Showing posts with label DESE. Show all posts
Showing posts with label DESE. Show all posts

Saturday, October 10, 2020

Franklin Public Schools: Re-opening Update for Families - Oct 9, 2020

October 9, 2020

Dear Franklin Families,

Transition to Hybrid

The average daily cases of COVID-19 in Franklin have remained below 4 per 100,000 for the past three weeks and the percent positivity rate has been below 1%. Current numbers are 3.2 cases per 100,000 and a percent positivity rate of 0.96%. When taken into consideration with Norfolk County and Massachusetts data over the past several weeks, these current health metrics support us continuing forward with a transition to hybrid as follows:

10/19/2020 -- Grades 2, 3, 6
10/26/2020 -- Grades 4, 5, 7, 8 and High Needs at FHS  
11/2/2020 -- FHS

More details about the cohort assignments, schedule, and what to expect upon arrival will be shared from the schools.

Our teachers have been actively preparing to welcome students into our buildings. It will be important at this time to establish new routines, which is always important at the start of the school year, but it is even more important with the latest health and safety practices. As a result, remote instruction for those students whose cohort is not in the building will necessarily begin looking differently as we move into a hybrid environment.

At the elementary level: all students will participate in a synchronous live morning meeting and closing circle. Throughout the day, educators will engage with remote students multiple times throughout the day, and remote students will be provided with assignments and asynchronous learning opportunities as well. Compared to instruction experienced thus far, there will necessarily be less synchronous learning time as our teachers attend to in-person instruction as well as in-person health and safety practices.

We have received a few inquiries about transitioning from having chosen hybrid to Virtual Learning Academy (VLA) or from VLA to hybrid. A separate document explaining the process will be included in versions of this mailing to elementary families. Please know that there is little flexibility and shifts between the two require significant planning about staff and physical space.

At the middle and high school levels:
all students will participate in a lesson launch with their teacher. Educators will employ different strategies to engage students, both in person and remote learners, which may be synchronous or asynchronous. In the early weeks, our teachers will be working hard to establish new building routines, especially the new health and safety practices and there may be additional asynchronous instruction happening for those who are remote.

At all levels and both in person and remote, we ask for your understanding and patience as we begin a very novel way of teaching and learning. Everyone is working very hard and learning new strategies. We also wish to emphasize the need for adaptability. We know that we are in a changing environment and health data could result in partial or full closures, as we have seen in other districts. Flexibility will be important and we ask families to be sure to have a back up plan.

We also know that there may be nervousness about transitioning to the hybrid model. We will emphasize our health and safety practices with students (physical distancing, hand washing, and mask-wearing).

Travel to a Non-Lower Risk State
Students who are returning to Massachusetts from a non-lower risk state will have to quarantine for 14 days or receive a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours prior to their return to school. Students will continue to receive instruction at home.

DESE Letter to Families of Students with Disabilities
The Department of Elementary and Secondary education recently released this letter for families of students with disabilities, which we are sharing with you:
 http://www.doe.mass.edu/covid19/sped/back-to-school-letter/ 

Food Services Update 
The food pick up at the Parmenter Elementary School is being closed due to a lower level of participation. Pick up of breakfast and lunch will now all be done at the rear of Franklin High School, by the cafeteria’s entrance from 3:00 -- 4:00 PM. All meals are free until December 31, 2020


No School Reminder - No School on Monday, October 12, 2020

Have a wonderful weekend, Franklin Public Schools


Please e-mail reopening@franklinps.net with questions. https://sites.google.com/franklinps.net/returntoschoolplan/home


 

Friday, September 25, 2020

The pressure from Gov Baker and DESE's Riley - getting pushback

From CommonWealth Magazine we share an article of interest for Franklin:

"GOV. CHARLIE BAKER on Thursday continued to push schools to bring students back in person while denying allegations by the state’s largest teachers union that his administration is “bullying” local districts.

“If you are a low-risk district, and you’ve been a low-risk district for eight weeks, and you have no plan to return to in-person learning when most people in education and public health and the pediatric communities all believe that in-person learning, especially for young kids, is a critical part of their educational and social development, we want to know what your plan is to get back,” Baker said. “I don’t think that’s bullying. I think it’s a perfectly appropriate question to ask on behalf of people in those communities and particularly the kids.”

