Social Distancing in Spring

April 8, 2020

Dear Families:

With the coming of the warmer spring weather, the past few days included extended discussions about social distancing in general and in regard to the use of public spaces.  As mentioned last night, the school campuses are closed.

The Town of Concord increased its efforts to limit gatherings implemented more restrictions that started today.  This information is also posted on the Town’s COVID-19 web page at: https://concordma.gov/2561/Coronavirus-2019-COVID19

The Town of Concord, like many communities across the country, has made the difficult decision to close all sports courts and play equipment within the Town of Concord beginning tomorrow, April 8th. This decision was made with the community’s best interest in mind as the nation continues to struggle containing the spread of the COVID-19 virus. Over the past several weeks, the Town (though the Police, Public Health and Town Manager’s Department) have received a number of complaints from residents about the use of parks and the lack of social distancing measures being properly followed. Therefore, effective immediately all basketball courts, tennis courts, batting cages, and other park amenities will be closed until further notice. Open spaces within the parks will be open for community use as long as proper social distancing measures are followed. As a reminder, the virus can spread on objects and surfaces making playing games such as frisbee (where an object is passed between people) an unsafe social distancing activity.

We encourage you to continue to practice healthy habits and to recreate outside. The Town will continue to evaluate what we are able to safely keep open but these decisions will be based on if social distancing measures are being followed. These measures will help us stop the spread of the virus. Remember, even if someone looks healthy, they could be an asymptomatic carrier or you could be a carrier and unintentionally pass it to someone else. Please act as though all people you meet outside of your home are infectious and keep a safe distance. For more information and updates related to the Town’s response to the COVID-19 outbreak, including up-to-date information regarding office closures, business information all other health-related announcements, please visit the Town’s website at concordma.gov/coronavirus2019 or you can follow up on social media @TownofConcordMA

It is worth noting that the same concerns apply in the neighborhood or even at your home.

If you are interested in helping to sew masks for residents at Newbury Court, please let me know.  A number of the teachers have been busily sewing so your help would be welcome.

The teachers at Thoreau are now wishing students “Good Morning” via video.  Those announcements are being posted via the Thoreau webpage at: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1wXPDi_6ZAQfgr8HzMq1tKsPtuA7pRu0V

The CCHS guidance department is hosting “The Adjustment Hour” tomorrow (Thursday) at 1 pm.  In this hour-long zoom meeting, counselors will be presenting about adjusting to these challenging times.  In light of the shutdowns and the growing COVID-19 crisis, this will be an open discussion with parents with the intent of offering support and guidance.  Positive strategies and information about resiliency will be presented. Come with questions, concerns, or just a wish to connect with our school adjustment counselors and other members of the community.  Additional details and Zoom login are found at the end of the email.

Virtual Coffee with the Superintendent and District Leaders will be held on Friday at 3 p.m.  Zoom information to follow tomorrow!

Best,

Laurie

The Adjustment Hour: A discussion with the Adjustment Counselors from the CCHS Guidance & Counseling Department.

1:00 Thursday, April 9th.

In this hour-long zoom meeting, counselors will be presenting about adjusting to these challenging times.  In light of the shutdowns and the growing COVID-19 crisis, this will be an open discussion with parents with the intent of offering support and guidance.  Positive strategies and information about resiliency will be presented. Come with questions, concerns, or just a wish to connect with our school adjustment counselors and other members of the community.

Presenters:

Kelli Kirshtein, MSW, LICSW, Adjustment Counselor, Network Program, Program Coordinator

Daniel Simone, Ed.D., LMHC, Adjustment Counselor, Lighthouse Student Support Center, Program Coordinator

Moderator: Alison Nowicki, Ed.D., Department Chair

Please click the link below to join the webinar:

https://zoom.us/j/914382875?pwd=SkJsbUlqUG9TS3lzaFU4eGpSVWQrUT09

Password: 111170