional learning to her team in collaboration with building administrators.  

As Dr. VanVooren transitions over the month of February into her new role, we will announce an Interim Director of Student Services who will serve for the remainder of the school year.  We will then conduct a thorough search for the next permanent Director of Student Services, who we expect to join us on or before July 1, 2023.  More information regarding the search process for the Director of Student Services will be released this Spring.  

Please join me in congratulating Dr. VanVooren and wishing her well as she takes this next important step in her professional career!

Sincerely,

MaryJo Yannacone, Ed.D.

Superintendent

Dear STHS Families,

As you have learned earlier today, the Springfield Township High School community lost a member of the Class of 2023, Piper Silberman, who died suddenly this morning.  Each student brings a unique and special element to our school community, and Piper was no different.  As the clinical team and administration walked the halls of the high school today, Piper’s impact on his peers and the high school staff was evident.  He was clearly loved and respected by everyone.  We also know that he was much beloved by his mother, his stepfather, and his siblings, as well as his entire extended family.  

High School students and staff were informed by Dr. Rittenhouse this morning, and members of the clinical team (counselors, psychologists, social workers) as well as teachers, support staff and administrators have provided support throughout the day today.   Tomorrow, we plan to continue to offer counseling support for those students who need it, and to follow a regular schedule of classes.  

The death of a student is an extremely difficult time for all of us, and it is not unusual to feel a combination of confusion, fear, and anxiety.  For families who would like additional resources to support your child, our team has assembled this list for your reference.  You may also contact your child’s school counselor if you believe you or they require further support. Thank you. 

Sincerely,

MaryJo Yannacone, Ed.D.
Superintendent

Dear SDST K-8 Families,

The Springfield Township High School community is saddened to share that Piper Silberman, a senior, died suddenly early this morning.  Piper was a vibrant, active member of the Class of 2023 and will be missed greatly by his teachers, classmates, and extended Springfield family.  Piper was a member of the theater, music and yearbook programs at STHS, and was a highly respected member of our community. Piper’s family members include current sophomores Asher Silberman and Ainsley Cathers and older sister and STHS graduate Zoe Silberman.  Our thoughts and prayers are with the Silberman family at this difficult time.  

High School students and staff were informed by Dr. Rittenhouse this morning, and members of the clinical team (counselors, psychologists, social workers) as well as teachers, support staff and administrators have provided support throughout the day today.   Students in grades K-8 were not informed of the student’s death at school today.  For families who would like resources, our team has assembled this list for your reference.  You may also contact your child’s school counselor for further support. Thank you. 

Sincerely,

MaryJo Yannacone, Ed.D.

Superintendent

Good afternoon,

Over the past two days I have received numerous emails from families expressing gratitude to our district administration and staff for the efforts we make each day to maintain a safe and vibrant school district.  In the wake of the most recent tragedy in Uvalde, Texas, we are all reminded of the importance of kindness, connection, and compassion for others.  These values impact the extent to which we each feel a sense of belonging in our schools and community.  Beyond the resources we have already shared, we would like to provide this information sheet explaining our safety and security measures within the district.  I hope this information brings you a greater sense of confidence and comfort in sending your children to us each day.  

As we approach the holiday, let us all remember the many members of law enforcement, emergency services, and community volunteers who respond on a daily basis when our communities are in need.  I wish you all a safe, healthy, and restorative Memorial Day Weekend.

Sincerely,

MaryJo Yannacone, Ed.D.

Dear SDST Staff and Families,

This email is intended to inform you that Montgomery County moved into the HIGH level for Covid-19 last evening due to case rate and new hospital admissions. Masks are strongly recommended for all students and staff beginning Monday, May 23, 2022 indoors and on school buses.

Our SDST Health and Safety Plan states that we will review and consider the recommendations of both the CDC and the Montgomery Office of Public Health (MCOPH), as well as local factors when determining how best to reduce infection spread in our community.  Among the local factors I have considered are trends in our district wide current case count. Case counts within the District have actually gone down over the past two weeks (76 last week, 58 this week) and we have successfully managed staff coverage and the percentage of staff and student cases at each building. 

