Area schools continue to prepare for the possibility of district-wide shutdowns as information filters in on the spread of the coronavirus.

Palmerton Area School District sent out a four-page letter Friday, asking parents to prepare for the possibility of a multiweek closure.

“We ask that all families start to make contingency plans for child care in the event of an unprecedented shutdown of school,” Dr. Alan Lonoconus, interim Palmerton superintendent said in the letter. “Currently, the estimated length of school closures could be anywhere from two to three weeks, but it could be longer.”

Lonoconus said he is exploring the possibility of keeping the cafeteria open to prepare meals for families who may be able to go to the school to pick up meals.

As for how the district could extend learning opportunities if the schools are closed, he said the goal would be for students to take advantage of the many technology resources that are available.

“We will ask teachers to provide activities, if they are able, in the event of a prolonged absence,” Lonoconus said. “This will not take the place of regular classroom instruction, but will supplement student learning. Assignments may not be required or graded, but are intended to reinforce or extended learning while at home.”

State governments in Ohio and Maryland have closed all public schools and while Pennsylvania has only required the closure of Montgomery County schools, a statewide closure could be on the horizon. Several other Pennsylvania districts have chosen to close on their own.

“Palmerton employs many staff, many of whom could become affected by the virus and force us to close because we would not be able to deliver services without a critical number of staff,” Lonoconus said. “Additionally, the Department of Health or the state government could ask us to close, leaving us without a choice. All decisions regarding the possible closing of schools will be made with the best interests of students in mind.”

As it stands, Pedro Rivera, state secretary of education, has told districts that any missed days will need to be made up according to existing regulations.

“That could change,” Lonoconus said, “but for now that is where we need to operate.”

Palmerton said it will be releasing additional information in regard to field trips, after school activities and large group functions to help cut down on the possible spread of the virus.