In August, Baker released a color-coded map indicating levels of COVID-19 transmission in each community, and he has been pushing communities with low levels of transmission to open their schools. But teachers’ unions have pushed back, saying many schools are not prepared to safely reopen."

Continue reading the article online
 
** Meanwhile one of the organizations Gov Baker claims to have participated in crafting the schools' guidance is saying they did not and have been trying to reach him but without success.
 
 
Steph Solis at #IRE20 (@stephmsolis) tweeted at 0:53 PM on Thu, Sep 24, 2020:
Carlene Pavlos of @MAPublicHealth says they didn't endorse or weigh in on in-person learning, despite @MassGovernor's comments: "Since March we have repeatedly asked to meet with Governor Baker or a staff member from the Governor's office, but we have received no reply." 


https://t.co/z6mPKXnMcZ
(https://twitter.com/stephmsolis/status/1309174108047978498?s=03)

** Also from the Amesbury Mayor comes the notification back to DESE's Riley outlining their response to his most recent request.

 

Image from Commonwealth Magazine
Image from Commonwealth Magazine

In the news: Gov Baker "balks" or"rebukes" President Trump

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:  "Baker balks at Trump comments on power transfer"

"Gov. Charlie Baker said Thursday that he and other public officials “will do everything we can to make sure that the people’s will is followed through” after this fall’s election.

“A huge part of this nation’s glory, to the extent it exists as a beacon to others, is the peaceful transfer of power based on the vote of the people of this country,” Baker said. “Mail-in balloting has been with us forever, and that peaceful transfer of power is what the people of this country rely on when they go to vote. It is appalling and outrageous that anyone would suggest, even for a minute, that if they lose an election, they’re not going to leave. Period.”

The governor’s impassioned comments came in response to a question about President Donald Trump’s refusal on Wednesday to commit to a peaceful transition of power if he loses the Nov. 3 election."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required) 

From CommonWealth Magazine we share an article of interest for Franklin: "Baker rebukes Trump power transfer remarks"

GOV. CHARLIE BAKER rebuked President Trump on Thursday for refusing to say whether he would commit to a peaceful transfer of power in the wake of the November 3 election.

In response to a question at a State House press conference, Baker criticized Trump without ever mentioning his name. The Republican governor said the peaceful transfer of power is what Americans rely on when they vote. “It is appalling and outrageous that anyone would suggest for a minute that if they lose an election they’re not gonna’ leave,” he said.

Continue reading the article online


Gov Baker press conference on Thursday, Sep 24: https://youtu.be/ORsupgAJTZ4 
The last question Gov Baker gets is where he makes his remarks to "rebuff" or "rebuke" President Trump. You can listen and make your choice. Much of the conference covers the return to school re-opening process where Gov Baker and DESE's Riley are accused of pressuring districts to return in person.
 

Tuesday, September 22, 2020

"We have to look at not just where our students live, but the impact that the surrounding communities have on us”"

From CommonWealth Magazine we share an article of interest for Franklin:  

"MASSACHUSETTS EDUCATION COMMISSIONER Jeff Riley is escalating his push to convince school districts to bring students back in person, asking 16 districts for more information about their plans – and threatening them with a potential audit of their efforts to provide in-person education.

Riley wrote to 16 districts that have consistently ranked green or gray on the state’s color-coded map, which indicate low rates of COVID–19, that chose to start school remotely.

“Given your community’s designation of green or gray, I am concerned that the school committee has voted to keep most students learning remotely for the start of the 2020-21 school year,” Riley wrote, pointing to state guidance that recommends these districts bring students back in person.

“In light of the stark discrepancy between local public health data and your reopening plan, I am requesting a timeline by which you anticipate providing in-person instruction for the majority of your students including in-person instruction for vulnerable populations,” Riley continued. He wrote that their responses “may trigger an audit to assess overall efforts to provide in-person instruction” and to ensure their remote learning program is consistent with state guidelines."

