Remind Alert Messages
informational messages _ not snow delays or cancellations
Embedded Files
5/25/2022-Texas School Shooting
Remind Message Texas Shooting 5-25-22.pdf3/1/2022--ELEMENTARY FAMILIES ONLY--
Due to current bus schedules and arrival times, ELEMENTARY BREAKFAST will no longer be served in the cafeteria each morning as of TUESDAY, MARCH 8 (Breakfast will be served on Monday, March 7). Instead, breakfast meals will be sent home with your child every Monday (Tuesday-Thursday breakfasts) and Thursday (Friday and Monday breakfasts). If you DO NOT WANT meals to be sent home, you must complete the opt-out form using the link below or by going to the NWSD website no later than 9pm this Thursday (March 3rd). Lunches will continue to be served in the cafeteria daily. The change is only effective for the remainder of this school year and will not carry into next school year at this time. Thank you.
12/30/2021
Wildcat Families,
Many of you may have heard that the CDC, under certain circumstances, has adjusted their guidance for the length of time required to be out of school, for quarantines and isolation. According to the NWSD Health and Safety Plan, the NWSD will follow the guidance of the Erie County Health Department, (ECDH). As a result, we will follow the ECDH flow chart which can be found on our website and Facebook page.
Additionally, regardless of what the ECDH does with the mask mandate in Erie County, the NWSD will still require universal masking while on campus and any district transportation, at least for the time being. Hopefully this plan will keep staff and students safe, and get our asymptomatic students and staff back to school sooner.
Thank you for your continued collaboration,
John Hansen, Superintendent
12/16/2021
Dear NW Family:
We have been made aware of a national Tik Tok trend threatening violence at every school in America on Friday, December 17.
Our understanding is that the original Tik Tok challenge was for students to skip school on December 17 and at some point, the challenge was changed to generate a school shooting threat.
Tik Tok has since removed the video.
The NW school district continues to take threats very seriously, and the safety of our students and school staff remains a top priority. Unfortunately, social media posts and comments are often vague, unverified, and difficult to examine by law enforcement and school authorities. In addition to our internal investigations, Deputy Chesko communicates with outside law enforcement agencies (local, state, federal) regarding cyber threats and investigations.
We ask that parents/guardians continue to speak with their children about the responsibilities and possible consequences associated with posting and reposting false information to social media. We look forward to a meaningful finish to the calendar year over the next several days and a great start to 2022.
Sincerely,
John Hansen
Superintendent NWSD
12/11/2021
Wildcat Families,
I am sure that, by now, many of you have heard that the Governor’s mask mandate has been found invalid. This DOES NOT mean that masking in the NWSD buildings is optional. The Erie County Department of Health still has a masking order in place for all of Erie County Schools, and the NWSD Health and Safety plan, approved by a majority of the school board, is also still in place. Both of those mandates would have to change, before the district could move to masking being optional.
The NWSD administration and school board remain consistent with our intention to keep all staff and students as safe as possible, and to do all we can to keep our students coming to school, every day, face-to-face. If masking were to become optional at this time, it is very likely that we will experience more frequent moves to fully-remote learning due to an increase in quarantines.
Additionally, the federal mask mandate which makes masking mandatory while riding any district transportation is still in place.
Please work with us to keep your children, and their teachers safe, and to continue with face-to-face education, every day.
Sincerely,
John Hansen
Superintendent NWSD
11/11/2021
Yesterday, the Commonwealth Court issued a ruling voiding Acting Secretary Beam’s school mask order. The state also filed an appeal yesterday, which will trigger a stay of the Court’s ruling and keep the order in effect.
Schools should continue to observe the school masking order throughout the duration of the court’s proceedings.
For additional context and background, the Pennsylvania Department of Education, in partnership with the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the Office of the Governor, is providing the following statement to our schools:
The Secretary of Health's authority is clearly outlined in existing law. The Department of Health has directed counsel to file an appeal yesterday. Filing of the appeal will immediately stay the Commonwealth Court’s decision. School masking is a necessary public health measure to keep children safe and provide them with as much in-person learning in school as possible. Medical experts agree – hospitals and healthcare professionals across the state support the masking requirement. Requiring masks in schools is helping to keep students in classrooms and the virus out and is recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Earlier this week, Governor Tom Wolf announced that on January 17, 2022, it is anticipated that the commonwealth’s K-12 school mask requirement will return to local control. Upon the expiration of the statewide mandate, schools may continue requiring mask-wearing based on local policy and CDC guidance.
