In person or online, the Valley gets back to class

By TAYLOR BROWN

tbrown@yourmvi.com

School looks a little – or a lot – different this year.

For some students, the start of school meant sitting in a make-shift classroom inside of their living rooms with help from a parent or guardian – maybe while wearing their pajamas – while for others it meant a mix of traditional in-person instruction with their friends and teachers and online learning.

The coronavirus pandemic brought headaches for area superintendents and administrators who sought guidance from the Pennsylvania Department of Education as they developed plans on when and how to reopen.

The state Department of Education and Department of Health offered advice, but ultimately decided local districts would decide whether to teach in person, online or a mix of both.

Return to learning

In the Mon Valley, some students started back to school in person and virtually last week.

South Allegheny welcomed students back Aug. 24 for a virtual start. 

Superintendent Lisa Duval said things have gone smoothly so far.

“Things are going very well. Our student attendance has been amazing, our teachers are doing a phenomenal job of teaching in this new environment and our parents have been very supportive,” she said. “As with any new initiative, we are working through challenges, but communication is the key, and we are assisting everyone involved in solving these issues as they arise.”

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