Continue reading the article online
 
The Franklin Public Schools Reopening website can be found
 

Tuesday, September 1, 2020

Sunday, August 23, 2020

Hockomock Area YMCA Offers Remote Learning Support Programs and Before & After School Care

Our Hockomock Area YMCA knows this academic year will challenge families and present a unique need in our communities, as families will be balancing their children's remote learning needs with their own work schedules and commitments. We have been preparing to adapt our Y's Before & After School Care program to include both full-day remote learning support as needed, along with traditional before and after school care.  These enhanced programs will be comprehensive, supporting your child's virtual learning needs, while providing enrichment, socialization and physical activity each day. 
 
At all three of our YMCA full facility branches in Foxboro, Franklin and North Attleboro, we plan to provide onsite full-day remote learning and enrichment programming Monday through Friday as space allows. We are also identifying additional buildings in communities we serve where we may be able to expand our offering and allow more families to register.

Here is where we are in this process and the next steps we must take.
  • All organizations who plan to offer any childcare or school age support program during the school year must be licensed by the state's Department of Early Education and Care (DEEC) in order to operate legally and within the standards that provide quality care and keep children safe.
  • All Hockomock Area YMCA childcare and before and after school care programs are licensed by DEEC and we follow their guidelines strictly.
  • While local school districts have submitted their final plans to the state's Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) for approval, and have communicated these plans to families within their community, the DEEC that we depend upon for licensing has not yet issued their revised COVID-19 standards or guidelines. These two state departments coordinate efforts to make sure guidelines are consistent.
  • Until these guidelines are released, no program can operate, and we cannot finalize key elements, including staff to child ratios, the number of children allowed per classroom, and revised cleaning protocols.
According to the DEEC, the state should be providing us with the necessary guidelines by the end of this week or early next week. It has been shared with us that organizations like our Y who already have a license will be first in line to expand their care and be approved for the full day remote learning support program.
 
We will be moving forward in the next few days on anticipated program guidelines and making registration for families available, with the understanding that the entire program is pending on state approval.

If you would like to receive future updates and registration information once it’s available, please complete our online contact form by CLICKING HERE (https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=PpzOnpumbUWH4PxDDFqr5r-uLr_JgcNOrd_wDdoe02lUNjVMSzM3WDdDMzhBVDk2QkVJUThPTDJQSSQlQCN0PWcu).

Hockomock Area YMCA
Bernon Family Branch
45 Forge Hill Road, Franklin, MA 02038
Phone: 508-528-8708
http://www.hockymca.org/franklin

Hockomock Area YMCA Offers Remote Learning Support Programs and Before & After School Care
Hockomock Area YMCA 

Friday, August 21, 2020

Hockomock League statement regarding the upcoming Fall 2020 season

Below is the official statement from the Hockomock League regarding the upcoming Fall 2020 season.

August 20, 2020

We have all patiently, yet eagerly, awaited the Massachusetts DESE guidelines pertaining to Interscholastic Athletics for the 2020-21 school year. Late Tuesday we received those guidelines and the MIAA Board of Directors have voted to approve those guidelines. Very importantly, there is still a lot of work to be accomplished before a Fall 2020 sports season is permitted. The earliest date to begin any practices is Friday, September 18.

Each school district was tasked over the last several weeks to develop a detailed DESE-approved plan for the return-to-learning this school year. Rightly so, each district’s School Committee and Superintendent’s office is now focused on implementing that approved learning plan. Some districts have opted for a full-remote start while others have approved a hybrid model. Both come with their own obstacles that each district is aiming to overcome. Both plans will impact how Fall sports may look for that district.

We do know under these DESE-approved guidelines that the high-risk sports, Football and Competitive Cheer, have moved to a “Fall II” season with a start date of February 22, 2021. The low-risk sports, Cross Country and Golf and the moderate-risk sports, Field Hockey, Soccer, and Girls’ volleyball must undergo modifications, some significantly changing the look of the game, to adhere to the EEA/DESE guidelines. Those MIAA-sport committees are working on that goal now. Girls’ volleyball, as an indoor sport, has some very significant hurdles for high school programs to overcome.

Please be patient as our twelve districts individually tackle the DESE parameters and logistics of implementing their return-to-learning models. We hope to know more in the coming week or two what a Fall Sports season will look like. Each district’s School Committee is charged with approving the specific sports programs that will be offered at each of our schools. Once those details are gathered by our League ADs and Principals, schedules can be drawn up and approved for publication.

