|
In-person learning update
Published on Mar 3, 2021 17:25
March 3, 2021
Dear Families, Parents, and Caregivers,
I am sure many of you are aware of Governor Baker’s statements last week regarding schools transitioning to full in-person learning in the elementary grades by April. On Friday, the Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education, Jeffrey Riley, is scheduled to meet with the Board of the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) to seek approval for a plan for the full return of students to schools. The commissioner is proposing a phased-in approach beginning with elementary students in grades 1-5 and, if possible, moving to middle and high school grades. Full details of the plan have not been released, but the Commissioner has said that he will propose a target date of April 5 for the return of grades 1-5.
As described in last week’s School Committee meeting, Millis has been planning for greater in-person learning and has already taken a number of steps to get more students back into school. At all three of our schools, administration and staff have developed priority lists of students to invite back for four days of in-person learning depending on student need and available space. Priority has been given to students with IEPs, 504 Plans, English Learners, and students receiving tiered academic interventions. This process has resulted in a gradual increase in the number of students learning in-person four days a week in each of our schools. Simultaneous to this process, the Clyde Brown School has been preparing to welcome all K-2 students back to school for four days per week. Again, we have looked to do this systematically in order to make sure our safety protocols and logistical systems (transportation, food services, student drop-off/pick up, in school movement procedures, recess, etc.) are not overtaxed. Last week’s Weekly Bear’s Den newsletter outlined procedures for the return of students in grades 1 and 2 on the week of March 29 and kindergarten students on April 5. At this time our plan is for in-person learning four days a week with Wednesdays being remote but obviously we will adjust if necessary depending on DESE guidance/regulations.
We will also continue to plan for grades 3-5 and 6-12 to come in full in-person. Currently, the 6-foot distancing between students makes this a significant challenge at some grade levels. Again, future action may depend on DESE regulations and guidance. If the DESE requirement is less than 6-feet of distancing, we will continue to provide and maintain the greatest distance possible between students and staff. We have looked at options such as putting tents on campus to address crowding. We have determined that tents would not be feasible for consistent use as classrooms due to technology issues and other teaching and learning considerations, but we continue to look at tents as a means of providing extra space for lunches when students would be required to be at least 6 feet away while eating. These could also be looked at as learning spaces when appropriate.
We recognize that it is best for students to be in school in-person. We are excited about having grades K-2 return fully. Our planning for grades K-2 will help us prepare for more in-person learning at other grades. We will continue to develop our own plans while we wait to see the full plan that Commissioner Riley is scheduled to present to the Board of DESE.
We continue to monitor positive cases of COVID-19 in our school community. The numbers have improved in the past few weeks, but we still must continue our mitigation efforts. Millis Public Schools website (https://www.millisps.org/) now has a dashboard that provides information on current and cumulative cases in our schools. You may access the dashboard by clicking on the COVID-19 Dashboard link on the main page.
We truly appreciate the support and advocacy for our students by their families and the community. This has been a difficult school year on so many levels for students, their families, and their teachers. We remain committed to providing our students with a quality education in a safe environment.
Sincerely,
Robert Mullaney
Superintendent
|