August 18, 2022
Dear Shaler Area families,
As we prepare for the start of a new school year, we have reviewed our Health and Safety Plan in light of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s updated guidance released on August 11, 2022.
For the start of the 2022-23 school year, our Health and Safety Plan includes the following:
- Masks remain optional in Shaler Area schools and facilities, including on school buses and vans, unless otherwise directed by the superintendent or school board.
- Alternate sites (libraries, gymnasiums, etc.) will no longer be used for lunch periods.
- Enhanced cleaning efforts will continue throughout all schools and facilities.
- The district will not contact trace or require quarantining of close contacts unless otherwise directed by the Allegheny County Health Department.
- Shaler Area will no longer utilize the COVID-19 Dashboard to track positive cases.
If a student or staff member tests positive for COVID-19, the following steps should be taken, immediately:
- Contact your building’s school nurse.
- Stay home for at least 5 days and isolate yourself from others in your home.
- If after 5 days you are fever-free for 24 hours without the use of medication, and your symptoms are improving, or you never had symptoms, you may end isolation after day 5.
- You should wear a high-quality mask through day 10.
We recognize that we may experience “breakouts” or increased case counts at certain points throughout the school year, and we will continue to monitor and review each situation in consultation with the Allegheny County Health Department to determine if any additional steps need to be taken. Additionally, we will continue to review our Health and Safety Plan to align with the latest guidelines and recommendations to maintain a safe and healthy learning environment for all.
Sincerely,
Dr. Sean C. Aiken
Superintendent of Schools
Dr. Bryan E. O’Black
Deputy Superintendent