Please know we all want to see as many student-athletes return to the competitive playing field this Fall. The health and safety of our students is paramount in any and all of these decisions which are forthcoming.

Sincerely,
The Hockomock League ADs

  • Mark Houle, Attleboro
  • Danny Erickson, Canton
  • Joe Cusack, Foxboro
  • Tom Angelo, Franklin
  • Gary Brown, King Philip
  • Mike Redding, Mansfield
  • Peter Boucher, Milford
  • Kurt Kummer, North Attleboro
  • Bill Matthews, Oliver Ames
  • Nick Schlierf, Sharon
  • Ryan Donahue, Stoughton
  • Mark Ottavianelli, Taunton



HockomockSports (@HockomockSports) tweeted at 9:25 PM on Thu, Aug 20, 2020:
Hockomock League Makes Statement On Fall Sports - https://t.co/QIFEg2p0hz #hockomock

https://twitter.com/HockomockSports/status/1296619352733683718?s=03



Hockomock League statement  regarding the upcoming Fall 2020 season
Hockomock League statement  regarding the upcoming Fall 2020 season

Wednesday, August 19, 2020

MIAA to meet Wednesday on sports

Matt Feld (@mattyfeld612) tweeted at 6:33 PM on Tue, Aug 18, 2020:
"The full DESE statement:
The MIAA and DESE have collaborated to provide the following modified sports schedule for year 2020-21 and guidance for sports participation for students who are learning remotely. Please note this is pending ratification by the MIAA Board..." https://t.co/4TzYR4o1TZ

Shared via Twitter = https://twitter.com/mattyfeld612/status/1295851315604717569?s=03

Other news reports based upon Matt Feld's info



MIAA to meet Wednesday on sports
MIAA to meet Wednesday on sports

Saturday, August 15, 2020

MIAA waiting on DESE after receiving guidance from EEA

 Matt Feld (@mattyfeld612) tweeted at 11:05 AM on Thu, Aug 13, 2020:

"The MIAA releases a statement noting how the Board of Directors won't meet until the accompanying DESE guidance is released. DESE is expected to release that guidance no later than Monday, meaning the Board will likely meet by next Thursday (8/20)."
(https://twitter.com/mattyfeld612/status/1293926720102379520?s=03)

MASC-SchoolCommittee (@MASCSchoolComm) tweeted at 0:45 PM on Thu, Aug 13, 2020:
"For the avoidance of doubt, this guidance applies to K-12 school and other youth sports activities." #MAEdu
(https://twitter.com/MASCSchoolComm/status/1293951865193926656?s=03)

Matt Feld (@mattyfeld612) tweeted at 5:02 PM on Fri, Aug 14, 2020:
Certainly appears that DESE will not be releasing it's K-12 athletics guidance today, leaving Monday as the likely day of its release. No Friday afternoon news dump is probably overall a good sign. Enjoy the weekend ✌️
(https://twitter.com/mattyfeld612/status/1294378851884310531?s=03)


The guidance doc released by Massachusetts Executive Office Of Energy And Environmental Affairs  https://www.mass.gov/doc/safety-standards-for-youth-and-adult-amateur-sports-activities-phase-iii-step-1/download



MIAA waiting on DESE after receiving guidance from EEA
MIAA waiting on DESE after receiving guidance from EEA

Friday, August 14, 2020

In the News: "Commonwealth’s embarrassing lack of leadership on school reopening"

 From CommonWealth Magazine we share an article of interest for Franklin:

"A WEEK AFTER school committees began making decisions for reopening schools, a day after the plans were originally due to the state, Gov. Charlie Baker released a map to help guide their decision-making. It’s the latest move in what has turned out to be the Commonwealth’s embarrassing lack of leadership on school reopening.

Baker and Education Commissioner Jeff Riley realized last week they might have a problem as school districts began deciding on reopening school. At a Zoom meeting with the Boston Chamber of Commerce, Shira Schoenberg reported that “Riley is strongly urging local schools to open in person this fall, pushing back against state teachers’ unions who are calling for the school year to begin remotely.”

