Dear UPCS Families,
The UPCS staff is excited about being back and ready to make 2022 our best year yet! Due to COVID-19, UPCS will be making several mandatory updates in order to keep everyone safe. All students and staff are required to wear a mask while in the school building. As you know, the numbers of positive tests in Allegheny County are at its highest. Although the majority of our students are doing a great job at wearing masks, prior to the break, we were seeing many students taking their masks either off or down off their nose both in the classroom and in the hallways. At this time, I am asking that you please talk to your child about the following:
- All students must wear their mask properly by covering both the nose and mouth while in the school building. This includes while in class, in the hallways, standing in the lunch line, and when done eating lunch. This is a requirement to be permitted into the UPCS building.
- If your child comes in close contact with someone with COVID-19 or tests positive for the virus, a negative test result is required for your child to return to the building. Please contact the school nurse or my office if your child has been exposed or tests positive for the virus.
New Lunch Expectations regarding masks:
When the students return to the building, they will have added expectations while at lunch. The students are expected to remain seated throughout lunch, with the exception of waiting in line for their meal. Once they are done eating, it is required that a mask is worn during the remainder of lunch period. Though we want the students to relax and enjoy time with their friends, it must be done from their seat and while properly wearing a mask.
Virtual Zoom Instruction January 10-14, 2022:
Next week, January 10-14, students will be working remotely via ZOOM and following their daily school schedule. This will provide the students with an opportunity to be with their classmates and teachers while learning remotely. A letter will be sent to the 10th and 11th grade students who are being asked to come into the building and take the Keystone Exam.
UPCS loves teaching your students in the building and in order to stay in the building, we must follow procedures of wearing masks and following guidelines to keep everyone safe. If a student has been warned repeatedly, they will be sent home for the day and a parent conversation will be required for their return. We have students, staff, and family members who are medically at-risk and I must do my best to keep them safe. It is a top priority to keep everyone safe. Tentatively, staff and students will return to the building for in-person learning on Tuesday, January 18, 2022.
If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me.
Thank you,
Kathleen Garland, Principal
Urban Pathways 6-12 Charter School • 914 Penn Avenue • Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15222 • 412.392.4601 • www.upcs.net