Pittsburgh Public Schools set possible return date for classes, staff

Pittsburgh Public School officials announced the earliest students and staff will return to brick and mortar schooling is April 14.

The announcement comes on the heels of Gov. Tom Wolf’s extension of the statewide school shutdown designed to help curb the spread of the coronavirus.

The governor previously closed all schools for 10 business days, which would have ended Friday. His latest order would have schools reopen April 6, with students returning to classes April 9.

Meanwhile, school officials plan to take the time and find out more about students’ needs.

“We have been actively working to develop a continuity of education plan for all of our students as we prepare for the potential longtime closure of schools,” said Superintendent Anthony Hamlet. “(Tuesday), we will launch a survey to understand the technology needs of our students and staff to ensure we are adequately prepared to continue learning and operations during the closure.”

In addition to schools, the closure applies to all Early Head Start, PreK, and Center programs within the district.

Grab and Go meals will continue at 30 locations from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 30, 31 and April 3. On April 3, students will receive a package of meals to carry them through spring break. Meal locations will close with all schools for spring break April 6-13.

All families and staff are encouraged to check the website, pghschools.org/coronavirus and social media daily for updates.

District officials said they will continue to use its robocall system to alert families to new information. Families can submit a ticket through the district’s Let’s Talk system via pghschools.org/LetsTalk to update their telephone number, so that they receive calls.