Troy Community,
We know that many people have questions regarding how COVID-19 impacts education and life. We want to reach out to let you know what we are doing, and what we are working on.
As school closures have evolved over the course of the pandemic, guidance from the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) about Continuity of Education has also evolved. When schools first closed from March 16-27, 2020, PDE's guidance to schools focused on providing meals, communicating with families and providing optional educational opportunities. With the first closure extended to April 15, 2020. PDE adjusted their guidance to support schools in providing educational options to students and families, including enrichment/review options as well as supporting more formal, planned instruction approaches. Following the announcement on April 9, 2020, schools will remain closed for the duration of the academic year, PDE shifted their focus to ensure all schools coordinate planned instruction for all students.
On April 16, 2020, the Secretary of Education, Pedro A. Rivera II, issued a letter to districts that underscored the importance and responsibility that schools have in providing opportunities for students to continue advancing their learning throughout the duration of the closure. It is PDE's expectation that planned instruction should be incorporated in every grade level for all students.
Planned instruction is formal teaching and learning like that which occurs in a classroom setting. Within
this process, teachers use planned courses of instruction of new concepts/skills aligned to grade level standards.
Teachers assess the learning of their students and adjust instruction based upon student progress. In order to
receive grade and credit, students must attend regularly and complete the course requirements. Considerations
for grading and attendance is developed at the local level.
New Mandate:
On April 15, 2020, according to Secretary of Education, Pedro A. Rivera II:
As educators preparing students to continue to postsecondary opportunities, the workforce or
transitioning to their next grade, it is our responsibility and expectation that every school offer planned
instruction at every grade level for all students.
I recognize that there is no precedent for what you are being asked to do and it is not an easy task, but it is our collective, moral responsibility as education leaders to do all we can to ensure equity and opportunity for those we serve. We are a state rich in diversity – and that means no single solution will be effective for all schools.
The lack of stable, high-speed internet poses a significant challenge to providing planned instruction. We
have been working continuously to develop and update plans that work for our community in addition to
submitting these plans to PDE as required. Continuity of Education plans can be found on the Troy Area
School District (TASD) website.
The top banner of the TASD website has been updated to include a COVID-19 link where families can
access teachers and information regarding content and instruction. Please see below for grade level specific
information:
Grades 7-12
At the 7-12 level, students have been in a hybrid model of optional enrichment and review and planned
instruction. Students will be moving into quarter four and all classes will start required planned instruction
where students are accountable, must participate, and must turn in assignments. Quarter 4 (required
participation) will begin on April 29th, 2020, and teachers will be in contact regarding expectations for their
specific classes. Students will not be held accountable for content which was optional enrichment and review
provided between March 13, 2020 and April 29,2020.
We are considering specific plans regarding providing alternate activities to many senior experiences
such as prom, graduation, academic awards, and athletic awards. No senior will be prevented from graduating
due to school closure related to COVID-19.
Grades K-6
In Kindergarten through Sixth grade students are being provided with enrichment and review activities. Planned instruction will begin on April 29 th . Offline activities are being mailed home in packets, and students are being supported by telephone, email, and other contact methods. Teachers are using a variety of tools to facilitate synchronous and asynchronous online learning activities. ClassDojo, Zoom, and other available platforms are being utilized. We are planning a student of the month assembly and an end of the year awards assembly to host on Zoom.
K-12 Special Education/Gifted
Special education and gifted students will continue to be supported by teachers and paraprofessionals via virtual sessions, email, and phone contacts as we transition to planned instruction. TASD will make every effort to address meeting and process timelines while complying with social distancing guidelines. Students and families should reach out to individual case managers for additional information.
Please understand that we are working in an ever-changing environment. We thank the entire Troy Area
School District community for their continued support and the strong partnership as we work to educate our
students during the pandemic. Stay safe!
Sincerely,
Mr. Steve Gobble Assistant Superintendent
Mr. Steve Brion Elementary Principal
Mr. John Imbt Elementary Assistant Principal
Mr. Daniel Brenner JSHS Principal
Mrs. Angela Keating JSHS Assistant Principal
Mrs. Sheri Markiw Director of Special Education
Mr. Matthew Schwenk Director of Special Education