Elizabeth Forward adjusts district calendar

By Jose Negron
jnegron@yourmvi.com
When Gov. Tom Wolf announced April 9 schools would remain closed for the remainder of the academic year, Elizabeth Forward Superintendent Dr. Todd Keruskin noted the district would soon look to make a few adjustments to its school calendar.
A motion to adopt revisions to the calendar was passed unanimously during a virtual school board meeting Wednesday.
The revisions include an added virtual day April 28, which was originally scheduled to be an in-service day due to Election Day. Keruskin announced last day for students will be May 28 rather than June 4. Instead of finishing on June 5, the last day for teachers will be May 29.
The district Kennywood Picnic date on May 28 was canceled; however, if the park is open, the picnic may be rescheduled for Aug. 16.
“I’ve talked to them about that and that will be on the new calendar,” Keruskin added.
While the COVID-19 pandemic has put several events on hold, Keruskin noted that efforts are still being made to monitor and evaluate end-of-the-year activities such as prom and graduation.
“I want to make sure the seniors know that,” Keruskin said. “All options are on the table. All the options from June, July, August and the fall really depend on large-group gatherings and social distancing. We’ll do everything we can to have these end-of-the-year activities.”
One senior recognition activity will take place Monday night with the help of those in the community.
Warrior Light Up Night is slated to begin at 9 p.m. with district officials asking members of the community to show their support for the Class of 2020.
Residents are encouraged to find something that identifies them as a proud Warrior and display it in the front of their homes. Items could include a jersey, flag, homemade poster or balloons.
Beginning at 9 p.m., officials are asking community members to light up their porches and front yards as a sign of love and support for the senior class.
Photos of displays are encouraged to be taken and posted on social media. Tag @EFWarriors on Twitter and use the hashtag #EFPride.
Keruskin said Wednesday the high school stadium will be lit up at 9 p.m. with the names of seniors scrolling on the scoreboard.
In addition to light-up night, EF seniors have also been recognized through spotlights posted on the Class of 2020’s Instagram page, Keruskin noted. The posts have also been shared on Twitter and Facebook.
“We’ve been trying to push those on social media,” Keruskin said.
He said students have been working hard since Pennsylvania schools were initially shut down March 13. Since then, students have missed just one day of school on March 16.
EF is currently in week six of virtual instruction days and will continue to conduct classes virtually for the remainder of the school year.
“Through this crisis, I’ve just been so proud of our staff, students and community,” Keruskin said. “We missed one day of school and I know I said this last week, but I’m so proud of our community and what we’ve done to stick together. It takes all of us working together to get through this.
“Our cafeteria workers have distributed over 10,000 meals over the last six weeks, parents have stepped up to distribute meals to other students and neighbors are really supporting neighbors. It’s just incredible to see.”
Keruskin said the district distributed a parent survey last week to determine how they feel about remote learning and how the district can do things better.
Over 600 parents completed the survey with 99% of parents stating the district has been helpful during the current pandemic.
“We reached out to some of the parents who were in that 1% because we’re always trying to get to 100,” Keruskin said. “I’m really proud of our staff and everything we’re doing.”