Tuesday, 1/24/2023

Dear MTSD Families:

As you know, our district has an early dismissal day scheduled for this Wednesday (1/25/2023). Unfortunately, the weather forecast for Wednesday could possibly make travel to/from school challenging (if the predicted weather arrives earlier than anticipated). Please note that the district is unable to implement both a delayed start and an early dismissal on the same day. Therefore, we are preparing you for the possibility that MTSD may need to initiate a Flexible Instructional Day (FID) on Wednesday (1/25/2023). Our website holds important information about FIDs, including Student & Staff expectations for the day.

Please know that this communication does not mean that we have already decided to close school; it is to prepare you for the possibility so arrangements can be made in the event schools need to close for weather-related purposes. Since tomorrow is scheduled to be an early dismissal day on the school calendar, there are two possible outcomes:

• Outcome 1 (FID) – If the weather presents travel challenges in the morning, we will need to close schools for the day, and you will receive an email via School Messenger informing you of our plan to facilitate a FID
• Outcome 2 (No FID) – If the district determines that it is safe to travel to school on time, students will report and begin at the regularly scheduled times, followed by the scheduled early dismissal for all students. 

The Pennsylvania Department of Education will count a FID as a school day that will not need to be made up during the school year. Students will have access to Teachers for at least two (2) hours during established “office hours.” Students eligible for special education services will receive instruction and support as per their Individualized Education Plan (IEP). 

Because 1/25/2023 is an early dismissal day, if a FID is instituted, teachers and staff will hold office hours before the “early dismissal time” for each level: (K-4: 1:40 p.m., LRIS: 1:10 p.m., MS & HS: 12:35 p.m.) Please note that students may receive abbreviated work/assignments due to the early dismissal schedule. 

Assignments are to be submitted (electronically or in person) within the first two school days after the FID (by Friday, 1/27/2023) and work completion accounts for student attendance. If students experience issues with Internet access or district technology during the FID, please immediately contact MTSD Technology Services at 717-519-1500 for assistance. For issues related to work posted in Seesaw or Schoology, students should contact their teacher(s).

The deadline for submitting FID work is the end of the 2nd school day after the FID. Assignments are due on Friday, 1/27/2023, by the following times:

• Grades 7-12: Due By 2:30 p.m
• Grades 5-6: Due By 3:15 p.m
• Grades K-4: Due By 3:40 p.m.

If a student does not submit assigned work during the school day or within the first two days after returning to school, they will be marked as “Absent” for the FID. This absence will require a signed parent note detailing the reason for the student’s absence. Students may receive a zero on any assignments that are not submitted.

All K-12 students will bring their iPads & chargers home in anticipation of a FID. Please make certain the iPad & charger return to school fully-charged with your student on the next school day.

On a FID, all extracurricular and after school activities are presumed canceled/postponed. If our campuses can be made safe for use in the afternoon/evening, the administration will communicate that information to the directors/coaches of impacted programs.

If needed, we believe that this FID will enable us to deliver meaningful learning opportunities for students while they are at home. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact your student’s teacher or principal.

Sincerely,

Dr. Robin L. Felty

Superintendent