Coronavirus Resource Page

Propel Schools moved to remote learning for all scholars on Monday, November 30. In-person instruction for scholars will resume on February 1 for Group A scholars and February 8 for Group B scholars. Due to the constantly changing nature of this pandemic, our schedule is subject to change. As a result, it will be important for families and staff to watch their emails for updates. Propel is committed to monitoring positive cases in our network of schools and Allegheny County and keeping you informed.

PROPEL WIDE COVID-19 DASHBOARD

This dashboard provides a snapshot of all active and inactive cases throughout our network of 13 schools and our administrative office, both are comprised of approximately 660 staff members and 4,000 scholars. We will update this information weekly on Fridays.

Return to School Health and Safety Plan

The path to maintaining safe and healthy school buildings is based on public health frameworks, guidance from experts such as the Governor’s team, the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE), the Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). The following plan outlines the necessary steps to keep our 13 buildings safe and healthy for us all—staff, scholars and families. It is vital to understand that this plan is flexible, agile and will evolve as we receive updated, science-based information. To view the plan
Click Here.

Continuity of Education Plan

Since 2003, Propel Schools' mission has been to bring equity and excellence in education and to support communities and families in creative and inspiring ways. During this health pandemic, we are working hard to deliver on that promise. Please review our Continuity of Education Plan.

How to use Script digital solution

Propel Schools is excited about supporting families with a time-saving digital solution to physically completing paperwork through Script. Families used it during technology pick up and more forms will be shared with you through Script during the 20-21 school year. Learn more about Script here.

Return to School Health and Safety Cleaning Plan 2020-2021

Propel Schools is preparing for the return of our scholars, educators, and staff. In this video, learn what cleaning and safety protocols our custodial team is putting in place for a safe and healthy back to school.

Updates

From CEO/Superintendent Dr. Tina Chekan

January Family Update

Since our return from Winter Break, our team has been very busy engaging with our scholars in Remote Learning Protocol. We have also been carefully monitoring COVID-19 trends and have adjusted our originally anticipated return to hybrid to align with local COVID-19 trends. Hybrid Learning Protocol will begin in February for scholar groups A and B. Please review the January News for important details.

December Family Update

Everything Propel families need to know as we start 2021 from learning protocol when we return after Winter Break to important updates regarding athletics and from out-of-state travel information to attendance protocol reminders. Check out Propel CEO/Superintendent Dr. Tina Chekan's December Family Update newsletter.

November Family Update

All Propel Schools entered full remote learning on Monday, November 30. Scholars will not be in buildings, but some educators may select to teach from their classrooms. Get all of the details here.

October Family Update

Dr. Chekan has lots of good news to share in this month's newsletter.

September Family Update

A safe and healthy return to school is the topic for this month's newsletter. Get all of the info you need.

From Health Officials

Allegheny County issues stay-at-home public health advisory

On Thursday, November 18, 2020, Allegheny County Health Department Director Dr. Debra Bogen said the county supports the state's strengthening of the face mask order and provided additional information to help you help slow the spread. View the public statement here.

PA Department of Health Secretary Dr. Levine Urges Use of App

During an October 26 update, PA Department of Health Secretary Dr. Rachel Levine reminds us that each of us has a collective responsibility to protect our families and communities and to protect those most vulnerable to COVID-19. She suggested the use of the COVID Alert PA app to help slow the spread. Learn more about the app and how to download it here.

Governor Wolf's Process to Reopen PA: Pre-K to 12 School Guidance

Preliminary guidance from the Office of PA Gov. Tom Wolf to aid schools in planning for a return to in-person instruction, delivery of services, and resumption of extracurricular activities is available here.

Pennsylvania's new PA Unites Against COVID website

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania's new website PA Unites Against COVID is filled with helpful information for individuals and businesses about how, together, we can stop the spread.

COVID-19 Data for Allegheny County

The Allegheny County Health Department is the lead agency providing response to the COVID-19 pandemic. This page contains information on the virus, its impact in Allegheny County, information and guidance from the department and its partners, and resources for residents and specific groups. Stay informed with local updates here .

Resources

This is a useful tool families and staff can use daily to help prevent the spread of the virus: At Home Symptom Checker.

Click here for information about how to obtain affordable home internet access.

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.

FREE TUTORING SESSIONS for any scholar in grades K-12 attending school in Allegheny County is being offered through Gwen’s Girls. Space is limited! To learn more and to register visit Gwen’s Girls.

During the pandemic, the University of Pittsburgh IT Help Desk is providing FREE TECHNOLOGY SUPPORT to regional residents Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Call 412-383-0805 or visit Pittsburgh IT Help Desk.

The United Way’s resource navigators can help connect families with food pantries, health care services, utility and eviction prevention assistance, and more. Dial 2-1-1, text your zip code to 898-211, or visit PA211uw.org.

Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh is offering a hotspot lending program

Propel Schools Grab-n-Go Meals locations and times

Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank

LOOKING FOR CHILDCARE OPTIONS? Call the Early Learning Resource Center at 412-350-3577.

Allegheny County Community Learning Hubs: Safe places for kids to go to do schoolwork and participate in enrichment activities during the pandemic.

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.

Stop The Spread

Wearing masks, washing hands, using hand sanitizer when soap is not available are a few proven mitigation steps that you can do to help stop the spread of the virus. Here is more information from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of Health.