Superintendent's Weekly Update 4-9-21

 


Hello,


It truly has been a wonderful week to have everyone back for full in person instruction. We have spent the majority of the year working towards this point and I am thrilled that we are able to get back for so many reasons. We must not let our guard down and I will highlight this again shortly in this newsletter and throughout the remainder of the year. We will continue to maintain a very high level of vigilance in order to stay safely open. Over the next few weeks I want to start discussing and sharing non COVID related topics with you. Thank you for your continued support and patience with this process. 


Safety Precautions:

These safety precautions have been in place all year and may very well still be in place next year. Please take a few minutes to review these with particular attention to numbers 7 and 8. Our ability to follow these have been one of the main factors to staying open this 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: 

As we approach April Vacation, below is a copy of the travel advisory that went into effect on March 22. 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.

 

Pooled Testing:

Our Pooled Testing program has now been in place for 3 weeks. The State will continue to pay for this testing program through the end of the school year. 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.


Middle School Principal Search:

Earlier this week, I extended an offer to Mr. Robert O'Brien to lead the Douglas Middle School and he enthusiastically accepted. Mr. O'Brien is a graduate of UMass Amherst and received his Master of Education from Worcester State College. He is an Army Veteran and served in the Persian Gulf War. He started his teaching career in the Dudley Charlton School District where he taught high school English, was the Athletic Director, and the Assistant Principal at the High School. Upon leaving Dudley Charton he became the principal at David Prouty High School for 5 years. He has spent the last 5 years as the Assistant Principal at Northbridge Middle School. Those of us that interviewed Bob and were able to meet with him liked his diverse background, knowledge of the Valley, sense of humor, and his ability to connect with people. 

 

This was a comprehensive and detailed process. We had over 30 people apply for this position and interviewed 8 candidates. Our interview committee for the first round was made up of members of the school committee, central office, the leadership team, teachers, paraprofessionals, and parents. This committee forwarded three names to me. The second round of  interviews had each candidate meet with staff via Zoom. Each had 15 minutes to introduce themselves and then answer questions from staff. Last week each finalist came in to tour the school, they met with staff in the auditorium, and I had the chance to sit for some time and talk with them as well. Last week and this week I spent time doing reference checks on the finalists. We had 3 great finalists and I am thrilled with the choice that was made.

 

We are very excited to welcome Mr. O’Brien to Douglas.

 

Budget:

At the School Committee meeting this week, my proposed budget was approved. The final step in the process will be to have it approved at Town Meeting this May. This is essentially a level service budget and information on the entire budget can be found on our website.


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.

Best,


Paul



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