Based upon the recommendations of the CDC when communities are in HIGH that we “consider setting-specific recommendations for prevention strategies based on local factors,” effective Monday, May 23, 2022, Springfield Township schools will utilize our building-level data to determine whether masking is strongly recommended or required.  I am recommending that the Board of School Directors determine a threshold for moving to a mask mandate in our schools, and I have suggested that the threshold be 5% for current case counts by building.  I have chosen this threshold based upon my understanding of significant schoolwide outbreaks.       The Board will discuss my recommendation below at a future board meeting:

• If a school reaches a threshold of 5% or greater in current case count while in HIGH, universal masking of all students and staff would be required indoors and on school buses.  
• When in HIGH and below 5% current case count, masking by individuals indoors and on buses would be strongly recommended. 

When in MEDIUM or HIGH, outbreaks of 3 or more cases within a classroom, team, or ensemble will continue to result in required masking of students and staff in that classroom/group for 14 days, while indoors or on school buses, per MCOPH guidance.  

Here is our current local data and mask status for March 23-27:

As a school community, we all share the responsibility for reducing the spread of Covid-19.  

• We strongly recommend indoor use of masks for staff and students.
• We strongly recommend the use of masks for large indoor group events, such as concerts, art shows, and meetings.
• We are shifting to virtual meetings whenever feasible until we return to LOW.
• We continue to encourage personal hygiene and screening for symptoms.  
• Please remain home when experiencing symptoms or if you test positive for Covid-19.
• If you have not already submitted your child’s vaccinations records to the school nurse, please consider doing so.  

Within our district operations, the following measures are in place:

• We will continue to maintain effective ventilation in our schools and offices, and open windows to bring in fresh air where feasible.  
• We are using bi-polar ionization units in all buildings for enhanced clean air exchange.
• We are spraying all high-touch surfaces with a disinfectant on a daily basis.  

Anyone who is experiencing symptoms is encouraged to take a test and anyone with a known exposure should test between 3-5 days after exposure to either confirm or rule out the presence of Covid-19 before returning to school or work. Those testing positive will be required to quarantine at home for 5 days, and then mask at school/work for 5 additional days.  You can access testing at a number of regional locations.  For more information, please visit our Covid-19 resources dashboard.  

It is my sincere hope that the closing weeks of the 2021-2022 school year will be filled with excitement, engagement, and celebration of the accomplishments of our students, including our 5th and 8th grade promotions and culminating in our Class of 2022 Commencement ceremony on June 8th in Spartan Stadium!

Thank you, and enjoy your weekend,

MaryJo Yannacone, Ed.D.

Superintendent

Dear SDST Staff & Families,

This email is intended to inform you that Montgomery County moved into the MEDIUM level this week due to case rate. Case rate is the only metric at this time that classifies us in the medium level. New hospital admissions and inpatient bed utilization is still considered low, but certainly increasing.  In addition, our district case counts have been higher than at any point in the pandemic, with a current total as of this email of 76 active cases across our schools and offices.  

Details:

• New cases: Increase in new cases (167.04 last week to 228.66 this week).
• New admissions: Increase (6.2/100k last week to 7.7/100k this week).
• Inpatient bed utilization: Increase (1.9% last week to 2.6% this week).

Regionally, Berks, Bucks, Philadelphia, Chester, and Delaware counties remain in LOW.  

We would like to work collaboratively with our staff and families to try to reduce the spread.  In reviewing the guidance of the CDC for communities with a Medium level of exposure, we are requesting that we work together by taking the following mitigation measures:

• We strongly encourage indoor use of masks for staff and students, especially when social distancing is unable to be maintained for activities such as science labs and small group activities.
• We strongly encourage use of masks for large indoor group events, such as concerts, art shows, and meetings.
• We will shift to virtual meetings whenever feasible through Wednesday, June 1, 2022.
• We continue to encourage personal hygiene and screening for symptoms.  
• Please remain home when experiencing symptoms or if you test positive for Covid-19.
• If you have not already submitted your child’s vaccinations records to the school nurse, please consider doing so.  

