A Message about Coronavirus
What our families should know about precautionary steps Propel Schools is taking regarding coronavirus
Propel Schools holds the safety and well-being of our scholars and staff as a top priority. As such, we are collaborating with local health officials and following protocols set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention regarding the rapidly changing circumstances involving COVID-19 (otherwise known as novel coronavirus).
While Pennsylvania is seeing an increase in confirmed positive cases of the virus, and presumptive cases are being reported locally. Health officials state that healthy children are less prone to contract the virus, but we all know that kids are very good at spreading germs.
At the school level:
- Our custodial teams have been supplied with additional professional-grade hygienic products to maintain the cleanliness of our buildings
- We are discouraging scholars from shaking hands and giving high fives and encouraging them to greet each other with elbow bumps or toe taps
- We are encouraging families to log in to Skyward here and update their email addresses in the system so that all families can receive vital information via our Connect 5 family communication system
- We encourage families to monitor their child’s health and keep sick children home from school
At the administrative level:
- We have closed all Propel Schools, following Gov. Tom Wolf’s order
- We are temporarily suspending professional travel to conferences and meetings
- We are updating our preparation plans, based on the latest available information. I look forward to sharing this with you in the near future.
- On this webpage, we will share information about the best ways individuals and families can be prepared, so check back often for the latest updates.
Superintendent/CEO Dr. Tina Chekan
Updated March 30, 2020
Propel High Schools Class of 2020
We congratulate the senior Class of 2020 and know that you have many questions. Here is some information that is specific to you.
What are the symptoms of coronavirus?
If your child is sick with cough, fever, cold symptoms, vomiting and/or diarrhea, PLEASE KEEP THEM AT HOME. If your child comes to school and is feeling ill, the School Nurse will call you to pick them up. Please arrange to do so promptly. Schools are not expected or equipped to assess or test for COVID-19 and children with COVID-19 may only have mild symptoms. Therefore, nurses will err on the side of caution and send home scholars who appear ill. If your child is immunocompromised or has other significant health issues, please contact their health care provider for recommendations regarding school attendance in the event of confirmed cases in our area.
If your child is experiencing anxiety related to COVID-19, it is important to remind them that the adults in their lives are taking steps to protect them from illness. They can help by covering coughs and sneezes with an elbow or a tissue and washing their hands.
Google Classroom for Families
Some families may not be familiar with the Google Classroom platform. Our friends at Common Sense Media have put together the Parents’ Ultimate Guide to Google Classroom.
Resources
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers the most up-to-date information on COVID-19. Please review the following:
Talking to Your Children (comic)
If You Need Home Internet AccessGreater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank
All Propel scholars enjoy free breakfast and lunch as part of the National School Lunch Program and, therefore, qualify for a recently announced benefit through the PA Department of Education. Information for families is available on the DHS website at: https://bit.ly/2T3yX9d
CDC Frequently Asked Questions and Answers: Coronavirus Disease 2019
Updates
From Superintendent Dr. Tina Chekan
From State and Local Health Officials
