FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Larry R. King, 215-348-6413, lrking@buckscounty.org The Central Bucks School District, in consultation with the Pennsylvania and Bucks County Departments of Health, today closed five district schools for at least one day as a precaution against possible spread of coronavirus. Out of an abundance of caution, I have decided to close the above schools Friday, March 6, 2020 to perform deep cleaning of all impacted facilities. "Some days, it has approached 50% of cases. COVID in schools:Bucks schools report very few cases of COVID-19 Race in schools: Bucks County schools push to address systemic racism Business growth: Two … New coronavirus infections are on the rise in Bucks County, with 2,429 new COVID-19 infections reported from Dec. 27 through Jan. 2, a 5 percent increase over the previous week. And the Bucks County Intermediate Unit proudly serves them all. CB is the third largest school district in PA. Just under 20,000 students are educated in our 15 elementary, five Members of the new Facebook group take issue with the county's numbers and guidance, and add that full-time classroom instruction does not allow for adequate social distancing at many schools and presents other problems. COVID-19 infections surged to record levels once again last week in Bucks County, averaging 345 new cases per day, state health officials reported. Without it, students could be … We thank our subscribers for allowing us to serve you with our local journalism. In Bucks County, school districts that have returned to full-time, in-person classes include Quakertown, Pennridge, Palisades, Central Bucks and Neshaminy. Tom Wolf issued new restrictions on businesses and gatherings on Dec. 12, there were no new directives for schools. "They have a responsibility to ensure that the students, teachers and staff at all times remain in a safe environment. About Chris: An upstate New York native; graduating class of 39 at my high school in Richmondville, New York; 1981 Temple graduate; started at Courier Times in 1980 as a correspondent in sports while still in college, and the rest is history; sports, music and movie lover, especially hard rock and action movies; also love to read, both fiction and non-fiction. We as the constituents have a right to be heard with our concerns and not simply dismissed because they feel Damsker's way is the right way.". Most Bucks County school districts have continued to successfully educate children using either full in-person or hybrid options, and the Bucks County Health Department has supported their efforts to do so.". FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Larry R. King, 215-348-6413, lrking@buckscounty.org The Central Bucks School District, in consultation with the Pennsylvania and Bucks County Departments of Health, today closed five district schools for at least one day as a precaution against possible spread of coronavirus. She couldn't enroll Jake in Neshaminy's all-virtual instructional choice because she couldn't stay home with him and had nowhere else to take him five days a week once the district eliminated the hybrid option, which had involved three days a week of online instruction and two days in classrooms. "We continue to be a resource for them, but ultimate decisions on instruction are up to school boards and administrators at each school district.". According to Bucks County Health Department Director Dr. David Damsker, there have been a total of 1,887 COVID-19 cases among students and staff at all county public and private schools, … Testing Locations by Area, printable pdf listing. Please use the list below to access each school … BUCKS COUNTY, PA — During a record week for new coronavirus cases in Bucks County, 232 school-age children and 31 school staff members tested positive for the virus last week. GUIDANCE FOR BUCKS COUNTY SCHOOL REOPENINGS . "I'm also a teacher but not at a brick-and-mortar school," Morantz said. BUCKS COUNTY, PA — During a record week for new coronavirus cases in Bucks County, 232 school-age children and 31 school staff members tested positive for the virus last week. Eight were in their 90s, 11 in their 80s, eight in their 70s, six … Editor's note: Editors and reporters for the Bucks County Courier Times and The Intelligencer are using this final week of the year to share with our subscribers a little about ourselves, our favorite stories of the year and a sampling of our best work. I joined this group because I have a lot of friends, who I consider closer than family, who are also teachers.". BUCKS COUNTY, PA — The number of new coronavirus infections in Bucks County remained low last week with no significant "secondary spread" in schools as they began