Thank you!
John B. Hansen, Superintendent
9/10/2021-Clarification on Mask Definition
Wildcat Families,
I have received clarification from the Erie County Department of Health regarding what constitutes a mask. Based on this clarification, the NWSD will no longer allow plastic face shields to serve as masks. Beginning Monday, September 13th, all students, staff, and visitors to our schools must wear fabric masks that completely cover the nose and mouth, and wrap around the chin.
The only exception to this mandate is if a student or staff member has an approved exemption to wearing a face covering either through a note from a physician stating the medical exemption, or through a student's 504 or IEP.
Please remember that my only goal is to keep every student and staff member safe, and keep as many students as possible in face-to-face education, every day!
Have a great weekend.
Thank you,
John Hansen, Superintendent
9/8/2021
Dear NWSD Families,
The Northwestern School District is committed to supporting the social, emotional, and behavioral health needs for all students. As part of our efforts to serve our students, we will be implementing a universal Behavioral and Emotional Screening System (BASC-3 BESS) in the fall of 2021. We believe this screening tool will help us to provide positive support and interventions to promote the social-emotional wellbeing for all students.
The Behavioral and Emotional Screening System (BASC-3 BESS) is an online tool that consists of 28 questions and takes about 10 minutes to complete. This screening tool is not an assessment nor an evaluation; it is a tool to help us identify students who may need extra social-emotional support.
Students in grades 3-12 will complete the Student Report portion of the BESS
Students in grades K-2, classroom teachers will complete the Teacher Report portion of the BESS
If you would like your student to participate in the Behavioral and Emotional Screening System (BASC-3 BESS), no further action is needed.
If you would prefer that your student not participate in the Behavioral and Emotional Screening System (BASC-3 BESS), please contact your student’s guidance office via phone by September 15, 2021.
Northwestern Elementary Mrs. Gayle Gollmer (814) 756-9400 ext 2336
Springfield Elementary School Mrs. Lisa Andrews (814) 756-9400 ext 3336
Northwestern Middle School Mrs. Kathy Duda (814) 756-9400 ext 5225
Northwestern High School Mrs. Jane Frawley (814) 756-9400 ext 1230
8/25/2021-Fall Athletic Events
8/25/2021-Fall Athletic Events
The Northwestern School District wants to inform all of our athletes, opponents, fans, and spectators at both the high school and middle school levels, that the Northwestern School District has adopted an ARP/ESSERS Health & Safety Plan, based upon recommendations and mandates from the CDC, PADOH, and ECDH. This Health and Safety Plan requires that all people in attendance at INDOOR events must wear masks. Athletes not actively involved in play should also be masked. This policy is effective immediately.
Additionally, whenever possible, we ask that spectators make every effort to maintain a 3-foot distance from individuals outside of their family unit. Please pass this information along to your coaches, teams, and families prior to any contests that have you traveling to the Northwestern School District.
8/19/2021-Mandatory Masking
8/19/2021-Mandatory Masking
On Monday, August 16th, the NWSD Board of Directors voted to approve an update to the Health and Safety Plan for the 2021-2022 school year, which includes mandatory masking if Erie County is in the substantial or high level of transmission. While the NWSD administration highly recommends mask wearing, while on campus, effective immediately, the official date for the mandatory masking while on campus for all students, staff, and visitors will be Monday, August 23rd, at 12:01 am. Thank you all for your patience, support and willingness to do all we can to keep every student and staff member safe, and in a face-to-face mode of instruction.
Sincerely,
John Hansen
Superintendent Northwestern School District
jhansen@nwsd.org
7/7/2021-Act 66 Legislation-Student Grade Level Retainment Guidance
7/7/2021-Act 66 Legislation-Student Grade Level Retainment Guidance
The General Assembly recently passed legislation that will allow parents and students new options concerning the upcoming 2021-2022 school year.
