The Friends Select Upper School will follow a hybrid model for the start of the 2020-21 school year, according to an email sent to families from Head of School Michael Gary on Monday, July 20th.

The letter states that grades 7-12 will be in the school building 50% of the time (on a rotating basis, so only half of students are in school simultaneously) and participating in iSelectLearning from home for the other 50%. Families have the option to choose iSelectLearning full-time if they wish.

When students are in the building, meals will be eaten in the classroom, face coverings will be mandatory, and modified athletics will be offered. The school will have daily temperature checks, as well as a health screening app, to ensure safety.

According to the New York Times, COVID-19 has already killed over 143,000 Americans (including 7,074 Pennsylvanians), and infection rates continue to rise in Pennsylvania and nationwide. This plan is subject to CDC guidelines for reopening schools, as well as any potential orders from Governor Wolf.  

More information regarding Friend Select’s plan will be available on the school website on July 31st. Additionally, the school will be holding a virtual town hall on July 28th at 6pm via Zoom.