to reopen. Three reporters/editors will share daily this week. She and others in the group feel all county school districts should go back to all-remote learning at least until there is a significant reduction in COVID-19 cases. The county blames COVID fatigue. Dedicated to providing news, exploring data and disseminating information related to COVID-19 While many families feel it's unsafe to be offering full-time classroom instruction, especially during the recent spike, many others feel that the stringent health and safety plans put in place by school districts make full-time in-person learning viable. Bucks county is comprised of 13 school districts with over 96,000 public and private school students, in over 270 schools, served by more than 9,000 educators. They also point to the fact that there seems to be little or no evidence that the virus is being spread at schools. 20 Welden Drive, Doylestown, PA 18901, 267-893-2000. More: Group of Hatboro-Horsham parents sue district over lack of in-person instruction. Central Bucks, Palisades, Pennridge and Quakertown Community are currently the only Bucks County school districts offering full-time, in-person instructional choices at … Six school staff members also tested positive. Flu and COVID-19 Coronavirus Resource Page. More: Bucks County COVID cases declining but December still 3rd deadliest month of pandemic. See note. Titus Elementary School in Warrington, Pa. and four other schools in central Bucks County, were shut down Friday, March 6, 2020, as a precaution against the spread of COVID-19. "There have been a few instances where it couldn't be totally ruled out because of unclear or multiple routes of transmission," Damsker said. Among county school districts, Central Bucks, Palisades, Pennridge and Quakertown Community are offering full-time in-person instruction at all or some grade levels. "This is about me reaching out to find like-minded concerned parents and community members who do not agree with what is happening in their respective school districts," said Rutecki, a teacher in another Bucks County district who isn't able to work from home. So when the Neshaminy School District replaced its hybrid option at the elementary schools with a four-days-a-week classroom choice on Nov. 30, forcing her to enroll her third-grade son Jake in the four-days option if he wanted any in-person learning time, Rutecki felt compelled to take action. There have been no clearly proven cases of spread within a school, he added. Early Thursday afternoon, medical staff at Lower Bucks Hospital in Bristol Township began receiving the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine from the hospital’s fresh delivery of 975 doses. A modified quarantine offered to adults who may have been exposed to the coronavirus could keep some Bucks County students in the classroom. Students and teachers in districts across Bucks County share their views of education amidst the pandemic. Deaths and hospitalizations, while far from the peaks of last spring, rose higher than they have in several months. BUCKS COUNTY, Pa. (CBS) – Bucks County officials Tuesday warned of the unprecedented spread of COVID-19. Overall, 40% of the cases involve students and staff who are involved in all-virtual instruction, he added. Bucks County Commissioner Robert Harvie said county officials felt it was telling that when Gov. The main government guidance relating to what school leaders, teachers and school staff need to do during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak can be accessed from the one place. Sample 20; SW Sample; Calendar; Pennridge School District; Bucks County Department of Health FAQ; COVID Communications and Resources. Our schools were put in the unenviable position of having to close suddenly and deal with a situation no one had ever encountered. The Middletown resident formed a Facebook group called Bucks County Parents Advocating Safety that has since attracted more than 1,000 members from all 13 school districts in the county, she said. Favorite of 2020:During coronavirus, a move to get outside, "I enjoyed getting outside and hearing how doing the same was keeping people sane during the early days of the pandemic. The remaining districts are currently either in all-virtual mode, or offering a choice between hybrid and full remote. Department for Education coronavirus … BUCKS COUNTY, PA — The coronavirus pandemic continued to worsen in Bucks County last week, with nearly 300 new cases reported every day and deaths and hospitalizations on the rise. Incidence rates and percentage of positive tests in both Bucks and neighboring Montgomery counties have them in the "significant risk" for transmission category, which according to state