The Olivet Boys & Girls Club will temporary suspend remote learning and afterschool programming to mitigate the COVID-19 risk to youth and their families effective at 4:30pm on Friday, December 11, 2020.
In September, the Reading School District and other schools in the local community made the decision to complete online learning, the Olivet team re-open club doors, welcoming back Olivet members to provide youth a safe space to complete their schoolwork, interact with peers, and have the support of caring adults and mentors.
Within the past several weeks, the Olivet board has become increasingly concerned with the trajectory of the virus in the community.
The level of community transmission is now rated as “substantial” and new, daily cases are consistently ranging between 200-400.
As the holidays approach potentially consisting of family gatherings and out of state travel, President and CEO, Chris Winters made the decision to temporarily suspend remote learning and afterschool programming at all Reading locations.
“This was an incredibly difficult decision. During the past two months, nearly 400 club members and their families have relied on us to provide much needed support and resources as students complete virtual learning” said Winters.
”Health and safety of our youth, families, and staff is paramount and we must take proactive steps to stem the spread of the virus in our community. While our doors will be closed temporarily, we will continue grab & go evening meals and virtual programming. Olivet is committed to serving youth and families, especially those that need us the most during these challenging times”.
Winters also says afterschool programming at the Grace Lutheran Site in Shillington will continue to operate for the time being. Grab and go dinner meals will continue to be provided at Conrad Weiser Middle School.
During the suspension of remote learning and afterschool programming, staff will continue to provide grab & go evening meals in addition to virtual programming opportunities on social media and the Olivet website.
“While this was a difficult decision to make and we recognize the inconvenience this may cause for families, we believe it is the best decision in order to ensure the safety and well-being of club members and their families.”