Within our district operations, the following measures are in place:

• We will continue to maintain effective ventilation in our schools and offices, and open windows to bring in fresh air where feasible.  
• We are using bi-polar ionization units in all buildings for enhanced clean air exchange.
• Effective today we are resuming spraying of all surfaces, as was occurring during the higher levels of the pandemic.  

Anyone who is experiencing symptoms is encouraged to take a test and anyone with a known exposure should test between 3-5 days after exposure to either confirm or rule out the presence of Covid-19 before returning to school or work. Those testing positive will be required to quarantine at home for 5 days, and then mask at school/work for 5 additional days.  You can access testing at a number of regional locations.

Together, we can reduce the risk of spreading Covid-19.  Thank you for helping us to keep our community safe, and avoid greater mitigation measures in the closing weeks of the school year.  For more information, please visit our Covid-19 resources dashboard here.  Thank you.

MaryJo Yannacone, Ed.D.

Superintendent

Dear SDST Staff and Families,

Good afternoon.  This email is intended to provide an update on current rates of infection in Montgomery County and current positive COVID cases within our schools and offices.  While this information is available daily on our COVID-19 dashboard, I wanted to alert our school community to rising data in recent weeks.

In Montgomery County we continue to be in a LOW level of infection based upon CDC guidance.  Details on the level may be reviewed on our website, but the cases per 100,000, formerly called the incidence rate, has risen steadily in our county over the past four weeks and is now 122.27/100,000.   Within SDST our current case count has risen to 20 across all schools and offices, after several months with very few cases. In addition, neighboring districts have begun to see significant increases in positive cases within their schools and offices.  

I am sharing this information so that our staff and families can take whatever measures you deem appropriate as you meet with family and friends and engage in community activities.  Our SDST Health and Safety Plan is in effect, and masks continue to be optional.  Should you have any questions about COVID-19, please check out our website at the link above, contact your family physician, or reach out to any of our school nurses.  Together, we can continue to enjoy these wonderful days of spring in our schools in good health!

Have a great weekend,

MaryJo Yannacone, Ed.D.

Dear SDST Staff and Families,

As you know, last Monday was our first day in a mask optional setting, and our first two weeks have gone very well.  Our website dashboard reflects the guidance released by the CDC on February 25th, which has now been adopted by our state and county health departments.  The changes signal the move from a focus on prevention of transmission to prevention of medically significant disease and healthcare strain.  

Today we celebrated a Spartan Day of Gratitude to mark the two-year anniversary of the COVID-19 pandemic.  It is a cause for celebration that as a country and community we have reached a point where we are experiencing lower hospitalization rates and lower transmission.   I have drafted a revised SDST Health and Safety Plan to incorporate the new guidance, and the proposed plan will be voted on by the school board on Tuesday evening.  

In our schools and offices we will continue to follow CDC guidance and to consult with the county office of public health as needed on contact tracing, isolation and quarantine guidelines.  Key elements of our revised plan include:

• Mask optional in all offices and schools for everyone when Covid-19 community levels are Low or Medium, as defined by the CDC; universal masking in all offices and schools for everyone when Covid-19 community level is High, as defined by the CDC
• Continued emphasis on hygiene, sanitization, ventilation, as recommended
• Maintenance of 3 feet of social distance for seating, where feasible
• Return of all K-8 students to lunchtime seating in the cafeteria on March 16th
• Continued use of contact tracing as directed by the office of public health
• Use of mask-to-stay for asymptomatic close contacts, which allows students and staff identified as close contacts to a positive case who do not have symptoms of infection to remain in school with correct masking for ten days following exposure
• Continued notice of case counts on our dashboard

Thank you for your continued support of mitigation efforts to maximize the health and safety of our students, staff and families.

Sincerely,

MaryJo Yannacone, Ed.D.

Superintendent

Dear SDST Families,

I hope you are enjoying your weekend.  As you are likely aware, on Friday, February 25, 2022 the CDC updated its guidance for mitigation of COVID-19 in schools.  The updated guidance includes changes to recommendations for masking on school buses and provides updated definitions of levels of transmission to consider when implementing masking in schools.  

