Superintendent's Weekly Update 3-26-21

 Hello,

This has been a year of firsts and this week we had another first; the return to full in person teaching and learning for our K-5 students. We experienced the same first day of school kinks and glitches that we do every year in August and we are working through them. There was a palpable energy in each of these schools throughout the week. It was really great to see and feel it. I once again need to thank our faculty and staff, they, like all of us, have had to shift and pivot multiple times throughout the year. This last week is yet another example of that. It is not a small task to get a school ready to have double the population in attendance and they did an incredible job making this happen. Teachers made the switch seamlessly this week to full in person instruction. I want to thank them for all their efforts for making this happen, it was not easy but they did a masterful job making it all work. Up next will be our grade 6-12 students who return on April 5.

Traffic Flow:

We are aware of the traffic flow issues with drop off and pick up at the Primary and Elementary Schools. Initial estimates are showing us that the number of families dropping off students has tripled from last year to this year. Yesterday I met with Ms. Socha, Mr. Bell, and the Police Chief to make some adjustments. These will be communicated to you by building principals today and will go into effect Monday. If we need to make further changes we will.

Middle School Principal Search:

Earlier this week we finished our first round of interviews. The committee forwarded the following three individuals to me:

Timothy Frazier

Dr. Frazier is currently the Assistant Principal at The John J. Ahern Middle School in Foxborough. He received his undergraduate degree in Social Studies from the University of Vermont and most recently his Ph.D. in Educational Leadership from Lesley University. Prior to moving into a leadership role, Dr. Frazier was a middle school Social Studies teacher in Sutton. 

Derek Lakey

Mr. Lakey is currently the Assistant Principal at The James Morton Middle School in Fall River. He received his undergraduate degree in History from Westfield State and most recently his Masters in Leadership from American International College. Prior to moving into a leadership role, Mr. Lackey was an ELA teacher at Kuss Middle School in Fall River. 

Robert O’Brien

Mr. O’Brien is currently a Middle School Assistant Principal in Northbridge. He received his undergraduate degree in English from The University of Massachusetts in Amherst and most recently is Masters in Education from Worcester State University. Prior to moving into a leadership role, Mr. O’Brien was an Athletic Director and English Teacher in Dudley-Charlton.

We are very happy with our finalists and they each come with a lot of knowledge and experience. Thursday of this week, each of the finalists met with staff and they will each interview with me next week. I hope to be able to name a new principal the week of April 5th. 

Substitute Teachers:

We are always looking for substitute teachers. If you are interested, even if it is only for one day a week. Please contact one of the building principals to set up an interview with them. 

Pooled Testing:

Our Pooled Testing program started this week. As I stated last week we have about 45 students per school that have elected to be tested. If you are interested in being tested for free, please reach out to the building nurse in your child’s school. We will evaluate the program to see if we continue beyond the pilot on April 18.

Safety Precautions:

I would like to stress the importance of continuing to follow our safety guidelines. These are critically important if we are to safely stay open for the remainder of the year.

1. Avoid large social gatherings

2. Wear a mask

3. Practice social distancing

4. Wash your hands frequently

5. Follow the guidance set forth by the Governor

6. If the Board of Health calls, please answer and provide them with the information they need

7. If you are sick, stay home

8. If you live with someone that is symptomatic, stay home until they test negative

Travel Order: 

Effective Monday, March 22, the Massachusetts Travel Order will be replaced with a Travel Advisory. The new travel advisory will urge all persons entering Massachusetts, including returning residents, are advised to quarantine for 10 days upon their arrival if they have been out of the state for 24 hours or more. 

 

The advisory does not apply to anyone in the following categories:

 

• Anyone who is returning to Massachusetts after an absence of fewer than 24 hours. 

 

• Travelers who have a negative COVID-19 test result that has been administered up to 72 hours prior to their arrival in Massachusetts. 

 

• Workers who enter Massachusetts to perform critical infrastructure functions (as specified by the Federal Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency) while they are commuting to or from or while at work.

 

• Travelers who are fully vaccinated (i.e. who have received two doses of either the Moderna or Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines OR who have received a single dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, 14 days or more ago and who do not have symptoms). 

 

Travelers are additionally encouraged to consult and follow the CDC’s guidelines and requirements for travel.

COVID Data

Attached is a link to our COVID Dashboard along with guidance and information for families. Link To COVID Dashboard  guidance for families 

Enjoy the weekend and remember that next week we do not have school on Friday.

Best,

Paul