McKeesport: Videos prepare students, parents for new school year

By JEFF STITT

jstitt@yourmvi.com

McKeesport Area School District is taking an interactive approach to releasing information about schools reopening for the 2020-21 school year.

The district released two videos this week in which Superintendent Dr. Mark Holtzman discusses reopening details and offers information he and his staff have obtained from the CDC, the state Department of Health and health departments in Allegheny, Chester and Bucks counties about how the coronavirus is spread and what steps can be taken to reopen safely.

A total of five videos will be released over the coming days and can be viewed on the district Facebook page or the MCKASDPR YouTube page.

“The Pennsylvania Department of Education asked for each and every school district to develop a plan,” Holtzman said. “Our plan is underway, under development, it is not complete. We’re looking for continued feedback and more information to continue to complete that plan.”

The district has referenced reopening guidance from Bucks and Chester counties because Allegheny County Health Department has not released its own guidance specific to schools, the superintendent said.

“We have to utilize whatever information exists,” Holtzman said. “Those health departments are using the same state data about the virus that all other counties are utilizing so that information is extremely accurate and relevant at this current time.”

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