A few days later, Baker, also responding to the teachers unions, remarked, “There are many communities in the state that are in very good shape when it comes to their COVID rates, and there are a bunch that have work to do. I think to wipe away the idea, to say that everyone should go remote, first of all, the facts don’t support it, the data doesn’t support it, and the science doesn’t support it, and I’ll leave it at that.”

Baker shouldn’t have left it at that. In fact, he should have started with it."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)  https://commonwealthmagazine.org/education/lack-of-leadership-on-school-reopenings/?

Franklin will go in person in a hybrid model,  after a remote learning and planful start. With school opening Sep 16, and the ECDC and high needs students starting in person, I don't see how the MDN can say it is 'fully remote to start'.

"School officials on Tuesday continued to hammer out plans for a return to learning, ending a four-hour discussion by voting to support a fully remote start to the 2020-21 school year.

The School Committee also voted to adopt a modified school calendar that has teachers starting Aug. 31 and students starting Sept. 16, giving teachers 10 days for professional development, training and preparation. The last day of school will be June 21.

While wrinkles in the plan — which needs to be submitted to the state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education by Friday — continue to be ironed out, the school board ultimately voted in support of a basic outline that calls for easing into a hybrid learning model over the course of three months. The vote was 6-0, with one abstention.

“This is a living document. We are continuing to monitor the data as it comes in, getting feedback from staff and going forward on that point,” said board Chairwoman Anne Bergen."


https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200813/franklin-school-board-supports-remote-start-phased-move-to-hybrid-learning?rssfeed=true

The audio for the 4 hour School Committee meeting is here. The video will be available in a few days  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/08/fm-328-franklin-ma-school-comm-mtg.html

In the News: "Commonwealth’s embarrassing lack of leadership on school reopening"
In the News: "Commonwealth’s embarrassing lack of leadership on school reopening"


Wednesday, August 12, 2020

School Committee votes on plan to begin remote, transition to hybrid on a schedule

Quick Summary:

  • The School Committee after a lengthy presentation and discussion voted for the plan to begin remote learning in September and then transition to hybrid on a schedule prioritizing the high needs and younger learners first, with middle school and high school coming in at a logical break point (i.e marking period end)

  • The vote for the record was 6 for, none against with 1 abstain (D'Angelo). D'Angelo had made a motion to split the vote into two parts, one to begin remote, one on the plan itself. It was not seconded, hence dropped. The motion voted was to accept the plan as recommended by the Superintendent.

  • Dr Ed Quigley was announced as the interim principal at Davis Thayer. For those who viewed the tour of the schools via Zoom last Friday, he was the masked individual welcoming the tour to Davis Thayer.

  • The revision to the school calendar, reducing time on learning to 170 days (per DESE guidance), keeping the previously scheduled vacation periods as is, was approved by a 7-0 vote.

  • Note all votes were via roll call for this hybrid meeting, some members of the SchCom and Central office were in the Council chambers, the remainder of the SchCom was remote via Zoom. The meeting was well attended with over 320 participants via Zoom, another 16 (max) on the live steam and an unknown number via cable broadcast via Verizon/Comcast.


As with most meetings in this pandemic period, I took my notes via Twitter during the meeting reporting in real-time via the virtual session.

The Twitter hashtag can be found online #schcom0811

https://twitter.com/search?q=%23schcom0811&src=typed_query



  • Real time reporting underway for the #schcom0811 meeting, over 200 joined via Zoom. Also on cable and live streamed

  • Superintendent report: FY 21 being level funded per state, still awaiting final #s from State, able to restore many of the individuals previously notified. Some choose to move on. District will have long term issues with funding #schcom0811

  • Dr Ed Quigley joined as interim principal for Davis Thayer, has been principal and superintendent in previous roles. #schcom0811

  • Presentation on the re-opening plan to be shared and reviewed (page by page) some additional info added since shared this weekend  https://franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/reopening-presentation

  • District has until Aug 14 to submit plans #schcom0811

  • Lots of folks listening to this. Zoom has approx 250, another dozen viewing the live stream from Town page and countless others via Verizon and Comcast #schcom0811

  • For those zooming, make sure you have "speaker view" showing so you can see the slides and not the individual boxes of the participants. #schcom0811 kindergarten room shown, previously showed an FHS room.on this slide

  • Time on learning, more expected in Sept than was done in March. Teachers teaching from classrooms to enable collaboration among as well as do the health protocol daily in advance of in person learning. #schcom0811

  • Attendance taken either daily or period by period, instructional work to be graded, some visits planned to the classroom (a reverse field trip) #schcom0811 high needs students priority for in person learning.

