Northwestern Lehigh School District Superintendent Jennifer L. Holman provided the following updated COVID-19 letter to parents, guardians and students April 9 on the district website:

“Northwestern appreciates all the support and reiterates your family’s ongoing safety and well-being are of utmost importance to them.

“Hard to believe that just four short weeks ago we were in school and a news story that seemed so far away from our everyday existence has now become a reality in all of our communities impacting every facet of our lives.

“We do not know when this epidemic will end and together, we are literally writing history.

“One thing we know for certain is despite these unknown challenges and obstacles that are ahead of us, our Northwestern community will work together to provide our students with the best education possible during these times while supporting those who need it.

“Today, we were notified from the governor that schools in the commonwealth will remain closed for the remainder of the 2019-2020 academic year.

A few updates:

•Instruction: Teaching and learning will continue online following our continuity of education plan. Be sure to visit nwlehighsd.org/DLE which has a wealth of academic and student support resources. This site also explains teacher and student expectations for learning as well as information about attendance and assessments. Online sessions resumed April 14 after spring break.

•Grab-and-Go meal service will continue. If your family is experiencing hardship with regard to securing meals, contact your child’s counselor.

•There have been no decisions made about end of the year calendar adjustments, extensions, graduation or end-of-year activities at this point.

As soon as decisions are made on these items, we will communicate to each of you.

•If you or your child have technology questions or need technology help, email helpdesk@nwlehighsd.org.

“As the future unfolds, we will all learn to do things a little bit differently.

“Remember that although content is important, the connections between students and teachers are the most important.

“We firmly believe that online instruction will never be able to replace the authentic connection and learning that takes place in our classrooms each day.

“Online learning brings new experiences for students, parents, and teachers and requires alternative methods of instruction and assessment that may be different from our face-to-face learning environment.

“The instruction being provided virtually should not set the limitation for your child’s learning during this school closure.

“The online instruction from your child’s teachers should be coupled with family time, independent projects, journaling or writing, independent reading, mindfulness and calm activities, drawing, active activities, and outside learning.

“There are a variety of assignments that will engage your child’s mind during this time.

“We know, together, we will get through this and we will do so through trust, teamwork, dedication and perseverance ... ”