Our SDST Health and Safety Plan states that we will continue regular communication and consultation with the Montgomery County Office of Public Health to ensure our strategies, policies and procedures are in alignment with county, state and federal recommendations to the extent feasible.  I have carefully reviewed the updated guidance and data for Montgomery County.  Based upon the updated guidance from the CDC, Springfield Township schools are in a Medium rate of transmission.  The guidance states that at this level:

• If you are at high risk for severe illness, talk to your healthcare provider about whether you need to wear a mask and take other precautions
• Stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines
• Get tested if you have symptoms

Therefore, effective Monday, February 28, 2022, we encourage all families to determine whether or not to have your child(ren) wear a mask at school.  While SDST is in a Low or Medium rate of transmission, we will support our students and families, whether attending school in or out of masks.  

• We encourage all families to carefully consider the CDC guidance, speak with your child(ren) about your expectations, consult with your family physician to determine if they may be at higher risk for severe illness, and contact our school nurses and principals with any questions.  
• Also effective February 25, 2022, the CDC does not require wearing of masks on buses or vans operated by public or private school systems, including early care and education/child care programs.  As a result, families may determine whether or not to have your child(ren) wear a mask on the bus.  Families also have the option to drive their children to school.  Please follow procedures at each building if you choose this option.
• Effective Monday, February 28, 2022, masks will be optional at all school events and activities held on school grounds and in school facilities for all students, staff and visitors.  
• We will continue to maintain all other mitigation measures, including contact tracing, quarantining, social distancing, hand hygiene, ventilation and cleaning, and will make updates to our procedures if MCOPH guidance is updated. 
• The MCOPH exclusion guidelines remain in place for all students and staff.  
• Should we at any point return to a High rate of transmission, we will follow CDC guidance and resume universal masking.

The pandemic has been difficult for all of us in varied ways, and I realize that these changes in guidance will result in mixed feelings for many of our families and students.  Our staff will work hard over the next few weeks as we make this transition to reinforce our shared values of inclusion, kindness, and community care.   

Thank you for your continued support and adherence to the SDST Health and Safety Plan.  Together, we can ensure the safety of our community while providing an excellent educational program for our students.

Sincerely,

MaryJo Yannacone, Ed.D.

Superintendent

Good morning,

Yesterday the Montgomery County Office of Public Health (MCOPH) released last week's rates of transmission for local districts, and Springfield Township has reached the Moderate level, with a positivity rate of 6.4% and an incidence rate of 66.19/100,000.  Based upon our SDST Health and Safety Plan, which utilizes MCOPH current guidance (updated 1/11/22), after two consecutive weeks at the Moderate level, we will move formally to the following:

• Masks will be optional for all vaccinated students, staff and visitors.
• Masks will be recommended, though not required, for all unvaccinated students, staff and visitors.
• Masks will continue to be required for all staff and students when traveling on school buses, per the federal mandate.

The next date for local data to be released by MCOPH is Tuesday, March 1, 2022.  If we are again in a Moderate level of transmission next Tuesday, the changes to expectations for masking in all district schools and offices will change on Wednesday, March 2, 2022.  I will announce any such change through School Messenger on Tuesday afternoon to all staff and families.

Families with any questions regarding this anticipated change should contact your building principal.

Thank you,

MaryJo Yannacone, Ed.D.

Superintendent

Dear SDST Families and Staff,

As you know, COVID-19 transmission rates have risen significantly over the past month due to the prevalence of the Omicron variant.  While our local numbers are quite high, we continue to be advised by health and educational agencies at the local, state and national level to maintain in-person education through the surge.  

