Welcome Back to School!
As we begin a new school year, health and safety remain at the top of our minds. We are fully committed to in-person teaching this year, but we also recognize the importance of learning together safely.
In July 2021, our school board approved a Health & Safety Plan, which commits the district to follow all mandates from local, state, or federal authorities as well as recommendations from the Center for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) or PA Department of Health (DOH).
While we all long to return to “normal,” we will not compromise the safety of our students, staff or community. Our priority is to ensure every student has the opportunity to learn in school, every day—safely. This section of our website outlines our current health protocols. We continue to follow guidance as it changes and will update this site as appropriate. Click below for a chronological list of updates.
Click the picture to be taken to more information.
Elementary Grades K-5
Students in grades K-5 will be using the personalized learning platform, Freckle.
Freckle empowers teachers to reach every one of their students across Math, ELA and Social Studies. Students automatically work at the level that’s perfect for them, and teachers get the data they need to help their students grow.
Middle School Grades 6-8
Students in grades 6-8 will be using the personalized learning platform, IXL.
IXL combines a comprehensive K-12 curriculum, Real-Time Diagnostic, personalized guidance, and actionable analytics to give teachers everything they need to personalize instruction and help students progress faster.
High School Grades 9-12
Students in grades 9-12 will be using the personalized learning platform, Apex.
Apex Learning offers a variety of learning pathways through the use of interactive tutorials in both core and elective content.
*Some teachers may choose to provide work in Schoology during quarantine.
The most common apps students will use on their iPads this year.
Click the picture for a list of the apps and there uses.
Parents keep up with your students assingments and grades
Use parentVUE to communicate with your child's teachers. You can also follow assignments, grades and outstanding books or material.
How to log in for your virtual learning
All virtual learners should use the links below to access your teachers and class materials.
The first step is to log into ClassLink, where you find paths to other tools you’ll need, such as Seesaw, Schoology and Zoom.
ClassLink
Username: 5-DigitID
Password: First Initial (capital) + Last Initial (capital) + 6-digit birthday
Seesaw
Username/Password: Use the QR codes sent home by IT to log into ClassLink. From there, choose the Seesaw icon, which will directly log you into your Seesaw class.
The Seesaw icon is located in the “Learning Management” folder in ClassLink.
Schoology
Username: 5-Digit ID Number
Password: First Initial (capital) + Last Initial (capital) + 6-digit birthday (example: JG122503)
StudentVUE
Access your class schedules and grade information, as well as updates from your teachers and school through StudentVUE.
Username: 5-Digit ID Number
Password: First Initial (capital) + Last Initial (capital) + 6-digit birthday (example: JG122503)
Username: 5-DigitID@sdlancaster.org
Password: First Initial (capital) + Last Initial (capital) + 6-digit birthday
Doing the little things will make a big difference in keeping us safe.
“Together We Can” has new meaning. We need to work together to prevent the spread of illness. Here’s how families can help.
Please monitor your child’s health daily.
Click the picture to find out how to monitor your child, what symptoms to look for and how SDoL is committed to keeping our staff and students safe.
Change of Address Form
SDoL Announces Guaranteed College Admission Partnerships
School District of Lancaster is excited to announce two new guaranteed admission agreements with local colleges. These agreements provide access to local higher education institutions based on high school grades, test scores, and course success. Details of these partnerships are outlined below.
Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology
Students qualify for guaranteed into the program of their choice if they meet the following criteria:
- Overall unweighted GPA of 3.0+
- Meet college readiness assessment benchmarks
- SAT score of 530+ in Math, 480+ in Evidence-Based Reading & Writing OR meet minimum requirements on Thaddeus Stevens placement test
- Application and all supporting documents/scores/testing submitted by January 1st
Pennsylvania College of Art and Design
Students qualify for guaranteed admission if they meet the following criteria:
- Overall unweighted GPA of 3.0+
- Successfully completes AP Studio Art I & II and obtains a 4 or higher on the AP exam
- Submits an application for admission before the deadline established by Pennsylvania College of Art and Design
Students interested in finding out more about guaranteed admission can contact Jeremy Raff, Coordinator of College and Career Services, at jtraff@sdlancaster.org.
How to obtain working papers
Click the picture for more information.
Middle School Dress Code for 2021-22
SDoL middle schools will pilot a relaxed dress code for the 2021-22 school year. Students in grades 6-8 at Jackson, Lincoln, Martin, Reynolds and Wheatland Middle School will not be required to wear school uniforms. This approach is intended to increase individuality and creativity, while easing uniform requirements for our middle school families.
Students’ dress must follow Board Policy 221 which is outlined in the Standards and Expectation for Students handbook (English) (Spanish), beginning on page 16. For the 2021-2022 school year, the middle school dress code requirements will align with the policy already in place for grades 9-12. School uniforms will still be required for elementary school students this school year.
Please refer to the diagram for additional dress code guidance. Parents and guardians are responsible for student compliance with the school’s dress code, and students are responsible for knowing and for complying with the dress code during school hours and school activities.
Because kids who feel well learn better
Now is the time to check in with your family’s health! Lancaster Health Center at Reynolds Middle School is open Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. for well child check-ups & immunizations. They welcome you to call 717-299-6371 to schedule an appointment.
