March 28, 2020
"Dear Franklin Families,
Remote Learning Update
Many families in the community have reached out inquiring about a more comprehensive Remote Learning Plan for Franklin students. Our approach has been to connect early with our students, focusing on relationships and children’s social-emotional well-being. Following initial guidance from DESE, we asked educators to reach out to students to connect as well as to provide enrichment opportunities that would keep students engaged.
As you know, Governor Baker extended school closure to May 4. DESE was charged with developing additional guidance around districts’ Remote Learning Plans. This guidance was developed with input from the MTA and AFT-MA (statewide educators’ union associations), MASS (Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents), MASC (Massachusetts Association of School Committees), and MPTA (Massachusetts Parent Teacher’s Association) and was released on Thursday. The Commissioner of Education held conference calls with Superintendents and Assistant Superintendents yesterday (Friday 3/27/2020).
This guidance provides both new and additional recommendations around which to deliver remote learning experiences to students, and, while leaving room for local decision making, aims to bring some consistency state-wide. Suggested implementation is early April. We want to be sure that you are aware that guidance has been issued and that the administration and FEA are working together to develop a framework that will build on the SEL connections and enrichment educators are currently providing.
The guidance can be found on the MA DESE COVID-19 Resource Page: http://www.doe.mass.edu/sfs/emergencyplan/covid19.html
A letter from the Commissioner will also be sent to families early next week.
Chromebook Borrowing
We are preparing to provide another opportunity during the week of March 30 for K-8 students who need a device to access remote learning opportunities to borrow a Chromebook. We ask that you complete the linked form only if your child needs access to a device because you do not have an alternative for them to access during the day at home. Please complete this form by NOON on Monday, March 30 so that we can prepare a device. Pickup time will be communicated next week. Form: https://forms.gle/XHUCgcczad6uEaNy5
Medication Pickup
We are aware that families may need to come to school to pick up medications now that school closure has been extended. We are making arrangements to open our building for this purpose and will communicate a date and time next week. If you need more immediate assistance, please contact your child’s principal.
Remote Tech Support
Our team of IT technicians are doing a great job in developing and supporting our new, virtual work and learning environment. They are available to assist with remote technical support. If you need technical assistance for a device, please complete this form: https://forms.gle/3vZKj3gNo5L8i5Ey8
If your child needs assistance with software or account support, we ask that you contact your child’s teacher.
XFINITY Free Wifi Details
The following link provides details on how you can access open XFinity WiFi, should you need Internet access. https://www.xfinity.com/support/articles/open-xfinity-wifi-hotspots
With Gratitude
We appreciate your patience as we continue to adapt to an evolving situation. We will continue to keep the community informed as we continue to navigate these unprecedented circumstances. We sincerely hope that you are feeling well and that your families are staying safe."
Kind regards,
Sara Ahern
Superintendent of Schools
Download a copy of this
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1cm3fXGFBlFSsOQ-OOxeN9swpFzLdu5z6/view?usp=sharing
Multiple translations of this file will be made available on the FPS schools page soon https://www.franklinps.net/district/superintendent/pages/messages-superintendent-regarding-coronavirus
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| Franklin Public Schools: Update to families on closure extension to May 4 |
