On August 5, 2020, the Board of Trustees of the Watson Institute approved Watson’s Health & Safety Plan and Reopening Plan, which details the health and safety measures that will be in place throughout Watson’s schools for the 2020-2021 School Year.
The Health & Safety Plan is the culmination of work completed by Watson’s Pandemic Team, comprised of representatives from all program areas, nursing, maintenance, information technology, human resources, communications, administration, and executive leadership. The Health & Safety Plan is based upon recommendations and guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE), the Pennsylvania Department of Health, and the Allegheny Health Department. Input was sought from parents of students attending Watson’s schools, as well as staff.
As new guidance and recommendations emerge, the Health and Safety Plan is subject to change at any time. Both Plans reflect a balance of our highest priorities: ensuring the safety of our students and staff while meeting our students’ educational needs.
Through our planning process, in addition to information gleaned through the surveys, we have collected and analyzed input and recommendations from parents, staff, educators, and healthcare professionals. We are incorporating this information into our learning methodologies for reopening.
As staff prepare for our reopening, the program directors will be communicating information about learning plans to parents.
We appreciate your patience and the opportunity you’ve given us to thoughtfully build our plans. We hope that this additional information will provide you with more clarity as you prepare your child(ren) for the 2020/2021 school year.
Watson Institute Continuity of Education Plan