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Shaler Area releases additional information about transition to hybrid instruction

September 25, 2020


Dear Shaler Area families, 


We have been busy preparing the district for our transition to the hybrid instruction model on Monday, October 12, and we are excited to welcome students back into our buildings. In the hybrid model we will have a total of three cohorts of students. 


  • Students in Cohort A will report for in-person instruction on Monday and Tuesday and engage in virtual instruction on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. 

  • Students in Cohort B will report for in-person instruction on Thursday and Friday and engage in virtual instruction on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. 

  • Students in Cohort C will not report for in-person instruction. Students in Cohort C will engage in virtual instruction Monday through Friday. Cohort C was previously referred to as “Titan Cyber Academy.”


Response Required for Cohort C (virtual instruction only)

Understanding that some family situations may have changed since your original commitment early this summer, we ask that any family that wishes their student(s) to be enrolled in Cohort C, the 100% virtual option, complete the following form: https://tinyurl.com/yxum64gqThe deadline to respond is Tuesday, September 29, 2020, at midnight.


*If your student plans to participate in the hybrid instruction model (Cohort A or B), no additional action is required. 


We recognize that you may have many questions about what to expect with the district’s transition to the hybrid model. Each school has created a building-specific presentation to help answer your questions about the hybrid instruction model and share photos of what your school will look like when your student returns. 


School Building

Video Link

Burchfield Primary School

https://tinyurl.com/y6qagvrk 

Marzolf Primary School

https://tinyurl.com/y4cfet4q 

Reserve Primary School

https://tinyurl.com/y3ukyhr6 

Scott Primary School

https://tinyurl.com/y4763aax 

Shaler Area Elementary School

https://tinyurl.com/yyfeyqon 

Shaler Area Middle School

https://tinyurl.com/y3fe6l85 

Shaler Area High School

https://tinyurl.com/yxeuma4o 


Student Orientation

Prior to our start of the hybrid instruction model, we will host an orientation day for students in the transition years across the district, specifically kindergarten, 4th grade, 7th grade, and 9th grade. These days will give our students an opportunity to familiarize themselves with their school building, routines, and class transitions. Unlike previous years, the orientation days will be a half-day of in-person instruction. In-person student attendance during orientation is required if your student intends on participating in the hybrid instruction model. If your student plans to participate in virtual instruction (Cohort C), they will remain at home and log in to their lessons for the day through Infinite Campus. District transportation will be provided for students in grades 4, 7, and 9 who did not opt out of district transportation. Lunch will not be provided on these orientation days. Below are the orientation days and times. 


  • Cohort A (Last Name A-K) —  Thursday, October 8, 2020

    • 9th Grade - SAHS - 7:18 am - 10:45 a.m.

    • 7th Grade - SAMS - 7:40 a.m. - 11:15 a.m.

    • 4th Grade - SAES - 8:12 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

  • Cohort B (Last Name L-Z) — Friday, October 9, 2020

    • 9th Grade - SAHS - 7:18 am - 10:45 a.m.

    • 7th Grade - SAMS - 7:40 a.m. - 11:15 a.m.

    • 4th Grade - SAES - 8:12 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.


  • Kindergarten Orientation - Thursday, October 8, 2020 and Friday October 9, 2020

    • 2 sessions per day (9:30 a.m. - 11 a.m. & 1:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.)

    • Sign up information will be shared by School Principal during the week of September 28, 2020.

    • One Parent/guardian must accompany the child.

    • Space will be limited in each session to allow for social distancing. 


As a reminder, face coverings will be required of all students and staff members on school buses, on school grounds, and in our schools and facilities. Additionally, families will be required to complete a daily symptom screening of their students before they leave for school. Please visit the FAQ page on our Back-to-School website for additional information based on your questions and feedback: https://www.sasd.k12.pa.us/BacktoSchool2020.aspx. If you have additional questions related to your building or student, please contact your building principal.


As always, thank you all for your support as we continue to prepare for our transition to the hybrid instruction model.


Sincerely, 


Sean C. Aiken 

Superintendent of Schools 


Bryan E. O’Black, Ed.D. 

Assistant Superintendent


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1800 Mt. Royal Boulevard     Glenshaw, PA. 15116     P 412-492-1200     F 412-492-1236
1800 Mt. Royal Boulevard Glenshaw, PA. 15116 P 412-492-1200 F 412-492-1236
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