Philly teachers union calls for week of virtual learning to bolster COVID measures
The president of the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers says schools should have N95 masks, good ventilation, and more COVID-19 testing.
3 years ago
Philadelphia School District headquarters. (Danya Henninger/Billy Penn)
More than a third of the School District of Philadelphia’s schools go virtual starting Tuesday, Jan. 4, the district announced Monday evening. They will stay remote through at least Friday, Jan. 7.
The shift to remote learning for 81 schools is “due to staffing challenges stemming from the omicron-related spike in COVID-19 cases,” the district stated in a press release.
District officials have remained committed to returning from winter break in person, despite calls from the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers to go virtual for a week to ensure COVID mitigation measures were in place before staff and students returned to school buildings.
All other district-run schools will return from break in p erson on Tuesday.
Staff at the remote schools are still expected to report to work in person “unless they are self-isolating or quarantining due to COVID testing or exposure, have COVID-like symptoms and are awaiting test results, or have an approved leave,” the district said. Those staff members may be able to teach virtually, after checking in with school leaders.
“The COVID-19 situation and its impact on our ability to safely staff our schools is fast moving,” said Superintendent Dr. William Hite. “We know that the uncertainties created by this rapidly changing environment are difficult for many families. We are grateful for everyone’s continued flexibility and understanding.”
More information for families, including about Chromebooks and meals, can be found on the school district’s blog.
Across the region and nation, some school districts have voiced concerns about COVID-driven staffing shortages. Central Bucks School District canceled classes Monday partly due to teacher absences, and is calling for more substitute teachers.
Below are the SDP schools shifting to remote:
Editor’s note: This story has been updated to reflect four additional schools going virtual.
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