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ARCHDIOCESE OF PHILADELPHIA
OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY OF ELEMENTARY EDUCATION
222 North Seventeenth Street · Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103-1299
Phone:  215- 587-3585    Fax: 215- 587-2414   E-mail: amclaughlin@archphila.org
 
March 13, 20
 
Dear Principals, 
 
I realize that with this unprecedented closing of schools, you have many questions. Let me try to answer as many as possible.  Please keep in mind that this situation is fluid, this virus may subside and life will return to normal, however, it may not and we may have to look at other options. We will continue to monitor this situation and adjust as needed.
 
The 180 Day school Year- Currently we can use 5 flexible instructional days. As of writing this letter, the Pennsylvania Department of Education has not extended the use of Flexible Instructional Days (FID) or reduced the requirement for 180 days. One or both may be coming, there is another press conference today. However, we have looked at several options to meet these requirements. Once we know how many days we are looking at and what is permissible, we will communicate additional direction on this matter. Some scheduled holidays maybe used as make-up days. FIDs are important to use; our parents have paid tuition and we need to provide them an educational experience. Although I feel additional FIDs will be approved, the use of them during the next two-week period is important.
 
Initiating your FID Plan - I know that we have been talking about FID for some time. However, I realize that some of you cannot initiate this immediately. You may have the students stop back this weekend or Monday to have them pick-up materials for them to implement FID.   Many have asked how many hours of work should we look to plan for to count as a day of school.  I think four hours is sufficient, however, the high schools are using three. Therefore, I would aim for at least three hours, keeping in mind that one-person’s three-hour assignments is another’s five-hour assignment.
 
The technology coaches will be available to help with any technology issues you may have with implementing your FID.  Additionally, the following link has resources to help with FID.  https://www.aoptech.org/e-learning-resources.html
 
Terra Nova- We are working with DRC to develop an adjusted testing schedule depending upon how long we will remain closed. We have developed multiple options for the testing schedule and will let you know when the future is more defined. I am approaching the Connelly Foundation to see if we can alter the existing schedule of submitting applications for the Neumann Scholarship Application.  When we have further information, we will provide a dedicated communication with this information.
 
Medication- Please make sure medications are returned to parents that may need them during the period the schools are closed.  Again, as with materials for the FID, parents can come to school later to pick up the medication. Please provide a time-frame. 
 
The closing of school includes both the CARES program and the early childhood centers.
Sincerely
Andrew M. McLaughlin, Ed. D.
Secretary for Elementary Education
 
 

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St. James Regional Catholic School is committed to educating children in a loving, caring, Christ-centered environment where students are encouraged to grow spiritually as well as academically.  As a school community, we strive to create a Catholic Christian community of learning where each student is uniquely valued. Through a strong parent/teacher partnership, educational opportunities and extracurricular activities, each child is encouraged to develop into his or her individual best.