Re-Opening Update & Brief Survey
July 20, 2020
For families who have not done so already: we ask that you fill out our brief survey. The answers to this survey will provide us with guidance as we finalize plans for the re-opening of our schools.
**Please keep in mind, we understand answers to this survey may change depending on the final plans of re-entry. This survey focuses on the transportation aspect of planning so we can work on those details. Please do not hesitate to leave a comment at the end of this survey. We appreciate and value your input.
We will continue to share information as it becomes available. As always, we thank you for your patience as we work hard to formulate a plan that is safe for students and staff.
July 15, 2020 | Dear Parents and Guardians,
I hope that the start of summer has been a renewal for you and your families. We have been challenged by navigating life as we address Plymouth's educational needs during this time of COVID-19. This correspondence is intended to provide an update on our reopening plan for the Plymouth Public Schools for the 2020-2021 school year.
The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) has provided preliminary guidance to school districts on re-entering schools in three different formats. While none of these models have been officially formalized, I wanted to share the general guidelines with you.
The three possible models are as follows:
- Face-to-face: In this model, all students return in person to school settings that are appropriately modified to accommodate the health and safety requirements outlined by DESE. Examples of modifications could include altered classroom configurations, setting up additional learning spaces, and schedule changes.
- Hybrid: All districts/schools must create a plan for a hybrid model in the event they are unable to bring all students back to school under the health and safety requirements despite their best efforts, or in case of COVID-19 related circumstances. A hybrid model means that students would alternate between in-person and remote learning. For instance, students could switch between in-person and remote learning on alternating weeks or days of the week.
- Remote model: This model must be available for individual students who cannot yet return in-person, and for all students in the event of future closures due to COVID-19. Additional guidance for statewide support and resources for remote learning will be provided by DESE in the coming days.
- Plan for special populations: Finally, across each of these models, all districts and schools need a plan for how special populations, including students with disabilities and English learners, will receive necessary services and accommodations.
Please keep in mind that the expectation of the MA Department of Elementary and Secondary Education is that students return to school with a face-to-face model in September 2020 following new safety requirements provided by DESE medical advisors. The challenge that all schools currently have is meeting the requirements set forth by DESE. Each school will have a unique way of how they will adhere to these requirements due to spacing issues. Each school district in Massachusetts will address the requirements in different ways as a result of specific building configurations and resources that are available.
The guidance from DESE continues to evolve. As a result, Commissioner of Education Jeff Riley has requested that Superintendents across the Commonwealth withhold any information relative to
how individual school districts will open until the first week in August. We are all anxious to know how our schools will look for the 2020-2021 school year; but at this point, all I can share with you is that during our school committee meeting on Monday, August 3rd, we will share our draft plans with the School Committee. Pending their approval, we will then share the expectations and details with families.
As we prepare for the re-entry into schools, parent input is essential. I am asking you to provide information relative to your current belief regarding your children re-entering school. Please take a moment to complete the attached survey that will help us understand your potential plans for the fall. Please visit the survey at www.bit.ly/PPSReEntryPlans.
In closing, DESE recently sent Superintendents some answers to frequently asked questions. These FAQ’s are posted on the PPS website at https://www.plymouth.k12.ma.us/Page/4233.
Please be assured that I will continue to share information with you on how the school district will proceed to start the school year as it becomes available. I want to thank you for your patience during this time, and I look forward to navigating these challenging waters ahead with you.
Sincerely,
Gary E. Maestas, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools
Gary E. Maestas, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools
11 Lincoln Street | Plymouth, MA 02360
Phone: 508-830-4300 | Fax: 508-746-1873