Over the past two weeks our pandemic liaisons and I have met multiple times with the Montgomery County Office of Public Health and CHOP physicians, who have provided additional guidance for schools.  After a careful review of the new guidance by our health team, SDST will maintain and adjust our mitigation measures as follows:

• Continue universal indoor masking requirements in all schools and offices until transmission rates in Springfield Township fall to moderate for two consecutive weeks.
• Allow asymptomatic staff and students who’ve had a COVID exposure outside of their household to continue to attend work/school in person following MCOPH’s Mask to Stay guidance, which includes daily screening for symptoms, masking around others, and required testing for COVID-19 once between days 4 and 6 after exposure.  If symptoms occur at any point following exposure, they should notify their building nurse or HR for further guidance following the MCOPH School Exclusion Guide. For students to participate in Mask to Stay, please complete the consent form. 
• Implement MCOPH’s Test to Stay for staff who are not boosted but household contacts and asymptomatic.
• Prioritize contact tracing in areas of greatest risk for transmission, the cafeteria, athletics and choir.  Suspend contact tracing in classrooms, school buses, and offices.
• Allow staff or students with a positive COVID test to return to school 5 days after  symptoms begin, as long as their symptoms are resolving and are fever-free for 24 hours without fever-reducing medication.  During days 6-10, they must mask at all times other than when actively eating or drinking, at which times they must be 6 feet away from others.
• Eliminate weekly broad assurance testing of asymptomatic students and staff. 
• Maintain 3-6 feet social distancing between students, 6 feet between staff and others, and 6 feet to the extent feasible at lunches. 
• Continue daily cleaning and sanitizing of high-touch surfaces and disinfection of any area where positive case exposure is identified.
• Continue to maintain our COVID-19 dashboard to inform staff and families of current cases and transmission rates in our community.

As a community, we must work together to continue in-person learning for our students.  All staff, students and visitors must remain at home when symptomatic and consistently and correctly wear a mask when in our schools, on our buses, or in our offices.  

We encourage all eligible staff and students to be vaccinated and receive boosters. As a reminder, vaccines don’t completely prevent COVID but they do dramatically decrease the severity.  We are hosting a booster clinic this Friday at the high school gymnasium from 1:00-4:00 p.m.  Staff and families may access the registration link here, and can choose this clinic, or select an appointment offered elsewhere by Keystone Hospice at a more convenient time. 

The updated SDST Health and Safety Plan, scheduled to be reviewed and voted upon on Tuesday, January 18th by the Board of School Directors, may be found here.  Changes to the current plan are highlighted in red.

Resources from our school nurses:

• SDST Mask-to-Stay FAQ
• Please complete this form if your child tests positive for COVID-19.
• Please complete this form if your child has had an exposure to an individual with COVID-19

For more information on the updated health agency guidance, please visit:

• MCOPH School Guidance 
• MCOPH Exclusion Guidelines 
• CHOP Recommendations 
• PADOH Recommendations 
• CDC Guidance 

Thank you for your continued support of our students, staff and administration as we navigate the health and safety needs of our community while maintaining a quality educational program in Springfield Township schools!

Sincerely,

MaryJo Yannacone, Ed.D.

Superintendent

Dear SDST Families,

I hope that this email finds you happy, healthy and enjoying the holiday break.  Earlier today I attended my weekly meeting with representatives from MCOPH and CHOP.  They have provided updated guidance for schools as we navigate the current spike in transmission of COVID-19.  

• Based upon the recommendations of both MCOPH and CHOP, we will open in person for full-time schooling on Monday, January 3, 2022.  
• The MCOPH has released updated exclusion guidelines which align with the CDC.  Any questions should be directed to the school nurse, who will return to the office on Monday, January 3, 2022.
• Test to Stay will continue to be an option for unvaccinated, asymptomatic students, with testing now occurring twice over five days, rather than three times over ten days.
  • Test to Stay program and consent form
• Students are encouraged to wear medical-style 3-ply masks rather than cloth masks, and to maintain universal masking in schools and offices.  Our current SDST Health and Safety plan requires universal masking in all schools and offices.
• MCOPH has five testing sites open, and is working to extend hours into the evening and on weekends beginning next week to better accommodate residents.  More information on test sites may be found here.

We will continue to follow our SDST Health and Safety plan and the guidance of the MCOPH and CHOP, and I will continue to consult with them on a weekly basis or more frequently as needed to support a safe return to schooling for our students, staff and families.  

Thank you, and Happy New Year.

