With COVID-19 “Raging,” Keystone Central Pushes Back Possible Return to Classroom Date

BALD EAGLE TOWNSHIP, PA – Citing a “raging” COVID-19 in Clinton County, Keystone Central School District Superintendent Jacquelyn Martin on Wednesday extended the district’s online-only teaching directive until Dec. 4 at the earliest. The district had been looking at a possible resumption of classroom instruction at the end of the Thanksgiving break, which would have been on Wednesday, Dec. 2.

The announcement came through an online message to the district staff and community:

November 25, 2020

KCSD Families, Staff and Community,

I would typically wait until Friday to make the decision on remote learning, however there is significant data to support making this decision today. The COVID-19 infection rate is raging and it is simply not safe enough for our staff or students to return to school for full in-person learning.

KCSD will continue with a full remote learning model and postpone all athletic practices and events until December 4, 2020. Our team will continue to monitor the local data to determine if we can return to school on Monday, December 7, 2020.

During my morning meeting with the Clinton County Emergency Coalition I learned that as of Tuesday, there were 211 active cases of COVID-19 in Clinton County (based on a rolling 14 day period). Additionally, there have been more cases in our county in November than in the previous seven months in total. Hospitalizations continue to increase locally and throughout Pennsylvania and are at an all time high. I urge everyone to follow all safety guidelines including proper hygiene, physical distancing, mask wearing, as well as avoiding group gatherings and travel.

Our administrative team will continue to work with families to support you during this difficult time. Contact your child’s teacher or principal for immediate support.

Meals will also be available for pick up at all schools Wednesday, December 2, 2020. Liberty Curtin, Mill Hall, Robb, Woodward and CMMS distribution times are 7:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. and also 3:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.. Renovo Elementary will distribute only from 7:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.. CMHS and BAHS will distribute from 3:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. only.

We hope that you all have a safe and relaxing Thanksgiving.

Sincerely,

Dr. Jacquelyn Martin
Superintendent