All parents have the option of an additional year of school during the 2021-2022 school year. Parents of students with disabilities who attained age 21 during the 2020-2021 school term or who will attain age 21 during this summer can also elect an additional year of education during 2021-2022.
Parents of all students, and students themselves if they are 18, can elect retention during the 2021-2022 school term at the grade level they were in during the 2020-2021 school term.
Forms for making either of these elections are available by clicking here, Student Grade Level Retainment Notification Form. Additional information on the recent legislation can be found on the Pennsylvania Department of Education website at https://www.education.pa.gov/Schools/safeschools/emergencyplanning/COVID-19/SchoolReopeningGuidance/ReopeningPreKto12/Pages/Student-Grade-Level-Retainment-(Act-66).aspx.
Forms must be downloaded, completed, and submitted to Tammie Clinger in the District Administration Office by 3:00 P.M., on Thursday, July 15, 2021.
Sincerely,
John Hansen
Superintendent Northwestern School District
jhansen@nwsd.org
6/28/2021-Masking Update
6/28/2021-Masking Update
Good Afternoon NWSD Community,
I am reaching out to everyone to give an update on masking while on the NWSD campus. As I am sure you are all aware, the mask mandate has been lifted at this time.
I want to thank all of our faculty, staff, administration, students, parents/guardians, school board members, and community for all of your efforts to get us to this point. Wearing a mask will now be a personal choice for all, just as it will be anywhere else in the state at this time. Local businesses and entities still hold the right to require masks on their property or in their buildings, but our school board agrees that this is a personal choice.
Our students, faculty, and staff's health and safety remain our #1 priority. We will continue to follow any future mandates, but again, as of now masking is a personal choice.
Sincerely,
John Hansen
Superintendent Northwestern School District
jhansen@nwsd.org
2/24/2021-Return to School-Ongoing Discussion
2/24/2021-Return to School-Ongoing Discussion
REMIND Message-Return to School Update 2.24.2021.pdf12/29/2020 Message
12/29/2020 Message
COVID REPORTING REMINDER 12.29.2020.pdf12/8/2020--Message: Move to Remote
Good Afternoon Wildcat Families,
Regardless of how hard we have worked to keep our students in some face-to-face education, we have reached a level of community, and school transmission which no longer allows us to remain in our hybrid model. We currently have 11 confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 among our students and staff. Additionally, we are awaiting test results on approximately 30 other students and staff who are symptomatic, and currently being quarantined. In the last week alone, the district has 102 students and staff currently being quarantined.
Based on the PA Department of Education’s new guidelines, beginning tomorrow, 12/9/20, and continuing through 12/22/20, we will be moving our educational model to fully remote. As of today, we plan to return to our hybrid model on Monday, January 4, 2021.
During the next few weeks, we will continue to monitor all of our cases, and will continue to inform all of our stakeholders of any changes. Please continue to reach out to myself (814) 756-9400, ext. 4220, or Christina Costello (814) 756-9400, ext. 4351, with any information regarding possible Covid-positive cases within your family. Please continue to wear masks, socially distance, and avoid any large gatherings. Our hope is to reduce the spread of Covid-19 over the next few weeks, so that we can safely return in January, and continue with our hybrid model.
Thank you,
John Hansen and Christina Costello
12/1/2020--COVID-positives during Thanksgiving Break
Good Afternoon Wildcat Families.
Although we are currently in a full-remote learning model through December 4, 2020, our current plan is to return to our hybrid model on Monday, December 7, 2020. HS/MS will return to BABAC, and our elementary schools with return to the half-day hybrid.
In order to allow for a safe return to our hybrid models on the 7th, it is essential that families, who have either had a confirmed positive or probable case within their family, to call either John Hansen at (814) 756-9400 ext. 4220, or Christina Costello at (814) 756-9400 ext. 4351, by Friday, December 4th. We will collect information on the positive case, and determine who may be close contacts.
Additionally, it will be necessary for any positive or probable cases to isolate for a period of 10 days from the first appearance of symptoms, or 10 days after the test date if the case is asymptomatic. Finally, anyone who has been within 6 feet of a confirmed or probable positive, for fifteen or more continuous minutes, will need to quarantine for 14 days from the last close contact to the positive case.