  • Shannon Barca, principal at Parmenter, provides insights into elementary details. #schcom0811 consistent lunch time planned to enable all at remote to eat together (in person normally would go at different times grade by grade)

  • Middle school insights, Becky Motte from Horace Mann #schcom0811

  • Brief interruption from someone who didn't realize they were not muted, in speaker view you broadcast to interrupt the meeting and advertise who you are at the same time. Just in case you didn't know #schcom0811 mute is good!

  • Principal Hanna from FHS mentions the over 900 sessions in a normal FHS schedule. (By the way, did you catch his interview last week? No, check on http://franklinmatters.org ) #schcom0811 ECDC will be in person with about 5-6 students with special needs/class along with peers

  • Paula Marano provides update on the special education provided either  way in person, remote, or out of district #schcom0811 days of learning will line up, minutes may not (per IEP)

  • Quick update, over 310 now, 14 on live stream. #schcom0811

  • Transition to hybrid model for grades 2 and up at natural break points for both students and teachers benefits #schcom0811 hybrid for elem/middle aaxbb hence two cohorts. In FHS, due to size restriction of rooms there, they would be 25% each group

  • Moving to hybrid takes into account the teachers coming from areas in metro Boston as well as metro Providence, as well as franklin and surrounding Communities. #schcom0811 all models provide challenges.

  • Awaiting guidance from State on sports #schcom0811 MIAA has not updated in awhile and they also are waiting for state guidance

  • Some folks in the Council chambers for this meeting, some Committee members remote, #schcom0811

  • HVAC already set for occupancy, would need to increase air flow, being worked, contractor working in prep for Sep #schcom0811 possible installation of ultra Violet light to be added, priority for hybrid first areas Asst Superintendent Dr Joyce Edwards provides updates on the first 10 days what the teachers would do to prepare for remote learning, whether fully remote or hybrid #schcom0811

  • Asst Superintendent Lucas Giguere provides updates on SEL prep in the first 10 days, will be incorporating the learning from spring time, consistency needed, plan evolving to include #schcom0811

  • Part of task force working on approach to support students and staff, another survey coming to look for needs to address. #schcom0811 Marano provides updates on these points

  • Additional Chromebooks ordered, not yet delivered, looking into. #schcom0811 FHS Chromebooks were received along with the Senior class hand me downs. Adding bandwidth to allow for live Instruction

  • Business manager Miriam Goodman adds reminder on funding for school lunches being provided during summer, families can take advantage of this #schcom0811 some polices will need to be adjusted for the pandemic and remote learning situations

  • Proposed calendar for 2020-2021 on agenda for #schcom0811 to review and vote on. Pending vote, plan will go to DESE on Friday. Planning will continue. Communications to be executed to spread word on what is happening

  • Acknowledged work of the task force, can't thank them enough, meetings T W T for min 2 hours, #schcom0811 Dr Bergen seconds Dr Ahern's comments, thanks for the thoughtful feedback, this is complex

  • Starting around with #schcom811 questions, Elise Stokes starts.

  • Close to 100 k-5 students of teachers either in Franklin or outside, lifelong learning looking at this, may not be able to service all. #schcom0811 solutions not likely an option initially, more details to come, trying to work things out

  • Q on FHS last in priority? Not really it made sense to bring them at the marking period and that is how it fell. Q on when student assignments will be sent out? I.e. cohort assignment, info being gathered. It will be hard to accommodate request siblings 1st #schcom0811

  • Q still Aug 31? The date is likely to be changed for when the payment is expected pending decision tonight. Q  no support for only 50% of teachers rumored to be returning either in person or remote; not officially seeing #s like that, will need some but not 50% #schcom0811

  • If parents do want to go private school or home school, and leave district, please contact your principal or the central office so it can help with the planning for those staying in district. #schcom0811

  • Being mindful of screen time, intending to include low tech activities along with the screen time breaks, should be for all grades not just lower grades; reminder that this time the schools are open (they weren't in March) #schcom0811

