COVID-19 District Updates

  • March 13, 2020 2:00 p.m. 

    Dear Gettysburg Area School District Community:

    Gettysburg Area School District administration, along with health and government officials continue to monitor the latest developments regarding COVID-19, known as the coronavirus. Though we are unaware of any confirmed cases in our district, it is important for the district to maintain open communication with you regarding our ongoing measures to ensure the safety and security of our students, staff and community. 

    To ensure the health, safety, and well-being of our students and staff, and to do our part in trying to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 throughout the District community and region, all Gettysburg Area School District schools will be closed from March 16, 2020, through March 27, 2020. 

    The closure affects all programming at the school, including before- and after-school activities, all athletic and extracurricular practices and competitions, weekend events, and all facility use by outside groups. We understand that this closure may cause an inconvenience, but trust that you will support our efforts on behalf of the wellness of our community.

    In order to promote instructional equity for all of our students, the district will make up the days through the use of “snow make-up” days, and other days available to us through communication with the Pennsylvania Department of Education.  These methods will be determined once we realize the full scope of impact that closures may have in the coming weeks. We are not asking students to complete schoolwork while the district is closed. 

    We understand that you may have questions regarding the effects of this closure. We have established this form to fill out with your questions and concerns. Answers to many of these questions will be posted on our website in the coming days.

    All official District updates and information regarding COVID-19 will be sent to you via our Blackboard Connect platform by email or phone. District updates will not be distributed via social media platforms so please exercise caution and remain vigilant regarding the source and accuracy of information you may encounter on social media. The district recommends downloading its mobile app and turning on push notifications in order to receive alerts. Click here to view directions on downloading our mobile app. 

    As always, protecting the health and safety of our students, faculty and staff is our utmost concern, and we will continue to monitor the COVID-19 situation closely and communicate as appropriate.

    Sincerely, 

    Jason C. Perrin, D.Ed.
    Superintendent of Schools

  • March 12, 2020 8:00 p.m. - Gettysburg Area School District officials will send a letter with more information to its district community on 3/13/20 at the end of the school day.

  • March 6, 2020

    Dear Gettysburg Area District Community:

    As the COVID-19 coronavirus is discussed prominently throughout news broadcasts and information is being widely communicated, we wanted to share how this virus relates to our district and what we are doing to be prepared. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has advised school districts to review their emergency preparedness plans, which includes responding to potential pandemic outbreaks, which we have done.

    Additional measures include: 

    • Monitoring daily attendance for students, faculty and staff
    • Monitoring various resource outlets including CDC, PDE and PA and County Departments of Health 
    • Reminders of appropriate hygiene
    • Increased focus in facilities on disinfecting surfaces during flu season
    • Reminder of when to “stay home from school” during illness; found with other information on our Health Services Page

    For your reference, the PA Department of Health has a coronavirus resource page that includes valuable information. Additionally, the latest information on the coronavirus in the U.S. and worldwide can be found on the CDC website.

    Because we are at the height of cold and flu season, please remember the importance of frequent hand washing, healthy eating, and the proper use and disposal of tissues at all times. For families planning to travel abroad, the school district recommends referencing the CDC Information for travel website. 

    As always, protecting the health and safety of our students, faculty and staff is our utmost concern, and we will continue to monitor the COVID-19 situation closely and communicate as appropriate.

    Sincerely,


    Jason C. Perrin, D.Ed.
    Superintendent of Schools