Flexible Instructional Days

Dear School Community,

Happy holidays! As we approach the heart of the winter months, I wanted to remind you of the options that the district utilizes when presented with inclement weather. All of us are familiar with our three main options–school closings, two hour delays, and early dismissals. We will continue to use these options, especially for moderate to extreme weather. The district, however, will also begin to utilize a fourth option known as a Flexible Instructional Day or FID.  We realize that parents need to juggle lots of roles, responsibilities, and schedules when children are home from school, so regardless of the option that we use, we will try to communicate as proactively as possible. 

What is a Flexible Instructional Day (FID)?

As detailed by the PA Department of Education, FID is a program available to public school entities that may be used in place of in-person instruction for any one of the following reasons: a disease epidemic, a hazardous weather condition, a law enforcement emergency, the inoperability of school buses or other equipment necessary to the public-school entity's operation, damage to school buildings, or another temporary circumstance rendering any portion of a school building unfit or unsafe for use. Although the district will primarily utilize snow days for storms with heavy snow, high winds, etc., we will use FIDs for the following reasons: (a) when we encounter unpredictable forecasts and other circumstances that make closing school decisions difficult; and (B) when our 4 built in snow days have been used. 

How many FID days can a district use?

Based on the Department of Education’s guidelines and based on Garnet Valley’s approved application, the district may utilize up to 5 FID days. 

What is my child’s responsibility during a FID?

The district created a website that provides a detailed overview of our procedures for instituting a flexible instructional day. It can be found by CLICKING HERE. The website provides schedules, FAQs, technology support, and a number of other helpful resources for parents and students in the event the district utilizes a FID.

Again, the district will continue to utilize snow days, delayed openings, and early dismissals. As parents and educators, we realize that on a morning when children awake to several inches of snow, expecting them to be in front of their device and learning remotely is ridiculous. However, the FID gives us one more opportunity to provide learning on days when coming into the buildings is not possible and/or safe. 

Sincerely,

Dr. Marc Bertrando, Superintendent