September 3, 2020
Dear Franklin Elementary Families,
It does not go unnoticed by us in the Franklin Public Schools that the first day of school for most of our students (grades 1 through high school) would have been yesterday and today we would have welcomed Kindergarten. There is a measure of sadness, as we so wish to welcome our students back to school in our traditional ways. We are thinking of our families, as well, and recognize that there is likely some grief and worry for parents/guardians and children alike.
We also recognize that you are eager for information. We are working around the clock to bring this to you and your children so that you know what to expect as we start the school year. Please note, the school year will begin in a predominantly remote environment on September 16, 2020.
While we had hoped to get you more specific class cohorting and placement information this week, the planning and preparation for the year is complicated and complex. While elementary cohort information was originally intended to be shared today, it will be sent on Tuesday, September 8. As bus information is dependent on cohort scheduling, transportation will follow after that. Assignments of teachers can be expected at the end of next week.
Cohort information, when shared, will include to which hybrid cohort your child has been assigned OR it will include a virtual-only designation for students whose families indicated in the family inventory that their child would learn in the entirely remote setting. As noted in the August 25, 2020 Reopening Update letter, children from across the district will be grouped together in classroom sections for virtual instruction in a “Virtual Learning Academy”. We are aware that there were conversations in the community that this plan had been changed. The District has carefully reviewed parent/guardian requests, instructional design, hybrid cohorts, and available personnel and is confirming that we are moving forward with the Virtual Learning Academy, which is described here (https://docs.google.com/document/d/1CyUp967M4IJvPR7xnSa98onyD9mhToqdavwKer9xPpE/edit?usp=sharing).
The plans we are putting in place depend heavily on commitments from families and we ask that you honor the selections you have made. Additionally, because of the planning required, we are asking that students learning in the virtual environment, who wish to switch to hybrid, remain in the virtual setting through the first trimester.
If you have questions about virtual only learning, please reach out to the building principal.
Late last week, some new information was released related to childcare. Remote Learning Parent Cooperatives were among the options described by the Department of Early Education and Care and the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education issued guidance related to care options for hybrid and remote learning models. Helpful guidance about parent cooperatives, including legal limitations, can be found at this link: https://eeclead.force.com/resource/1598716186000/CareOptions
Additionally, we are aware that several childcare options are emerging within the community and we are communicating closely with them. Please check out our News You Can Use web page where we post helpful community based information like this. https://www.franklinps.net/district/news-you-can-use
We recently updated our FAQs (reopening website below) to include information related to:
- Space constraints for children of MA educators attending school full-time
- HVAC information
- Influenza Vaccination documentation deadline
- Chromebook information/optional insurance
We appreciate your patience and kindness as we work through multiple details as we implement our reopening plan. We are actively taking steps to keep you informed during this very fluid environment.
Sincerely,
Franklin Public Schools
