To the editor:
As we continue to navigate through the COVID-19 pandemic, our school district leaders have had to find many ways to be innovative when we provide educational services to our students. First and foremost, I would like to thank my administrative team (Mr. Mark Jannone, Mr. Mike Wells, and Mr. Donnie Jacopetti) and other frontline workers (Mr. Fred Richter and Mr. Jeff Karpinski) for the work they have completed so we are ready to launch a new way of education for our students in the district. This new online teaching method, taught by CASD teachers, is called the Warrior Academy.
COVID-19 has added many issues in our lives since the middle of March. I believe we continue to ask more and more questions, yet often times, are confused by the guidance, protocols, and orders that are provided to us through the office of the Governor, Pennsylvania Department of Education, the Department of Health, or the Centers for Disease Controls. This has led parents to question what will the “brick and mortar” education look like for their child as they enter the CASD this fall. For some parents, they have an increased level of anxiety (and are often scared) that if they send their child to school, they may contract the COVID-19. Other parents, as well as students, worry about the “mask mandates” imposed by the various agencies that I have identified above. These parents are considering not sending their child to school if they must wear a mask all day. The students feel the same way.
With we are also aware that some of you still will have deep hesitation about returning to campus in the fall for various COVID-19 reasons. Therefore, we have created the Warrior Academy. The Warrior Academy is a K-12th grade program where our students will receive online instruction from CASD teachers. Please visit our website to watch the most recent video explaining this program in more detail. We recommend this program for all current CAVE students and cyber school students as the content in this program directly will align with the current CASD curriculum.
A few things to keep in mind about the Warrior Academy Program:
1. The registration window for this program runs from July 24 – August 6. The registration form can be found on our website (www.canton.k12.pa.us). Once you enter our webpage, click on the Community Tab and enter the 20-21 Reopening of CASD hyperlink.
2. If you plan on sending your students back to our “brick and mortar” building, you do not need to complete any registration.
3. Failure to meet the registration deadline of August 6, 2020 could result in you not having the ability to participate in the Warrior Academy for the fall of 2020.
4. Once you register for the Warrior Academy, you are required to remain in the Warrior Academy for the first 9 weeks of school. You will not be permitted to “go back and forth” between our brick and mortar building and this online program as this will tremendously impact your child’s educational progress.
5. If you have further questions about the Warrior Academy, please call or email your building principals: Mr. Wells (mwells@canton.k12.pa.us) (570-673-5196) or Mr. Jacopetti (djacopetti@canton.k12.pa.us) (570-673-5134).
In closing, I want to remind you that we are looking forward to the start of the 2020-2021 school year for in-person instruction. We continue to appreciate the trust and support the school board, parents, and community have provided us as we look to begin the upcoming school year. We are aware there will continue to be many challenges that lie ahead, but we are confident, through collaboration and commitment with all stakeholders, that our students and community will remain safe and healthy. As always, feel free to email (ebriggs@canton.k12.pa.us) or call me (570-673-3191) with any questions or concerns you may have. Remember, we believe in “Every child, every day, the Warrior Way!”
Dr. Eric Briggs
CASD Superintendent