KCSD Update: CM, Bucktail Commencement Ceremonies Moved to August

BALD EAGLE TOWNSHIP – Keystone Central School District Superintendent Jacquelyn Martin on Sunday provided an update on school district topics, including those affected by COVID-19.  In an email to the school district community, she announced that commencement ceremonies for seniors at Central Mountain and Bucktail High Schools will be postponed until August. The report also noted the district’s facilities plan for the next decade and a likely “no-tax-increase” budget for the next school year.

The complete report:

April 19, 2020

Dear KCSD Community,

With COVID-19 causing so much disruption, our district leaders have had to address a wide range of challenges associated with delivering remote instruction, providing meals to students, ensuring board meetings proceed and deciding whether to cancel or postpone special events.  I believe this pandemic has been a new learning experience for all of us. As we move into late spring and summer, I wish to keep our community informed on a variety of topics.

Free Meals

KCSD has served 35,364 meals since March 16, 2020.  We are committed to ensuring students have access to nutritious meals just as they would if school buildings were open. This service will continue during the school closure and we encourage all families to pick up free meals for the children at our designated locations every Monday and Thursday for bundled breakfast and lunches. Our food services staff is following strict guidelines for food safety related to the coronavirus.  I am grateful to everyone who has helped to make this possible. Any family that is having difficulty meeting basic needs during the school closure should complete this KCSD Family Needs Assessment or call 570-893-4900 extension 2105.

Teaching

I am very proud of our teaching staff for adapting so quickly to this new way of learning.  They have participated in many hours of professional learning and collaboration through virtual platforms in the same way as our students have been doing for a month.  We have asked all teachers to communicate with their students each week. I know that many students appreciate hearing from their teachers during a time that is anything but normal.  Teachers are also available for parents/guardians and can reach out to them any time if they need help or want tips on how students can continue to learn while school buildings are closed.

Learning

Last week, Pedro Rivera, the PA Secretary of Education, increased expectations for all public schools and grade levels in Pennsylvania. All of our high school students have been involved in planned learning since we implemented Phase 3.  In light of the recent change from the Department of Education, we have added Phase 4 to our Continuity of Education Plan (beginning April 27, 2020) which increases expectations for students in grades K-8.  Families should expect to hear more information from their principals and teachers each week. Most of the activities can be done remotely through access to the internet, however, printed copies of activities can also be provided to families who request them.  I enjoy seeing pictures of our students learning from home…the wonder in their faces makes my heart smile!

Technology

Ensuring all students have the technology and internet access they need to engage in online learning is an enormous challenge for school districts.  We will continue to make sure we provide devices to all families who need them so that their children can access digital learning. Families who are in need of technology assistance should go to the Technology Helpdesk on our website and “Open A New Ticket” to request a device or get help with technology issues.  You can also call 570-839-4900 ext 2118 for support.

Graduation 2020

After much deliberation and considering a number of factors, we have decided to postpone in-person graduation ceremonies until August 2020.  We have made this decision out of an abundance of caution to protect the safety and well-being of our students and families. We share in this sadness with those impacted by this decision. Even though we will not be able to get together in person on the original dates, we will be providing celebration bags to every senior and creating two graduation videos, Bucktail and Central Mountain, which will be released on June 2, 2020.

Budget

With regards to the budget, we are on target for a zero tax increase for 2020-2021. We have applied for multiple grants in order to assist us with purchasing chromebooks and internet access solutions for our students. We will continue to make the most of every single dollar our taxpayers invest in our local schools. While these are uncertain times, we will move forward in a way that protects the investments of our taxpayers and maintains high-quality educational opportunities for our students. 

KCSD School Board

Due to concerns surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, the KCSD Board of Education will continue to hold all business meetings and special sessions online. All board meetings will remain open to the public and we encourage our community members to join us and make your voices heard during the public comment portion of the meetings. Community members can find meeting links, meeting schedules and agendas on our district website:  Board of Education

Facilities & Building Projects

KCSD has developed a 10-year facility plan to address the many issues in our aging school buildings.  Additionally, our low debt and historically low interest rates have allowed us to fund these projects in a way that reduces our current annual payment on bonds.  Many of these projects will yield millions of dollars in energy savings and will provide better learning environments for all of our students. A full list of the projects can be seen on the KCSD Property Services webpage: Property Services

Preparation for 2020-2021

It is not yet clear whether in-person classes will be held to start the 2020-21 school year. I anticipate that this decision will be made by Governor Wolf and the PA Department of Education over the summer months. Our wish is that we will be having students back in school buildings with elevated precautionary measures in the fall.  We will do everything in our power to provide a safe and healthy learning environment for all. We are also preparing for the possibility that further closures may become necessary should COVID-19 continue to impact our community. The KCSD teachers and staff will be ready to deliver online instruction should that situation arise.

Our elementary and middle school principals are actively working to prepare for changes that were approved in early spring.  With the closure of Dickey Elementary, students in grades K-4 will attend Robb Elementary. Students in grades K-4 who live in Porter Township will attend Mill Hall Elementary.  Central Mountain Middle School will house students in grades 5-8 who live in the southern tier of our district (Liberty-Curtin, Mill Hall, Robb and Woodward). There are no changes for Renovo Elementary, Bucktail or Central Mountain High School.  Transition activities for students and parents who are affected by the new configuration are still being planned for the summer months.

I know that this decision has caused a great deal of concern and disappointment for our students, staff, and families. The pandemic arrived quickly, and when we first were directed to close our school buildings in March, we did not realize it would be the last time we would see our students in person this school year.  We sincerely miss them.

Once again, thank you for your patience, understanding, and flexibility during this unprecedented time. We will get through this together.  Please continue to stay safe, practice social distancing, and remain at home as much as possible.

Warm Regards,

Jacquelyn Martin

Superintendent