  • What is date for teacher notifications? Tough question to answer as it is governed by other legalities, it is a fluid and rolling process, folks situations will change, and we have to accommodate #schcom0811

  • Q how will the additional support be provided, will they be fully used either remote or hybrid? Yes for the special need support, they will be more needed to help get back to a routine. Instructional specialist and coaches, would be full time #schcom0811

  • The math and literacy specialist would be full time to help assess where students are and then address the gaps as required, either with the student directly or support the teacher as needed #schcom0811

  • Q on busing? Savings or costs for parents? In process of working with bus contractor, with increased sanitization, reduced schedules, complex process but being negotiated. #schcom0811

  • Tim reads some of the 'spread kindness like confetti' in an interesting way to highlight the changes. (I hope the kids were not listening). Yes, everything changes when we go back, will need to find new ways #schcom0811

  • Tim observed that lots of folks tend to find things that help their point often ignoring an other point of view, should recognize different POV, #schcom0811

  • Approx less than 100 students in the high needs coming in for 1st phase, spread across buildings, state released guidance today for markers, Q on how to utilize facilities MS and FHS before they hit dates #schcom0811

  • Q on miscommunication, not from district may be due to changing guidance and adjusting to the changes, most of the time is quiet but July has been very busy, regroup being retooled (student population) #schcom0811 also doing radio shows to provide updates!

  • Dr Bergen adds that the Y is expanding their day care offering in additional sites in and around town, Recreation is also looking at outdoor activities. #schcom0811 Q on the rapid testing that Gov Baker has touted, not known now. No timeline on HVAC changes yet

  • Q on changes from remote to hybrid, vice versa, would like several weeks notice. #schcom0811 would like vote on plan, it will be a living doc, anything large SchCom would be informed before, there would be regular SchCom meetings to help keep informed

  • Clarification Q on staff cleaning responsibility, no, the custodians will do the cleaning multiple times a day. 

  • Health Director Cathleen Liberty has been on the task force and provided guidance along the way. #schcom0811

  • Students would be masked on bus, windows open except in most inclement weather, some routes would be shortened to reduce time on bus #schcom0811 Q outside is impractical for chorus and band for our New England weather, lessons would occur in remote settings

  • Lisa Trainor provides update on intersection of family first act and FMLA, complicated to be sure but we need to be responsive. Q can they move back and forth between remote and hybrid? Hasn't been part of conversation but can be considered. #schcom0811

  • Q raised by ECDC faculty to service IEP and peers, how to move about the building safely with PPE, much hasn't been said about us, concerned  that the decision doesn't reflect the situation #schcom0811 yes, the plan is biased on K-12 focus and we acknowledge that

  • Special training on PPE would be provided was acknowledged earlier but not specifically addressed the ECDC world. The students will require us to be closer to them, we are working to train our staff, it is process #schcom0811 would be over 50 in the school but not in a room

  • Various POV from parents and Community, valid, individual and no good answers would work for all. Wish the #Schcom0811 well with whatever decision they make. "We have ways to help folks come back from trauma, we do not have ways to have folks come back from death"

  • Donna Grady: not an easy decision for any of us, none are easy, educators will go above and beyond, it will look different this fall, we want what's best for your children, #schcom0811

  • Motion (D'Angelo) to separate plan from remote approach as two separate votes, not seconded: hence falls aside

  • motion to accept plan as discussed 6 for 1 abstain (D'Angelo) ) vote passes 6-0-1 #schcom0811

  • Motion to accept revised schedule #schcom0811 via roll call 7-0

  • Motion to accept policy from second reading, #schcom0811 via roll call 7-0

  • Moving to next meeting updates: likely updates on re-opening, policy changes per re-opening as discussed, Pfeffer objects to throwing away books (even outdated) when they could go elsewhere. #schcom0811

  • This was a question on the consent agenda which is usually is done in a block, adjustment to minutes of first set , motion to accept consent with adjusted mins. Passed 7-0 #schcom0811 via roll call

  • Motion to go to executive session to return to open session, passed 7-0 #schcom0811

  • #schcom0811 may be coming back after the executive session but sorry, that's all for me tonight. Catch you all next time!


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