Thank you for your continued patience as we work through these difficult times. Please know that we all want a safe return to face-to-face education, as soon as possible.
Sincerely,
John Hansen and Christina Costello
Pandemic Coordinators
December 1-December 4 ALL Remote Learning
December 1-December 4 ALL Remote Learning
11/24/2020
11/24/2020
On Monday, November 23, 2020, Governor Tom Wolf, the PA Department of Health and the PA Department of Education made several new recommendations for schools with new guidance, directly related to 59 of 67 Pennsylvania counties experiencing substantial COVID transmission. As a result, ALL NWSD schools will move to 100% virtual learning from Tuesday, December 1 through Friday, December 4. Our current plan is to return to the hybrid model (Elementary-M-F half days/Middle & High School-BABAC schedule) on MONDAY, DECEMBER 7TH. However, families should prepare for a possible shift back to virtual learning when deemed necessary due to health and safety reasons.
Thank you,
John Hansen
COVID-19 Message
COVID-19 Message
11/16/2020
11/16/2020
This message is to inform the NWSD staff and community that, between the evening of 11/15/20 and 11/16/20, we have two new COVID-positive cases among our students. We have one additional student at the middle school, and one additional student at Springfield Elementary. NWSD continues to follow the protocols outlined in our health and safety plan, and due to our social distancing and our other safety procedures, our contact tracing was kept to a minimum. The Erie County Health Department, as well as the state health department has been notified of both cases. We have communicated with all close contacts for both cases, and they will self-quarantine for the minimum of 14 days.
Thank you,
John Hansen
Covid-19 Message
Covid-19 Message
11/15/2020
11/15/2020
This message is to inform the NWSD staff and community that, as of 11/15/20, we have three Covid-positive cases among our students. We have one student in the high school, one in the middle school, and one at Springfield Elementary. NWSD is following the protocols outlined in our health and safety plan, and due to our social distancing and our other safety procedures, our contact tracing was kept to a minimum. The Erie County Health Department has been notified, and they are assisting us. We have communicated with all close contacts, and they will self-quarantine for the next 14 days.
Thank you,
John Hansen
Message sent 10.25.2020
Message sent 10.25.2020
Good Afternoon Northwestern School District Families,
The health and well-being of our students, staff and community is the Northwestern School District's number one priority. Therefore, we want to notify you of a confirmed positive case within the district at the high school level. Our Administration has been informed that one of our staff has tested positive for Coronavirus (Covid-19).
We are currently working with the Erie County Department of Health (DOH) and the infected staff member will be isolated at home for the appropriate number of days. Additionally, all close contacts, as determined through contact tracing completed in collaboration with the DOH, are being notified and will be following quarantine guidelines. It has been determined that none of our students are close contacts. Additionally, the affected areas of our building have been given an extensive deep cleaning yesterday and today.
Students and staff should report to school as scheduled for tomorrow, October 26th.
The health and safety of our staff, students and families remains our primary focus and we will continue to follow all CDC, DOH, and Department of Education guidelines.
As always, the privacy of the individual is important to the Northwestern School District and will be protected under HIPAA regulations.
Thank you,
John Hansen
Message sent 6.26.2020
Message sent 6.26.2020
Please take a moment to listen to a brief update from Mr. Hansen and Mrs. Costello regarding the progress of Northwestern's Reopening Plan.
Please take a moment to listen to a brief update from Mr. Hansen and Mrs. Costello regarding the progress of Northwestern's Reopening Plan.
Message sent 5.20.2020
Message sent 5.20.2020
Dear Wildcat Families,
As we approach the last two weeks of the 2019-2020 school year, I wanted to express my sincere gratitude to all of our families who have pushed through these difficult times and persevered! What we asked of you over the last two months was a lot. However, for those families who kept academic engagement as a daily priority, you will see the fruits of your labor when we return in the fall. Additionally, I want to thank each of you for your patience as the entire Northwestern School District has done our best to navigate through such unprecedented times. Our teachers and support staff are to be commended for the way they adjusted so quickly, and always worked to keep our student's learning as the focal point.
