Return to School Update July 17, 2020

The communication below was emailed to staff and parents today:

Friday, July 17, 2020

Dear P-H-M Families,

As we continue to develop our school specific plans, we would like to share an update with you. We continue to receive great questions and feedback from our families that have assisted us in developing a list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ). The FAQ has been posted to our Return to Learn page. 

Answers to the two most frequently asked questions:

• Per the St. Joseph County Health Department Public Health Order, staff and students are required to wear a mask that covers the nose and mouth and social distancing will be maintained when possible.
• Students and staff who test positive will quarantine for at least 10 days from the date symptoms began AND remain fever-free for 72 hours (without use of fever reducing medication) before returning to school. Click here for the Indiana State Department of Health guide for parents related to student screening and quarantine/isolation guidelines. 

Penn High School Information

Previously, I shared with you about the two different options that parents can choose to have their students educated this fall.  However, based on stakeholder feedback, students at Penn High School specifically will have additional virtual options to choose from.  Principal Sean Galiher will share a separate survey with Penn High School families today and we ask that families complete that survey by July 24th.  

Next week, we will also share each school’s specific Return to Learn plan. This communication will outline school specific details including arrival procedures, the learning environment, lunch, school dismissal, as well as other important information.

PHM will ensure the guiding focus remains on the health and education of our community and we will continue to follow state and local guidance as we evaluate COVID-19 and our return to learning. 

Stay healthy and well,

Dr. Jerry Thacker, Superintendent
Penn-Harris-Madison School Corporation