I’d like to provide an update regarding universal masking. There have been quite a few email messages sent to me with questions about the recent preliminary injunction order requiring the district to re-implement universal masking during the school day. The opinion was delivered by a federal judge on February 7 after a hearing in the Eastern District Court in Philadelphia on February 4. For more information visit: Masking Update 2/8/22. It is imperative the District uphold this order.

In response to the Judge’s opinion, the District continues its efforts to move through the legal system and regain its authority to determine the health and safety guidelines to be implemented in our schools. However, the process takes time. There is currently no end date to the preliminary injunction order, or in other words, it is unknown how long universal masking must remain in place in our school district. The preliminary injunction remains in place until the next step in the process, which is a hearing in the Eastern District Court, projected to occur several months from now. Please know that the District is considering all avenues towards a resolution of this case in advance of the timeline that takes us into late spring or early summer. Of note is that the District is limited in what information it can share when in litigation, however, as additional and appropriate information becomes available, it will be provided.

As part of the preliminary injunction order, masks are strongly recommended after school hours while engaging in any building activities (athletics, music, clubs, etc.) or meetings; they are not required.

A few of the metrics we continually monitor as we move through the pandemic include incidence and positivity rates, both of which are trending in the right direction - downward at a rapid pace. This is great news. We also continue to review current research to remain abreast of up to date mitigation measures and risks to our students and staff for contracting COVID-19. Currently, the most effective mitigation strategy to protect any of us from COVID is vaccination. It is also important to symptom monitor on a daily basis. Do not send your child to school or report to work if feeling ill. We also offer Kf94 (or KN95) masks to any interested students or staff and place HEPA filters in select spaces where individuals with medical needs might benefit from the enhanced ventilation.

I am hoping that spring (which is right around the corner) brings with it continued good news about the incidence of COVID in our community.

Sincerely,

Dr. Barbara A. Russell

Superintendent

Families requesting a change in instructional mode, in person/Viking Academy (virtual), may complete this form - Instructional Mode Change Request- as per the deadlines indicated below.

• Elementary Deadline for Trimester 3 ~ February 17th

Will your child turn 5 years old before September 1, 2022? If so, he/she is eligible to attend school in the Perkiomen Valley School District next fall. Below are kindergarten registration dates for the 22-23 school year:

• Skippack Elementary – February 28, March 1,2,3, 2022
• Evergreen Elementary– March 7, 8, 10, 11, 2022
• Schwenksville Elementary– March 14, 15, 16, 17, 2022
• South Elementary– March 21, 22, 23, 24, 2022

Visit New Student Registration for more information including the registration packet.

As a note, in addition to always encouraging our students to share questionable or concerning information with a trusted adult, they can submit an anonymous tip through the Safe2Say Program. Tips are typically related to a variety of challenges our students experience or witness, such as bullying, harassment, disrespectful language, safety concerns, etc. When a tip is received, the State (who runs Safe2Say) immediately follows up with the respective building administrator and the information is investigated.