Superintendent's Weekly Update 1-7-22

 


“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.” 

Recharge Weekends: This year, unlike any other, there has been a tremendous amount of stress placed on our students, faculty, and staff. It is evident in talking to faculty and staff, and in meetings with the leadership team, that people are exhausted mentally, physically, and emotionally. For this reason the Douglas Public Schools will implement Recharge Weekends for the entire district to allow for all to decompress and recharge. It is my hope that these small breaks, coupled with long weekends, and school vacation weeks, will help promote the mental well being of all and help to create a better teaching and learning environment.

The following weekends will be designated as our recharge weekends:

February 4-6

March 11-13

April 1-3

May 6-8

The following guidelines will be put in place to ensure that everyone has the ability to recharge:

1. I will ask staff not to check emails, correct exams, or grade projects during these weekends. I want them to be able to step away for a weekend and recharge.

2. Athletics and Activities – There will be NO practices or activities that relate specifically to the Douglas Public Schools during these weekends with the exception of a practice on Sunday if there is a game on Monday. These practices cannot start before 3pm on Sunday. 

3. Teachers will follow the guidelines set below:

-Ensure that long-term assignments are not due on the Monday or Tuesday following the Recharge Weekend. (The exception to this will be Advanced Placement Classes at the High School)

-Educators will NOT increase student workload leading up to the Recharge Weekend.

-Teachers will adequately plan their lessons and assessments around these weekends.

-Educators will not assign any schoolwork over the weekend. (The exception to this will be Advanced Placement Classes at the High School)

-Educators will not schedule exams or quizzes on the Monday following the Recharge Weekend. 

Students should also be able to step away for the weekend and be able to relax physically and mentally. 

Should there be a major issue that you need to connect with us on, please contact your building principals and they will work with you to address any issues. We are all cognizant of the stresses that are on all of us this year and hope these monthly breaks can offer some relief.

Protocols Updated: The Department of Public Health and DESE have updated the Protocols for Responding to COVID-19 Scenarios - SY 2021-22. The updated document includes new language on isolation and quarantine durations, as well additional flexibility in the use of antigen tests for symptomatic individuals.

FAQ on Repeat Testing: Does the DESE/DPH guidance recommend that individuals who have tested positive for COVID-19 take another test before returning to school after the 5-day isolation period? No, the DESE/DPH guidance does not recommend repeat testing prior to returning to school, so long as individuals are asymptomatic and/or their symptoms are improving. Individuals must mask when around others for an additional five days after the isolation period.

Bus Monitors:

We are currently looking for bus monitors for morning shifts on our specialized transportation vehicles. The shifts are 1-2 hours in duration. Morning shifts begin at 6:20 and 7:10. The Bus Monitor assists the School Bus Driver in the daily monitoring of student travel to and from school in a safe manner and in accordance with the Special Education Transportation Guidelines and Douglas Public Schools policies. Compensation is $15.00/hr. For more information contact Tara Sobeleski at tsobeleski@douglasps.net

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.


Have a great long weekend and stay safe.

Respectfully,

Paul Vieira, Ed.D.

Superintendent


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