Since the last two months have been such a departure from the norm, we, as a district, did not send out mid-term progress reports for the fourth quarter. Hopefully, our daily communication will serve as a useful replacement for those reports.
To all of our students, I strongly encourage each of you to give it your best shot for the next two and a half weeks. If each of you stays committed for another 10 days, not only will your grades reflect it, but your transition into the 2020-2021 school year will be much smoother.
For our returning students and their families, I want to assure you that our administration and teachers will continue to work diligently throughout the summer in order to create a plan which will keep staff, student, and community-member safety as our number one priority. We will share our plan with the entire community, as soon as it is completed.
Finally, I want to congratulate the Class of 2020, and wish each of you the best as you prepare for whatever your future holds. Although you were unable to participate in many of the events which make your senior year special, please know that each one of our administrators, teachers, and support staff are extremely proud of you, and even a pandemic cannot lessen the importance of your accomplishments. I hope that what each of you has accomplished during your time at Northwestern is just a tiny slice of the great things to come! Congratulations.
John Hansen
Superintendent NWSD
Message sent 4.18.2020
Message sent 4.18.2020
Please take a moment to listen to Mr. Hansen's latest message regarding the remainder of the school year.
Please take a moment to listen to Mr. Hansen's latest message regarding the remainder of the school year.
Message sent 4.9.2020
To Our Wildcat Community,
I am sure by now that most of you have received word that the Secretary of Education and the Governor of Pennsylvania have decided that all Pennsylvania students will not be returning to school for the remainder of the 2019-2020 school year. I am also sure that all of you have many excellent questions regarding what that closure will mean. Over the next several days, I hope to be able to provide answers to your questions during this time of uncertainty. I will share what I know for now, and will continue to reach out to our community as this situation progresses.
FOR NOW, PLEASE PLAN ON OUR EDUCATIONAL PICK-UPS AND FOOD PICK-UPS TO CONTINUE AS PLANNED FOR NEXT WEEK. WE WILL CONTINUE TO FOLLOW OUR CONTINUITY OF EDUCATION PLAN THAT WE STARTED ON MARCH 30TH.
During these unprecedented times, I want all of our students, families, teachers, support staff, and community members to know that we are all in this together, and we will persevere! We will do everything we can to make this year memorable for our graduating seniors. We will strive to continue our current Continuity of Education plan so that each Wildcat student will be given the best educational opportunities possible.
We will continue to make community safety our number one priority, while doing everything possible to continue to communicate openly with every student.
I mentioned in my video that the current state of education would, in no way, be able to replace what occurred every day in each Northwestern classroom. However, our students, staff, and community members are resilient, and I am extremely proud of the effort that our students and staff have made so far.
Thank you to all of our Wildcat community for your patience, your flexibility, and your adaptability during these crazy times. Please know that our entire staff will continue to care for each of you, and will do everything in our power to make the remainder of this year the best that it can be.
Stay safe, and make sure to focus on what is really important during these trying times!
Sincerely,
John Hansen, Superintendent
Message sent 3.23.2020
NWSD families,
NWSD families,
As I am sure most of you have heard, the Governor has extended our school closure. Teachers and administrators will return to work on April 7th, to prepare for students returning on April 9th. This is the plan for now, however, that closure could be extended in order to keep our communities safe.
As I am sure most of you have heard, the Governor has extended our school closure. Teachers and administrators will return to work on April 7th, to prepare for students returning on April 9th. This is the plan for now, however, that closure could be extended in order to keep our communities safe.
The administration and I have been working on a plan for continuing education, which we will roll out on Wednesday or Thursday of this week. I plan to post a brief video on our web page and school Facebook page either Wednesday or Thursday this week which will detail our plan for providing education to all of our students.
The administration and I have been working on a plan for continuing education, which we will roll out on Wednesday or Thursday of this week. I plan to post a brief video on our web page and school Facebook page either Wednesday or Thursday this week which will detail our plan for providing education to all of our students.
Thank you all for your continued patience and support. Hopefully the video will help ease some of your concerns and also answer some of the many questions you must have.
Thank you all for your continued patience and support. Hopefully the video will help ease some of your concerns and also answer some of the many questions you must have.