MaryJo Yannacone, Ed.D.

Superintendent

Dear SDST Families,

Today marks the last day of 2021 here in our Springfield schools, and I would like to thank our families for your ongoing support of our staff and administration throughout the past year.  While we have faced many challenges together, I am gratified by the shared values of our community - creating a welcoming and inclusive environment, maintaining the health of safety of our students, staff and families, and continuing to provide an array of curricular and extracurricular educational experiences that challenge, engage, and inspire our students.  

Our schools and offices will be closed beginning this afternoon and through Sunday, January 2, 2022.  I have encouraged our administrators and office staff to take the time to rest, recover and restore after a difficult year.  We look forward to greeting students and staff bright and early on Monday, January 3, 2022.  

I recognize that families, students, and staff may be experiencing some concern around the current increase in transmission rates and emergence of the Omicron variant in recent days.  I want to affirm that I continue to consult weekly with the Montgomery County Office of Public Health, and will communicate with them next week, as well.  I am committed to maintaining full, in-person schooling for our students, absent a directive from the MCOPH or PADOH, as we begin the new year.  

I hope that the next week brings opportunities for our families and staff to enjoy the winter holidays, to spend time safely with family and friends, and to take a moment to appreciate the many gifts we possess as members of the Springfield Township community.

Happy New Year,

MaryJo Yannacone, Ed.D.

Superintendent

Dear SDST Families,

This message is intended to provide information on the status of mask wearing for the purposes of mitigating the spread of COVID-19 in our schools and offices.  At this time, and through the end of the first semester on January 28, 2022, our existing SDST Health and Safety Plan  remains in effect, which includes mandatory universal masking for all students, staff and visitors in all schools and offices.  

What about the court case decided on Friday, December 10th?

On Friday the Pennsylvania Supreme Court affirmed the Commonwealth Court’s Decision which found the state-wide Order issued by the Acting Secretary of Health was unlawful. This determination was based solely upon the process used to issue the Order and not on the basis that mask mandates are unconstitutional or otherwise legally problematic. As result of this Supreme Court decision, each school district is now required to determine whether masks will be required in school buildings and school events and, if so, any exceptions to such a requirement. As stated above, our current SDST Health and Safety Plan includes universal masking.  

Are masks still required on school buses?

A CDC Order continues to require masks and that Order is currently set to expire on January 18, 2022. Masks continue to be required as a result of the CDC Order and our SDST Health and Safety Plan.

Are school districts permitted to impose mask requirements?

Section 510 of the PA School Code provides districts with broad authority to impose those regulations they believe to be appropriate, including mask mandates, in their school buildings and at school events.  Our current SDST Health and Safety Plan is based upon recommendations of the CDC and the Montgomery County Office of Public Health, and we will continue to consult these health agencies as we prepare the proposed SDST Health and Safety Plan for the second semester. 

Are school districts required to impose a mask mandate?

There is no legal requirement to impose a mask mandate, but until there is Board action we will follow the current version of our District’s Health and Safety Plan. 

When will the Board vote on an updated SDST Health and Safety Plan?

The administration will share a proposed plan for the second semester with all families on January 11, 2022.  This will allow one week for the community to review any changes to the recommendations.  The Board will vote on the revised plan at their regular meeting on Tuesday, January 18, 2022.  The revised plan will go into effect on Monday, January 31, 2022.

What is the current status of COVID-19 in our schools and community?

Springfield Township has seen steadily rising positivity and incidence rates, and is unfortunately sustaining a HIGH rate of transmission.  This is also the case in Montgomery County and PA.  We continue to update our dashboard daily as information is available.

Thank you for your ongoing cooperation on behalf of our entire school community.

Sincerely,

MaryJo Yannacone, Ed.D.

Superintendent

Dear SDST Families and Staff,

This email is being sent to all staff and families in the The School District of Springfield Township regarding the current status of masking in our schools.  The PA Department of Education has released the following statement today:

Earlier today, the Commonwealth Court issued a ruling voiding Acting Secretary Beam’s school mask order. The state is filing an appeal today, which will trigger a stay of the Court’s ruling and keep the order in effect.