recommendations calls for all-virtual instruction. Marion Callahan, Bucks County Courier Times, Bucks County COVID cases declining but December still 3rd deadliest month of pandemic, Bucks County school officials grapple with in-school instruction choices amid spiking COVID-19 cases, Group of Hatboro-Horsham parents sue district over lack of in-person instruction, https://www.facebook.com/groups/buckscpas, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. With COVID-19 cases skyrocketing around the state and country, Bucks County schools face tough choices on starting or continuing in-person classes. It is important to reiterate that there are no known or reported cases of coronavirus in Central Bucks School District, Bucks County or in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Group member Christina Morantz, of Bensalem, said she worries about the ramifications of full-time classroom options for her husband Charles, a Bensalem teacher, and other teachers. GUIDANCE FOR BUCKS COUNTY SCHOOL REOPENINGS Dear Chief School Administrators, The COVID-19 pandemic has been a tremendous challenge for our community in many different ways. Dear Chief School Administrators, The COVID-19 pandemic has been a tremendous challenge for our community in many different ways. But, health officials said, nearly half of all those new cases were spread by family members, roommates and friends living under the same roof. It's so far, so good at three Bucks County school districts that are conducting in-person instruction, and are almost COVID-19 free. At Wesley Enhanced Living Doylestown, the first round of COVID-19 vaccines last week was an emotional moment. NEWTOWN, Pennsylvania (WPVI) -- Council Rock High School North in Bucks County, Pennsylvania is shutting down for the rest of the week after five students have tested positive for COVID-19. This is a team effort.". At least 112 Bucks County school students tested positive for COVID last week, 89 of whom were enrolled in virtual or hybrid instruction. DOYLESTOWN, PA —There have been 136 reported positive COVID-19 cases at Central Bucks schools since September, according to data from the district's website. The COVID-19 patient deaths last week included 15 women and 23 men ranging in age from 28 to 95. Central Bucks High School East (Google Maps) DOYLESTOWN, PA — Despite rising COVID-19 cases in Bucks County, Central Bucks school administrators will continue with … The Bucks County Health Department reported 38 deaths and 3,227 new COVID-19 cases last week. "That once again emphasizes the fact that many teachers and students are clearly infected regardless of a school district's teaching modality," said Damsker. BUCKS COUNTY, PA — With the rollout of a COVID-19 vaccine expected as early as January, the New York Times, the Surgo Foundation and Ariadne Labs have created a … More and more data suggests otherwise," said group member and Bensalem parent Leann Hart. Guidance for the Christmas Period. Bucks students share experiences of school during COVID. We hope you enjoy the look back at the year and learn a little bit about us, too. (Emma Lee/WHYY) Officials said staff and children from the five closed schools had attended a “private gathering” with a person who has since been diagnosed with COVID-19. Unless they live in Bucks County. Hidden talent: I can snap my fingers really loud with both hands. "These elected/selected officials, whether it is the county or school districts, have failed miserably," said Jennifer Ferrandino, a Neshaminy School District resident and registered nurse. The fund was established by United Way of Bucks County with additional funding from Penn Community Bank.Bucks County COVID-19 Recovery Fund is providing financial assistance to nonprofits like C&Y so that it can serve the community. A message from the Health Department: The Bucks County Health Department will be available to take your COVID-19 related calls 8:00 to 4:00 Monday – Friday and limited hours on Saturday at 215-345-3318. All rights reserved. "I was so upset by Neshaminy's decision, it prompted me to find others who felt the same," Rutecki continued. "He (Charles) is immunocompromised and is on a medication that lowers his ability to fight viruses and infections. … See note Due to the impact of the COVID-19 virus, school will closed until 18.1.21: 04/01/2021 19:55:09: No: Dinton Pre-School: Aylesbury: Closed due to specific circumstances. The main government guidance relating to what school leaders, teachers and school staff need to do during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak can be accessed from the one place. Like many other parents across Pennsylvania and the nation, Lynn Rutecki feels that providing a full or close to