John Hansen, Superintendent
John Hansen, Superintendent
Message sent 3.19.2020
NORTHWESTERN SCHOOL DISTRICT
NORTHWESTERN SCHOOL DISTRICT
On-Line Capability Survey
On-Line Capability Survey
Please complete one survey per family for any children that currently attend the NWSD.
As we continue to navigate through these uncharted waters, the NWSD administration would like to establish an accurate count of how many families have reliable access to the internet from home, and also how many families have a device at home which could be used if the current 9-day school closure were to be extended beyond March 27th. We are currently unaware of any plans to extend the current closure beyond March 27th. However, we are trying to be proactive in order to create a learning plan which will be most appropriate for our community.
You can complete the survey by clicking on this link, Internet Access Survey. You may also go to the district website, www.nwsd.org to complete the survey or leave a voicemail message (see instructions below).
You can complete the survey by clicking on this link, Internet Access Survey. You may also go to the district website, www.nwsd.org to complete the survey or leave a voicemail message (see instructions below).
Please complete the survey by midnight, Sunday, March 22.
Please complete the survey by midnight, Sunday, March 22.
We strongly recommend using the survey link.
To leave a voicemail message:
Dial 756-9400
Enter extension #4254
Please state the family’s last Name
State the number of children currently attending any of the 4 district schools
State whether or not you have reliable internet service at home
State whether or not you have a device, other than a cell phone, which could be used for educational purposes
Please leave a call back number in case we need to contact you.
Message sent 3.17.2020
NORTHWESTERN SCHOOL DISTRICT
NORTHWESTERN SCHOOL DISTRICT
MEALS DURING EMERGENCY SCHOOL CLOSURE
MEALS DURING EMERGENCY SCHOOL CLOSURE
Northwestern School District is committed to providing nutritional
Northwestern School District is committed to providing nutritional
meals to our students during this extended district-wide closure
meals to our students during this extended district-wide closure
ALL MEALS ARE FREE. Meals can be ordered for all children ages 1-18 in your household including children who do not attend Northwestern School District.
You can order meals by using the “Meal Order Form” link on the district website or by leaving a voicemail message (see instructions below).
YOU MUST ORDER BY 9 PM THE DAY PRIOR TO MEAL DISTRIBUTION
Preorder is REQUIRED for each distribution day. Adult meals are not available.
Meals consist of Breakfast and Lunch. Distribution Days are as follows:
Mondays - You will be receiving 2 days’ worth of meals
Wednesdays - You will be receiving 3 days’ worth of meals
Meals will be available for pick up at the following locations from 5:00PM - 6:00 PM
Northwestern High School at Middle School door #12
Springfield Elementary at the kitchen entrance door #8
To use the Meal Order Form link, go to the district website, www.nwsd.org and click on, Meal Order Form, fill out the form and submit! We strongly recommend using this option!
To leave a voicemail message:
Dial 756-9400
Enter extension #5264
State student's first and last name (only one name needed per household)
State total number of children you are ordering meals for
Indicate any food restrictions (i.e. allergies)
State the pickup location you will be using (only one location)
Leave a call back number in case we need to contact you.
Remember to order meals by 9:00 PM every Sunday and Tuesday
Remember to order meals by 9:00 PM every Sunday and Tuesday
Message sent 3.15.2020
Message sent 3.15.2020
Dear Wildcat Families,
As I am sure you are aware, a lot has changed since my last message. On Friday afternoon, Governor Tom Wolf closed all public K-12 schools, including brick and mortar, cyber charter schools, career and technical centers, and intermediate units throughout the Commonwealth beginning Monday, March 16th through Friday, March 27th. This includes any childcare centers operating within any of the aforementioned schools. It also includes Universities in the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education.
Although many of the details still must be worked out, the following are the most up-to-date facts that I have:
* Schools will not have to make up days missed between 3/16/20 and 3/27/20.
* Student learning for this period should be limited to enrichment activities, such as reading a book, study skills, or test-preparation activities.
* All students and non-essential staff should stay home for this two week period.
* We are working through the state process which will permit us to continue to feed any students, between the ages of 1 and 18, currently living in our district. Details will be shared with all families once they have been worked out.
