WAYNE HIGHLANDS SCHOOL DISTRICT
COVID-19 UPDATE

As we end the week, I thought it would be helpful to provide the latest information we have regarding the current school closure. All of us are in the same position, whereby each day presents new questions and limited answers.The situation seems to be changing by the hour. We continue to rely on State and local agencies for the latest guidance. I am hopeful that more definitive answers will be provided soon. As I have said each time I have reached out, thank you for your continued cooperation, understanding, and trust as we continue to navigate through this difficult and complicated time.We are all in this together as we travel through “uncharted waters”.

In an effort to adhere to the latest guidance, all Wayne Highlands School District buildings are closed with only very limited essential personnel available. Please contact 570-253-4661 with any questions. Also, stay tuned in by visiting the District website at www.whsdk12.com. When visiting the website, if you haven’t already, to get the latest updates delivered right to your cell phone sign up for the One Call Now Alert system. You can also find out our latest updates by visiting any of our Social Media accounts (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram).

Please see the information below. As soon as we receive new information I will send it out. In the meantime, let’s all do our best to follow the guidance being provided. It’s in everyone’s best interest. Stay well.

Statewide Testing

On March 19, 2020, the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) announced a cancellation of statewide assessments for the 2019-20 school year. This cancellation includes the PSSA, PASA, and Keystone Exams.

School Closure

The only definitive information we have is found in the order issued by Governor Tom Wolf on Friday, March 13, 2020, that all K-12 Pennsylvania schools will be closed for 10 business days effective Monday, March 16, 2020 through Friday, March 27, 2020. If that changes, we will report it immediately.In addition to school closure, all school related activities are suspended at this time. There is still much uncertainty on when school will resume. There is just as much uncertainty on what will happen with school related activities.As we are provided with additional guidance we will be able to plan accordingly and provide answers.

Grab and Go Breakfast/Lunch Program

As previously announced, Wayne Highlands School District is offering a FREE Grab and Go Breakfast/Lunch Program which began on Monday, March 16, 2020. At this time, it is scheduled to run through the current closure of March 16 - March 27, 2020.If closure is extended beyond March 27, 2020, any changes to the Free Grab and Go Program will be announced. The Program is open to all children eighteen (18) and younger.ALL children 18 and younger are eligible. Grab and Go meals are served each day at Damascus Area School, Honesdale High School, Preston Area School, and the Cooperage. The Program is FREE! Everyone is encouraged to participate. Please see the details below.

Damascus Area School ~ 174 High School Road ~ Damascus, PA
Honesdale High School ~ 459 Terrace Street ~ Honesdale, PA
Preston Area School ~ 1493 Crosstown Highway ~ Lakewood, PA
The Cooperage – 1030 Main Street ~ Honesdale, PA

Grab and Go Pick-Up Schedule ~ 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Continued Instruction: You may recall, in anticipation of a possible school closure, Wayne Highlands School District scheduled a student early dismissal on Friday, March 6, 2020 to provide time for district faculty and staff to prepare a Remote Learning Plan for our students. Many of you have wondered if and when the Remote Learning Plan will be delivered and implemented. At this time, public schools have been advised to hold off on instruction and grading, until further notice. We will keep you posted on any changes and/or additional guidance.