full-time in-person instructional choice amid spiraling COVID-19 case numbers is very misguided. Palisades has had … DOYLESTOWN, PA —There have been 136 reported positive COVID-19 cases at Central Bucks schools since September, according to data from the district's website. Central Bucks School District. The views of Rutecki and others in the group highlight one of the most polarizing issues that has arisen since schools resumed instruction in late August and September. FREE COVID-19 Testing for Bucks County School Staff . "Truthfully, all I did was provide a place where collectively we could discuss, and hopefully make a change for our communities. For most Southeastern Pennsylvanians, just a few clicks on their county’s website gets them current local information on COVID-19 cases and deaths. Bucks County Health Department investigations last week identified 46 new infections among residents and staff at long-term care centers. For more information on Bucks County Parents Advocating Safety, visit https://www.facebook.com/groups/buckscpas. COVID-19 cases rise nearly 80% in Bucks County Throughout Bucks County, infections rose to unprecedented levels last week, and on Tuesday officials sounded the alarm as … We have a resource page providing links to a variety of related information that is designed for parents, students, and school entities. COVID-19 cases rise nearly 80% in Bucks County Throughout Bucks County, infections rose to unprecedented levels last week, and on Tuesday officials sounded the alarm as … More: Bucks County school officials grapple with in-school instruction choices amid spiking COVID-19 cases. According to Bucks County Health Department Director Dr. David Damsker, there have been a total of 1,887 COVID-19 cases among students and staff at all county public and private schools, with 1,623 student cases and 264 staff cases. Just about 10 months after Bucks County started reporting confirmed outbreaks of COVID-19, the first health care workers in the lower end of the county received the first doses of a vaccine. With a student enrollment of 18,000, only 67 students total across the district have tested positive for COVID-19, Kopicki said. Guidance for schools: coronavirus (COVID-19). BUCKS COUNTY, PA — Bucks County reported 19 new deaths from COVID-19 in just three days this week as the county hit a grim milestone, surging past 20,000 cases of the virus since the pandemic began. ", COVID donation:After recovery, Middletown man plans plasma donation to help others, COVID in schools:Bucks schools report very few cases of COVID-19, Race in schools:Bucks County schools push to address systemic racism, Business growth:Two new businesses open on State Street on Newtown Borough. Despite Bucks County… During coronavirus, a move to get outside, After recovery, Middletown man plans plasma donation to help others, Bucks schools report very few cases of COVID-19, Bucks County schools push to address systemic racism, Two new businesses open on State Street on Newtown Borough, Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. Bucks County Children & Youth is grateful to have been granted $20,0... 00 in gift cards during 2020 from the Bucks County COVID-19 Recovery Fund. BUCKS COUNTY, PA — During a record week for new coronavirus cases in Bucks County, 232 school-age children and 31 school staff members tested positive for the virus last week. Bucks County Towns With The Most New COVID Cases: Latest Data - Yardley, PA - Daily case numbers were back up in the first full week of 2021. © 2021 www.buckscountycouriertimes.com. "We've worked with schools throughout this and feel they have done a very, very good job in keeping things safe," Harvie said. Bucks County COVID-19 Behavioral Health Helpline - 215-399-5681 (Available Monday through Friday 8:30 am to 4:30 pm) Bucks County Seniors can call 267-880-5700 for assistance, as well as information on services such as meal delivery and independent care. COVID-19 Testing Locations. We appreciate your support. "I fear there is a lot of motivated reasoning by well-meaning people who see the hardships of remote learning and then insist that those hardships outweigh what they claim are few risks or harms from full or partial reopenings. The parks were a refuge. FAIRLESS HILLS >> Bucks County COVID-19 Recovery Fund, established in March by United Way of Bucks County with additional funding from Penn Community Bank, continues to provide grants for COVID … Neshaminy started its four-days-a-week choice at the elementary schools Nov. 30, and Council Rock is tentatively scheduled to start a four-days-a-week elementary choice Jan. 11 and full-time in-person secondary choice Feb. 1. 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