* All school based activities including, but not limited to, athletics, plays, musicals, etc. are cancelled during this period.
Our NWSD administrative team is meeting tomorrow morning at 8:00 am, in order to solidify a district plan for the next two weeks. I anticipate another communication to all families to be released some time tomorrow.
I will continue to update our Wildcat families through our Remind, Facebook page, and web site, as accurate information becomes available. I encourage you to follow all social distancing recommendations so that we can minimize the impact of the Coronavirus. A quote I read yesterday really hits home with regards to my thoughts on these troubling times.
"In the end, it will be impossible to know if we overreacted or did too much to stop the spread of Covid-19, but it will be quite apparent if we under-reacted or did too little."
We will get through this best, if we continue to work together!
Sincerely,
John Hansen
Superintendent Northwestern School District
Message sent 3.13.2020
Message sent 3.13.2020
To: The Entire Northwestern Community,
Today, Governor Tom Wolf announced that all K-12 Pennsylvania schools will be closed for 10 business days, effective Monday, March 16. The NWSD will continue to communicate with our families as information becomes available through the Remind system.
John Hansen
Superintendent Northwestern School District
Message sent 3.12.2020
Message sent 3.12.2020
March 12, 2020
Coronavirus Update
Good morning.
Because news is changing by the hour, I wanted to give everyone a brief update on where things stand with the coronavirus in regards to our District. At this time, we have no plans to cancel or close our schools, nor have we canceled any events or field trips. However, as you can see in the news, several higher education institutions have made plans for extended closures.
We are well aware that we could be given a state directive to close our schools on any given day. With that, we are working with all the school districts in the county to coordinate our efforts if this does occur.
In discussions with the other Superintendents in the county, we are all on the same page that schools will not close without a directive from the PA Department of Health or Department of Education. A week ago, I would have told you that such a directive would be highly unlikely; I do not feel as confident with that assertion today.
I want to remind all families of the importance of keeping your child(ren) home if he or she is sick. In particular, a child with a fever should stay home for 24 hours after they no longer have a fever or have signs of a fever, such as chills, flushed appearance, or sweating. If your child has already missed the legal number of days, or is pushing up against that number, and you have received written notice from his or her school, you should contact the building principal to discuss options for missing additional sick days.
I can assure all families that we are doing our very best to keep classrooms, busses, and all common spaces clean and disinfected during this time. Our custodial staff takes great pride in the work that they do, and now, more than ever, they are making certain that all surfaces are clean and germ-free. We are also encouraging our students and staff to wash their hands often and/or use the hand sanitizers stationed throughout our buildings. Our attendance has been very good the past few weeks, and we actually have fewer students out sick than we normally do in early March.
In closing, please know that the health, safety, and welfare of our students is our primary concern. Although we are taking a business as usual approach for now, we will continue to follow this situation very closely and make certain that any future decisions regarding trips, events, etc. will be in the best educational and safety interest of our students and staff.
As always, please feel free to contact me or your building principal with any questions or concerns.
John B Hansen
Superintendent
Message sent 3.9.2020
Message sent 3.9.2020
Dear Wildcat Families:
The health, safety and well-being of our students and staff are our top priorities. With the recently elevated discussion regarding the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in the news, we would like to reinforce preventive safety measures we all can take to minimize the spread of illness in our schools and community.
We encourage our students, staff, and families to be mindful of key preventive measures. The CDC offers some tips on its website that can be useful in avoiding the spread of COVID-19 and other types of illnesses.
In addition, please remember that if children are sick, they should not be at school. Students need to be fever-free for 24 hours before returning to class after any illness. Keeping children home when they are sick is critical to prevention.
Finally, we know that now is a time of the year when there are a large number of optional school trips happening for our students. While we have not made any decisions to cancel any of these trips, we are closely monitoring the situation and taking guidance from the Pennsylvania Department of Health and local emergency management officials. If new recommendations are provided, we will immediately notify our districts' students, staff, and families.
If you have any questions, please contact your child’s building principal or school nurse. Thank you for your attention to this important communication.
Sincerely,
John Hansen
Superintendent Northwestern School District
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