Superintendent's Weekly Update 9-24-21

 


Hi all,

Our District’s Mission Statement reads, “The Douglas Public Schools offer diverse learning experiences that meet the academic, social, physical, and emotional needs of all students. We provide a safe, supportive, and challenging learning environment in which students may achieve academic success and personal growth. Decisions are made in the best interest of students.” This statement represents the values and beliefs of our schools and serves as our guide for our decision making. Going forward, I will include the Mission Statement at the start of all my newsletters as a reminder for all of us as to who we are and what we believe in. I have also asked the principals to include this in the start of their newsletters to you as well. I believe this is important as we all work collaboratively in the best interests of our students.

Family School Partnership Initiative:

I am very pleased to announce that we have been awarded a grant to participate in the Family School Partnership Initiative. As we all know, and it was highlighted during the pandemic, the partnerships established between families and the schools are vital to the success of students. As part of the initiative we will:

Take stock of our current family partnership efforts through a reflection process aligned to the updated Massachusetts Family, School, and Fundamentals - Version 2.0.

Identify strengths, gaps, and areas for opportunity, including at least one immediate action area we want to begin working on.

Learn about successful strategies and approaches used in other districts.

Build broader awareness and capacity to support deeper family partnership work.

Participate in several cross-district sessions and a series of district/school team reflection activity meetings, held virtually and facilitated by SMI coaches.

Our kick off meeting is at the end of October, as I receive more information I will be certain to share it with you. I am truly excited about the opportunity for our district and community.

COVID Testing Plan:

Our test and stay program will start on Monday 9/27 and our pooled testing program will start on Monday 10/4. Remember that before your student will be allowed to participate, you will need to give consent on the CIC Website and also complete the survey below (You must complete both applications). Please complete one survey per child. If you have additional questions here is a link to DESE’s FAQ. We will close the survey on Monday however, at any point in the year you can contact your student's school should you decide to make any changes to your testing consent program.

Click on your student’s school below to complete the survey.

Douglas Primary School

Douglas Elementary School

Douglas Middle School

Douglas High School

Calling Students Sick to School:

We respectfully request that when you call your student sick to school you try to let us know if the reason they are out is COVID or Non Covid related. Simply letting us know that your child is experiencing COVID symptoms will allow for our nurses to better track information and will minimize the additional phone calls home to obtain this necessary information.

Safety Reminders

Everyone has been great following our safety protocols. We can not get complacent with these. I share these as a reminder for all.

  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


MCAS

This week, the MCAS information for the 2020-2021 school year was released. Across the Commonwealth scores are down in every area and this is of no surprise to anyone. We will use this information from this assessment to help inform our instructional practices this year. At the School Committee Meeting on October 6 we will have a presentation on our MCAS Data. Attached is a list of FAQ for last year’s assessment.


COVID Dashboard:

Attached is a link to our COVID Dashboard that will be updated weekly. Unlike last year where I sent our letters every time we had a COVID positive case, I will not do that this year. This Dashboard will provide you with weekly numbers by building. We will continue to reach out to close contacts and also to families if they have been exposed to a presumptive positive student.


Respectfully,


Paul Vieira, Ed.D

Superintendent


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