July 7, 2021

Dear Shaler Area families,

On June 30, Governor Tom Wolf signed Act 66 of 2021 into law. Act 66 permits students that were enrolled during the 2020-21 school year to repeat their grade level in an effort to make up for any lost educational opportunities due to the COVID-19 pandemic, even if the student met the requirements to be promoted to the next grade level. Based on this Act, parents/guardians and students, at or over the age of 18, have until July 15, 2021, to elect to have their child or themselves repeat a grade level for the 2021-22 school year.

Additionally, Act 66 permits a student with a disability who was enrolled during the 2020-21 school year and turned age 21 during the 2020-21 school year, or between the end of the 2020-21 and the beginning of the 2021-22 school year, to attend a school entity during the 2021-22 school year and receive services as outlined on their most recent Individualized Education Program (IEP) with all the protections under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). 

Parents/guardians or students who wish to take advantage of Act 66 must complete, sign, and submit the Act 66 of 2021 Student Grade Level Retainment Notification Form to your school principal on or before July 15, 2021.  

Parents/guardians or students can download the form and access frequently asked questions regarding Act 66 of 2021 by clicking here. Once completed and submitted, your child’s school counselor and/or principal will contact you directly to review your request.

If you have any additional questions regarding retainment, please contact your child’s school counselor or principal. We thank you for your continued support and commitment to your child’s education. 

Sincerely,

Sean C. Aiken, Ed.D.
Superintendent

Bryan E. O’Black, Ed.D.
Assistant Superintendent