As we come to the close of the first week of school shutdown, I hope that each of you is healthy and safe. This is an unprecedented experience for all of us, but throughout we will do our best to provide our school community with access to online learning experiences as well as to provide information on services available within the community. There are more questions than answers about what the next few weeks will bring, but I want to update you on what we do and what we don’t know at this point.
What We Don’t Know
- Will this shutdown be extended?
- This unknown at this point.
- This is the question that will determine answers to many of the student activity and calendar-based questions you have ex. Impact on Prom? Sports Season? SCORE? Plays? Graduation?
- Will we need to use April vacation for a make-up period?
- Maybe – it unclear as to whether it will be a local or state determination.
- Will we have to take MCAS?
- MCAS is currently postponed and potentially cancelled depending on the date of return.
- This will be a state determination.
Teaching & Learning
- March/May SATs have been cancelled; however, June 6 is still scheduled.
- AP Tests – The College Board is currently targeting administering tests during the make-up window during the last two weeks of May.
- MERSD Online will be providing Supplemental and Enrichment Activities to maintain skills and keep students connected with their school community.
- There will be learning activities provided by all disciplines and at all levels.
- Teachers will have daily online office hours.
- At this time, the overall goal of our approach is to keep students in contact with the school and to maintain their skills during the closure. We are not trying to replicate the school day, but we are making our best effort to keep students engaged.
- There will be learning activities provided by all disciplines and at all levels.
- Laptops and Internet Access have been made available for all who need it.
- Free Lunch is available to all who need it.
- Pick-Up sites are currently in Gloucester (click here for information on locations). Open Table is working on adding locations
- MERSD has donated all perishables to help support the effort
- Weekly Grocery Support is available. Please click here for more information.
- All buildings are closed through at least April 6th per the Governor’s order.
- No access for students, staff, or the community.
- During the shutdown, buildings will be cleaned and sanitized.
- Construction will continue at Memorial School unless shutdown is ordered at the state level.
- We will not need to make-up any school days beyond June 23rd.
In these uncertain times, I am comforted by the reliability of our community to support one another and to rally to this challenge. I am heartened by the actions of our students, faculty, and families for their creativity and flexibility to adjust to a new learning platform as well as by our local citizenry and agencies for its compassion and support for those in need. It is important to note that while we are just one regional community within the larger scope of our state, our country and our world, the actions we take during this time will not only serve to define us as individuals but will also serve to define us as a collective Manchester Essex community.
These are uncharted waters, but I have no doubt that together we will navigate them successfully.
Sincerely,
Pam
