Students in the South Butler County School District should begin working on the 10 days of material they were provided with March 13 before leaving school.

In a letter to parents Friday afternoon, David Foley, superintendent, said he is concerned about the stagnant state of learning that has occurred over the past week as students languish at home due to the coronavirus.

“I appreciate your patience as we worked to figure out how best to proceed,” Foley said in the letter. “I believe we now have some guidance and a rudimentary plan on how to get instruction moving again and how to ensure that all our students are engaged.”

Gov. Tom Wolf ordered all public schools in the state be closed down for 10 school days beginning March 16 to slow the spread of the coronavirus.

Foley said the work sent home should not require the involvement of a teacher, but students can contact students through Google Classroom or email with any questions.

He said parents should keep completed work and expect more information on how the work will be assessed.

Faculty members will be working on ways to provide online instruction after the 10 days of work are completed.

Families without access to the Internet or the technology to complete assignments online should call the school and dial extension 5800 or email techstaff@southbutler.net with the student's name, grade level and a parent's phone number.

Foley said meals will continue to be provided to students on Monday and Thursday. Beginning next week, meals pick-up will be at the primary school's front doors. Deliveries will continue unchanged.

“We understand that the fallout of the coronavirus is causing many families hardships and that such challenges can cause a lot of stress on you and your children,” Foley's letter said. “If your family is struggling in some way, please reach out to our school counselors.”

He said the district's intervention counselor also may be able to connect families experiencing hardships with appropriate support services.