This afternoon (March 23, 2020), Governor Wolf will issue a stay-at-home order for seven counties in Pennsylvania (Allegheny, Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Monroe, Montgomery, and Philadelphia).
Under Governor Wolf’s order, personnel at our educational entities in all 67 counties who are providing life-sustaining services, including, but not limited to: administration, food preparation and distribution, housing, security, information technology, building maintenance, and operations (e.g., payroll) can continue to be deemed essential and are permitted to continue their work, provided they adhere to social distancing guidelines.

In addition, the Department of Education (PDE) announced today all schools in the commonwealth will remain closed through at least April 6 as a result of the COVID-19 response efforts. The closure order could be extended beyond April 6 if necessary to save lives and stop the spread of COVID-19.

Under the new timeline, school buildings would reopen on April 7 for two days to allow school administrators, teachers and other staff time to prepare classrooms, set up cafeterias, schedule transportation and arrange other business operations. Students would return to school on April 9, unless extending the closure is needed in response to the situation with the virus at that time.
To assist schools during the extended closure, the state’s 29 intermediate units are ready to provide technical assistance to help develop continuity of education plans for all students beginning tomorrow, Tuesday, March 24.

Additionally, we are cancelling standardized testing for students in career and technical education (CTE) programs for the 2019-20 school year. These include exams from the National Occupational Competency Testing Institute (NOCTI) and National Institute of Metalworking Skills (NIMS).

I appreciate your patience and flexibility as we navigate this unprecedented time together and thank you for your dedication to serving and supporting your school communities.

Pedro A. Rivera II | Secretary of Education

The Western Wayne School District is extending the deadline for our surplus supplies, furniture, vehicles and equipment sale.  This is due to the current school closure!  A complete list of items and a Bid Form can be obtained by contacting the District Office at 1970C Easton Turnpike, Lake Ariel, PA 18436 or by calling 800-321-9973 option #5.   Any questions regarding the items or to arrange an appointment, contact Joseph Dunda, Director of Buildings and Grounds, at 570-647-6241.

A bid form must be returned to Rose E. Emmett, Business Manager at the Western Wayne School District, 1970C Easton Turnpike, Lake Ariel, PA 18436 by 1 PM, Tuesday, April 28, 2020.  The envelope should be sealed and marked “BID”. 

Rose E. Emmett, Business Manager/Board Secretary

Due to the impending weather, the breakfast and lunch program will not be available on Monday, March 23rd. Service will resume on Tuesday, March 24 and continue until further notice.

Today, Governor Tom Wolf announced that all K-12 Pennsylvania schools will be closed for 10 business days effective Monday, March 16. The administration has been working with school districts as well as state and local officials to gather input on this decision. The Wolf Administration will continue to monitor Covid-19 in the commonwealth, and at the end of 10 days will reevaluate and decide whether continued closure is needed.

Please read the full article here.
https://www.governor.pa.gov/newsroom/governor-wolf-announces-closure-of-pennsylvania-schools/

As a reminder, tomorrow March 13th is a 12:00 PM early dismissal for our teacher in-service. Also, as a precautionary measure over the next 2 weeks, there will be several events postponed or cancelled, such as field trips and large community events. You will receive further information about schedule changes as we move forward. Additionally, the Pennsylvania Department of Education and the Department of Health have scheduled a press conference tomorrow morning to provide updates for school districts across the state. We will continue to inform you of any pertinent information or developments. Thank you and have a good evening.

Dear Western Wayne Community,

As we continue to communicate with our local emergency management agency, the Department of Health, and other organizations in relation to the Coronavirus, the District will keep you informed of any developments or changes in school operations.  While the current recommendation is to maintain appropriate and preventative hygiene, our custodial staff has also been working diligently to thoroughly clean and disinfect our facilities.  Our school nurses and faculty are also aware of proper protocol to ensure a healthy school environment.  Additionally, it is also important for families to be mindful of preventative measures and practice them at home.  We will continue to closely monitor the situation and follow the recommendations from local, state, and federal authorities.  The safety of our students and staff is our top priority and we will exercise necessary precautions for their well-being.  Please contact us with any questions or concerns. 

Coronavirus Attachment 1
Coronavirus Attachment 2
Coronovirus Attachment 3

Download the orginal release here.

Wayne County Responds to Presumptive COVID-19 Infection

Maintenance staff have stepped up disinfecting routines at county buildings.

HONESDALE (March 6, 2020) – The Wayne County Commissioners have issued the following statement on COVID-19:

As you may have heard the governor announced today a presumptive case of coronavirus (COVID-19) has been reported in relationship to an individual Wayne County resident who we are told has travelled to multiple European nations recently.
The individual is being isolated in their home and is being visited multiple times a day by Department of Health officials who are also contacting others who may have come in contact with this individual.
It should be noted that this case has not been positively confirmed by the CDC at this point in time.
Please be aware that county maintenance staff are continually cleaning and disinfecting county facilities.
County officials have been in regular contact with the local school districts, the hospital, state and federal health and emergency management organizations and are continually being updated by those organizations and following their lead and guidance in implementing recommendations and protocols. We will continue to be updated by all involved agencies. There are no planned changes to county operations at this time.

As a reminder, the CDC recommends the following:
• Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze with your elbow to avoid touching your face;
• Wash your hands often with soap and warm/hot water for at least 20 seconds;
• Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available;
• Clean surfaces frequently, including countertops, light switches, cell phones, remotes, and other frequently touched items;
• Avoid shaking hands and maintain a six foot distance if possible;
• If you are feeling sick, stay home. Rest, take care of yourself and don’t spread the germs.

Call your healthcare professional if you develop symptoms, which include cough, fever and respiratory issues or if you have recently travelled from an area with widespread or ongoing community spread of COVID-19. As with any medical situation, call 911 if you or the patient is in distress and it is an emergency.

If a resident tests positive for COVID-19, the County will follow the CDC and the Pennsylvania Department of Health’s recommendations. Stay informed with updates and resources from the Centers for Disease Control and PA Department of Health.