Schools should continue to observe the school masking order throughout the duration of the court’s proceedings.

For additional context and background, the Pennsylvania Department of Education, in partnership with the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the Office of the Governor, is providing the following statement to our schools:

The Secretary of Health's authority is clearly outlined in existing law. The Department of Health has directed counsel to file an appeal today. Filing of the appeal will immediately stay the Commonwealth Court’s decision. School masking is a necessary public health measure to keep children safe and provide them with as much in-person learning in school as possible. Medical experts agree – hospitals and healthcare professionals across the state support the masking requirement. Requiring masks in schools is helping to keep students in classrooms and the virus out and is recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Earlier this week, Governor Tom Wolf announced that on January 17, 2022, it is anticipated that the commonwealth’s K-12 school mask requirement will return to local control. Upon the expiration of the statewide mandate, schools may continue requiring mask-wearing based on local policy and CDC guidance.

In addition to this statement by the PA Department of Education, SDST has an approved Health and Safety Plan (August 3, 2021) which includes universal masking of all students, staff and visitors in all schools and offices.  Regardless of the outcome of the legal proceedings of the state, we will maintain our current practice of universal masking until a revised Health and Safety Plan is presented to and approved by the Board of School Directors.  Any revisions to the Plan will be based upon continued guidance of the Montgomery County Office of Public Health, CDC recommendations for schools, and local measures, including the rates of vaccination of SDST staff and students and transmission rates in Springfield Township.  The next scheduled update to the Plan is January 2022.  

Currently, roughly 80% of our students in grades 7-12 and 93% of our staff are vaccinated.  We are very happy to have approximately 800 students (primarily ages 5-11) registered to receive the vaccine this Friday.  I will be sharing information on Montgomery County's modified quarantine program, also known as "Test to Stay" at Tuesday evening's board meeting.   These positive steps help us to see a "light at the end of the tunnel" for the pandemic.  However, we are currently in a Substantial rate of transmission in Springfield Township, with many surrounding communities in High or Substantial.  As a result, we thank all members of the community for continued compliance with our existing Health and Safety Plan.  

Sincerely,

MaryJo Yannacone, Ed.D.

Superintendent

Dear SDST Families,

Last January the Board of School Directors approved the 2021-2022 district Calendar.  We chose not to include any built-in weather emergency days to the calendar in order to avoid starting the year prior to Labor Day, reducing Spring Break, or having the end of the year run into the week of June 20-24, 2022.  We applied for Flexible Instruction Days through the PA Department of Education in order to provide some flexibility for school days in which weather conditions make it dangerous or impossible to hold school in person.  We are approved for five of these days during the 2021-2022 school year.  Assuming we do not need more than five days for weather emergencies, this will allow us to maintain Friday, June 17, 2022 as the final student day.  During Flexible Instructional Days (FID), the district will provide synchronous learning for one half of the day in the morning.  Synchronous is synonymous with live, real time, face to face classes and may include whole class, small group break outs, and one-on-one conferences. The schedule below will be in effect on all Flexible Instruction Days.  Students are expected to attend all synchronous learning and attendance will be taken, recorded and uploaded into the student information system.  

Enfield FID Schedule

9:00-9:30    Attendance/Morning Meeting(Synchronous) 

9:30-9:40    Screen Break- Remain on Zoom 

9:40-10:20    ELA Block (Synchronous)  

10:20-10:30    Screen Break- Remain on Zoom 

10:30-11:10    Math Block (Synchronous) 

11:10-11:20    Screen Break- Remain on Zoom 

11:20-11:50     Special Area Activity (Asynchronous/Accessed in Seesaw)

Erdenheim FID Schedule

9:00-9:30    Morning Check in/Attendance/ SPT(Synchronous) 

9:30-9:40    Screen Break- Remain on Zoom 

9:40-10:20    ELA Block (Synchronous)  

10:20-10:30    Screen Break- Remain on Zoom 

10:30-11:10    Math Block (Synchronous) 

