McCullough Elementary School latest in string of Penn-Trafford covid shutdowns

McCullough Elementary School in Penn-Trafford School District was closed Monday due to two positive coronavirus cases, the latest in a string of short-term shutdowns in a district that has seen 113 total covid cases since the start of the school year.

One student and one staff member tested positive in the last 14 days, according to the district.

Students participated in remote learning Monday, with the building set to reopen for normal instruction Tuesday.

This was done in accordance with guidelines from the Pennsylvania Department of Education and Department of Health guidelines, which suggest closing school for at least three days when two or more students or staff members test positive for coronavirus. The most recent case was reported Friday.

McCullough Elementary School has seen a total of seven coronavirus cases this school year.

Penn-Trafford High School has received the largest share of the district’s 113 cases with 48 — 42 of them among students.

There have been 12 pandemic-related closures among the districts eight schools this year, including two district-wide closures during the holidays.

Students at all district schools have the option to learn remotely. Most district schools primarily are conducting in-person instruction, with the exception of the high school, which is using a hybrid option.

The district’s health and safety plan prioritizes giving families the option for kids to attend school.

“While health and safety considerations are paramount, our understanding and belief are that social interaction and in-person instruction are essential to our children’s emotional well-being, as well as their educational growth and advancement,” reads the plan, which was adopted in August and revised in December in response to updated state guidelines.

Superintendent Matthew Harris could not be reached for comment Monday.

The full timeline of district closures:

• Oct. 1-14, Level Green Elementary School
• Oct. 7-21, Sunrise Estates Elementary School
• Oct. 9-13, Harrison Park Elementary School and Penn-Trafford High School
• Nov. 16-18, Penn Middle School
• Dec. 1-4, all schools closed
• Dec. 15-18, Penn Middle School and Harrison Park Elementary School
• Dec. 18, Penn Trafford High School and Sunrise Estates Elementary School
• Dec. 21-Jan. 8, all schools closed
• Jan. 18, McCullough Elementary School