Upcoming Reopening Schools Parent Forums

July 2, 2020

Dear Families:

Happy July!  I wanted to provide updates about our planning process for the fall.  As you know, the District COVID-19 Task Force met three times so far.  All of the work of the Task Force is regularly updated on the Task Force webpage.  In addition, the four Working Groups and Building-Based Task Forces meet regularly.  The work in June has been conceptual as we outline a vision and analyze strengths and needs.  July will move the focus to detailed, concrete plans for three options:  in-person, hybrid, and remote teaching and learning.   These options align with the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education’s initial guidance, which was released on June 24, 2020.  DESE has been clear that the goal is to return all students to school if possible.  We believe in that goal.  We do need to work through the logistics to ensure we have safe environments for students and adults and can comply with all of the required safety protocols.  The local infection rates over the next two months will also determine the preferred option.

In addition to the committee work, we conducted one round of surveys and are now looking for direct input from families.  On Thursday, July 9, we will hold parent forums at 2 and 7 p.m.  A reminder and Zoom information will go out next week.  Additional forums will soon be scheduled for students and teachers as well.

Regarding the overall timeline, we expect to meet our initial deadline for a full report of the Task Forces and development of the three reopening plans by July 31.  The goal is that, by having these plans outlined, it will allow the month of August to focus on the implementation and execution of the plan that best fits the late summer health data.

Enjoy the long holiday weekend!
Best,

Laurie