Pennsylvania officials are recommending that elementary school students should return to in-person classes. This guidance is not mandatory and local schools and districts have final say as to whether they follow virtual, in-person, or hybrid models. The state does still recommend remote learning for middle and high school. "While these are not mandatory, it is up to school leaders to make a decision on whether or not local factors permit them to return elementary students to in-person instruction," Noe Ortega, acting state Education Secretary said. Pennsylvania Health Secretary Dr. Rachel Levine said, "The educational benefits of in-person learning, especially for younger children, are very clear." Schools would need to ensure the safety of students, faculty, and staff. That includes mask wearing, social distancing, and hygiene/sanitation. "The ability to provide in-person learning in a safe environment is extremely important," said Ortega. The new recommendation goes into effect on January 25.
Following the mayhem in the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday afternoon, 1/6, NJ Congressman Andy Kim literally got on his hands and knees to help clean up the mess. "When I got to the (Capitol) Rotunda, which in my opinion is one of the most beautiful rooms in the country, there was debris, trash, garbage all over the place. There was clothing, cigarette butts on the floor," said N.J. congressman Andy Kim.
"I really felt like the Capitol building, and our democracy had been treated with such disrespect, that if there was anything that I could do, even if it meant cleaning up the rooms...I wanted to do my part."
"It was an emotional experience for me. I looked over and saw some police officers that had a trash bag. I asked them if they had any other extra trash bags, and they gave it to me, and I just started cleaning," he said.
The Lehigh University Board of Trustees voted to rescind and revoke an honorary degree granted to President Donald Trump. Trump was granted the honorary degree from the Bethlehem, PA, university in 1988. The Executive Committee held a special session on Thursday, 1/7, and the full Board affirmed the decision on Friday, 1/8. This announcement comes after the U.S. Capitol was overtaken by a mob of Trump extremists following a rally in Washington, D.C. on Wednesday, 1/6. Lehigh University President John D. Simon said, "I sincerely hope we can turn the sadness and anger that the lawlessness in our nation's capital has evoked into motivation to make our nation more just. I trust that it will inspire us to redouble our efforts to unite our country and encourage the peaceful pursuit of governance, guided by truth and reason. We have much work to do."
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