Grades K-3 An innovative learning model that serves the whole child
New in 2021! The School District of Lancaster is launching a hybrid learning model that integrates technology with in-person teaching, class discussion, student investigation, small group problem-solving, and practice and application at home, for students in kindergarten through grade 3. It’s called the Full Circle Learning Program.
The Full Circle Learning Program is a family-centered learning option that builds on the benefits and strengths of both traditional school and virtual learning. It allows students to form community as part of a class, participate in onsite learning and support, and engage in lessons that were planned and developed using the School District of Lancaster curriculum.
Click the picture to be taken to more information.
Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer (P-EBT) Funds
The district has received the following recommendations for families experiencing issues with the Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer (P-EBT) funds. Please note that SDoL does not have access to P-EBT information and cannot provide specific guidance on accounts.
- All inquiries should be directed to the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) Customer Service Line (484-363-2137); or the web form.
- Parents and guardians are encouraged to visit the DHS P-EBT website. The DHS P-EBT website offers contact information, important dates, answers to frequently asked questions, etc.
- NOTE: inquires must be submitted via the Inquiry Form or Resource Line. Inquiries are responded to in the order in which they are received. Parents or guardians should not submit duplicate inquiries as it will delay the resolution process.
- Parents/guardians can check their P-EBT benefit amount online via: http://www.connectebt.com/.
Lancaster Community Meal Program
The Lancaster Community Meal Program is a loose network of churches and organizations that provides three free meals every day.
The meals are available, without registration or requirements, to anyone who shows up. Come to any of the providers for a tasty meal and good conversation!
All meals are still being served during the pandemic, but most are now take-away meals instead of sit-down meals.
School Immunization Requirements
You may have received a message and a letter because your child is in need of an immunization to remain in school. Proof of immunization or proof of an appointment must be received by the school nurses by August 30, 2021 or your child will be excluded from school on Monday August 30, 2021. If you would like your child to receive the immunization at the JP clinic during school hours, have your child pick up a clinic consent form from the nurses office and return it by August 30, 2021. This is not for the COVID vaccine. These are immunizations that are required by the Pennsylvania Department of Health.
CHIP Program Modified to Protect Children During COVID-19 Crisis
Several temporary changes to the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) during the COVID-19 outbreak will ensure children have access to medical services and can be screened or receive treatment for the virus.
Under the changes, families will not be denied or removed from CHIP coverage for administrative or financial reasons, including being unable to provide proof of income. In addition, families will not be charged a copay for COVID-19 screening, testing or treatment.
Families are still responsible for copays for services not related to COVID-19, as well as premium payments, if applicable.
Website: https://www.media.pa.gov/pages/Education-details.aspx?newsid=831
COVID-19 Emergency Rental and Utility Assistance
Eligible Assistance
- Eligible households may receive up to 12 months of assistance.
- The payment of existing housing-related arrears that could result in eviction of an eligible household is prioritized.
Eligible Households
- Households that experienced a COVID-19 pandemic related job or income loss or related expense; and
- demonstrate a risk of experiencing homelessness or housing instability; and
- have a household income that is 80% or less the Area Median Income (AMI)
Click the picture for more information
Assistance with Internet Service
City of Lancaster Lead-Safe & Healthy Families
Your home may have lead and we can help.
Lead safety is no joke and we know the homes in our community are at risk. That is why our Lead Hazard Control Program has teamed up with the United States Environmental Protection Agency and the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry to combat lead in our neighborhoods.
Lancaster Lead Abatement - Spanish – 15: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V6Qh0HbMivg&feature=youtu.be
Lancaster Lead Abatement - English – 15: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ecr7mjzRT_Q&feature=youtu.be
Free Phone Service
Looking for a way to save on cell phone costs? You may be eligible for a no-cost cell phone and cell phone service, including data, texts, and calls (with monthly limits on minutes and data). To assist the community during COVID-19, some providers are adding 5-6 GB of additional data for a month. You may also be able to use your current phone with this free service.
This program is for individuals who qualify based on income. You may qualify if you or a member of your household participate in one of these assistance programs:
Medicaid
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (Food Stamps or SNAP)
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Federal Public Housing Assistance
Veterans and Survivors Pension Benefit
You can also qualify based on household income.
Only one person per household can have this free service
For more information, visit the provider websites below. Please note that there may be other providers who service the Lancaster area.
https://qlinkwireless.com/ 1-855-754-6543
https://www.assurancewireless.com/ 1-888-321-5880
Early Learning Resource Center
ELRC provides childcare subsidies to low-income parents/caretakers whose children are under the age of 13 if the parent is working a minimum of 20 hours per week OR attending a training/educational program a minimum of 10 hours and working 10 hours per week. In addition, older children (ages 13 to 19) who are developmentally disabled and unable to care for themselves may also qualify for subsidized care. Parents/caretakers may choose any child care facility that participates in the ELRC program. ELRC pays a portion of the child care cost directly to the child care provider, and parent/caretakers pay a small portion, known as a co-payment, based on family size and income.
https://caplanc.org/our-programs/household-stability/early-learning-resource-center/