11:10-11:20    Screen Break- Remain on Zoom 

11:20-11:50     Special Area Choice Board (Asynchronous/Accessed in google classroom) 

Middle School FID Schedule

Days of the Cycle Remain the Same

FID Days Alternate A/B - There will be no “split” FID days

9:00-9:15     Synchronous Homeroom/Check-In/Attendance on Zoom  

9:20-9:50      Period 1

9:55-10:25    Period 2 

10:25-10:45    Screen Break

10:45-11:15    Period 3

11:20-11:50     Period 4 

High School FID Schedule

Days of the Cycle Remain the Same

FID Days Alternate A/B - There will be no “split” FID days

9:00-9:15     Synchronous Homeroom/Check-In/Attendance on Zoom  

9:20-9:50      Period 1

9:55-10:25    Period 2 

10:25-10:45    Screen Break

10:45-11:15    Period 3

11:20-11:50     Period 4 

Student Services 

The district commitment to equitable and inclusive practices will apply to these flexible instructional days.  All students will participate in accessible and appropriate academic sessions, with access to their special education support, services and accommodations provided by the classroom teacher and/or in coordination with the special education teacher, as needed.  Students who require direct special education services will be provided with opportunities to work directly with their special education teacher and/or related services during this time.  

Internet Access

Due to the nature of weather emergencies and/or family circumstances, there may be times when students are unable to log in to participate. In this situation, families should notify the office of the interruption in service and the absence will be recorded as excused.  Students will be given the opportunity to submit learning assignments for full credit.  

Notification

Families will be notified when a Flexible Instructional Day is needed through School Messenger, as you would during any other weather emergency.  

I hope that this information is helpful to you as we prepare well in advance of any poor weather this winter.  Should you have any questions, please contact your child’s building Principal or me.

Thank you.

MaryJo Yannacone, Ed.D.

Superintendent 

Dear SDST Families,

Good morning.  As you know, last Thursday we posted the Proposed Health and Safety Plan to our website.  The plan will be discussed and voted upon tomorrow night at our interim board meeting.  Residents may participate in the meeting virtually by registering on the homepage of the website, or in person in the Freeze Lobby.  All in-person participants will be required to wear a mask indoors, and are requested to contact LuAnn McKenna at luann_mckenna@sdst.org no later than 5:00 p.m. Tuesday.  This will help us to be prepared with regard to seating at the meeting.

On Thursday the Montgomery County Office of Public Health changed their guidance in a significant way.  They shifted from the use of local rates of transmission and local vaccination rates to a strong recommendation for universal masking in all K-12 schools.  This change came upon the heels of the CDC making a similar recommendation the day prior.  Over the weekend I have reviewed the scientific studies and data that informed the changes in recommendation from both the MCOPH and the CDC.  I have consulted with our administrative team, and we have considered the ramifications of both continuing to strongly recommend, but not require, universal masking, or moving to universal masking for all students and staff.  

Our goal is to provide the opportunity for all students K-12 who want to attend school full-time in-person to do so, and to return to a traditional school schedule and a full complement of curricular and extracurricular activities.  In order to meet these goals, I am revising the Proposed Health and Safety Plan to require universal masking indoors by all students and staff for the fall semester.  My administrative report tomorrow night will include a thorough presentation on the Health and Safety Plan, which I hope will answer the questions I have received over the weekend. It is my sincere hope that rising vaccination rates and the addition of a safe vaccine for children 2-11 this fall will lead to a change in masking guidance for the second semester.  In the interim, we will do everything we can as an administrative team and faculty to provide a safe, healthy, meaningful educational experience for our students.  

I realize this update will be met by some in our community with happiness, and others with disappointment.  I hope that those who choose to participate in the public meeting tomorrow will do so respectfully.  Our administrative team has been guided throughout the pandemic by only one mission, and that is to provide the best education we can for our students under difficult circumstances.  I came to Springfield because I value the benefits of working in a small, close-knit community where neighbors know and support each other, regardless of varying perspectives.  I hope that we can all work together to make the 2021-2022 school year the best it can be for all of our students.

Sincerely,

MaryJo Yannacone, Ed.D.

Superintendent