Tuesday, July 7, 2020
Good Morning Pottstown Parents and Community Members,
At the end of last week Governor Wolf announced that all persons age 2 and above should and must wear masks when outside the home. This will include schools, both students and staff, with certain medical or special education exceptions. This also includes most sporting type activities based on information I have right now. Guidance for schools will be forthcoming to school leaders soon.
It is my understanding this action is in direct response to rising levels of new COVID-19 cases in the Commonwealth. For some parents, this may be welcome news, and for others, it may be very unwelcome news. Please know that we are working on an array of options for our students so that education can continue next year, even if it looks very different.
If you are seriously or even remotely considering a stay at home virtual options for one reason or another, please consider signing up now! A smooth transition into a fully virtual program will be much easier if you have signed up early.
Click here to sign up for the Virtual Learning Program.
Also, beginning today, administration offices and certain schools will begin to hold office hours, from 8:00am to 12:30pm, with social distancing, including masks indoors, being required. Please call ahead to avoid waiting in the heat!
The facts about this pandemic and its impact on school seem to change daily. We will keep you updated as much as we can and thank you in advance for your continued support. It gives me continual reason to say Proud to be from Pottstown!
Stephen Rodriguez
Superintendent of Schools
Tuesday, June 8, 2020
Good Evening Pottstown Parents and Guardians,
Today is the last day of the most unique and difficult year in recent history. But with a strong sense of teamwork and community, we navigated through the challenges better than anyone anticipated!
Our focus now is getting students and staff back to school next year as safely as possible. Will you help us? Please take this brief survey, and then ask or help your children to take it as well. We want to hear from you!!
CLICK HERE TO TAKE THE SURVEY
This survey will remain open for one week only, so please don’t delay! Have a wonderful and safe summer!
Thank you,
Stephen Rodriguez
Superintendent of Schools
Tuesday, June 2, 2020
Good Evening Pottstown Parents and Community Partners,
National news has been dominated by the recent tragic events which occurred in Minnesota last week resulting in the death of an
African-American named George Floyd. It has brought back into the light something that our community has known for a long time, that racism is still a very real and terrible reality. The Pottstown School District stands united with the community in calling for positive change so that we may, one day, once and for all, be rid of the scourge of racism. As citizens we must send a clear message that justice, peace, and human dignity are qualities of life that we are ALL entitled to enjoy.
If our teachers were in normal session with students physically attending school, I would ask them to lead an age-appropriate discussion on these issues and help students process the many images and comments, and fears and emotions, that often go along with such horrific events.
I now humbly ask that you speak with your children, explain concepts if they don’t know, allow them to express their feelings and concerns. This is an opportunity to discuss how we can work together to bring about a positive change in our country.
Pottstown School District has long been an advocate for racial equity in the education system and will continue to advocate for a fair and equitable opportunity to experience a successful and fulfilling life, both in school, and beyond.
Thank you and stay safe,
Stephen Rodriguez
Superintendent of Schools
Wednesday, May 27, 2020
Good Morning Pottstown Parents,
TECHNOLOGY RETURN- Including today, there are only nine days left in the school year. Return of Chromebooks will be held on Thursday June 11th, this will allow students to fully complete online assignments and be able to communicate with teachers.
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June 8th is the final day of school.
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June 11th will be a technology return day at Pottstown Middle School from 3-5pm for all families who were issued a district Chromebook during the school closure.
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Families with the district issued hotspots will receive instructions on how to return the devices.
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For those students who may be involved in a summer program or want access to enrichment programming, there will be an option for you to keep the Chromebook until the start of school in August:
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Parents will be required to sign off electronically and take responsibility for the device. If the device is stolen, lost or damaged, repayment will be required.
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Please check our website for more specific instructions or click here to sign off on the Summer Chromebook Acceptance Form.
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After you submit this form, you will be allowed to keep the Chromebooks for your child until the start of school in 3 months.
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Pottstown High School students grades 9 through 12 have different instructions. Seniors have already turned in their devices and underclassmen will follow the High School’s schedule to return their Chromebooks and other items on June 5 & June 8, with details to be sent to those grade levels shortly
FOOD DISTRIBUTION - Please remember that today (May 27th) and next week (June 3rd) will be the last food distribution days for Pottstown School District students and families. This is a US Department of Agriculture program and we encourage you to take advantage of it! All of our elementary schools,Barth, Lincoln, Franklin, and Rupert will remain pick up locations from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. this Wednesday and next Wednesday.
PREPARATION FOR NEXT YEAR - As we begin to prepare for the summer break, the number one question on everyone's mind is, what will next year look like? The school district staff will be closely examining the guidance coming from our state and federal government along with guidelines from health and medical officials to guide decisions about what next year looks like. As soon as we have answers, we will share with everyone. Until then, thank you for your patience and understanding knowing that we have the safety of our students and community as our first priority. The spring of 2020 has been like no other in modern history, but we worked together as a community in a way that makes me be able to say, with more certainty than ever, “Proud to be from Pottstown.”
Thank you and stay safe,
Stephen Rodriguez
Superintendent of Schools