Good Afternoon MERSD Community,
I write to share MERSD’s updated Remote Learning Plan that was developed in accordance with the recent guidelines established by the Mass. Dept. of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE). MERSD’s overarching goal is to keep students in meaningful contact with their school community and to provide supplemental and enrichment learning opportunities. This program will provide students with the structure, routine and academic engagement necessary to make remote learning a successful and productive experience for them. We expect this learning to take place via a combination of educator-directed learning and student self-directed learning. To that end, remote learning at MERSD is not synonymous with online learning, as it can take place in a variety of ways, including helping students engage with resources in their daily lives and in the natural world around them. We are also conscious of the effects of increased screen time and will work to provide learning opportunities to promote students’ curiosity and understanding that provide a balance between learning through technology and remote learning that takes place offline.
It is important to remember that we are living through an unprecedented Public Health Crisis that has upended the lives and livelihoods of millions of people, and it is a traumatic experience for both children and adults, alike. Our current situation has highlighted the persistent inequities among and within communities throughout the Commonwealth. Families have unique circumstances; therefore, we have worked diligently to develop a plan that is equitable and achievable for all.
I am very proud of our MERSD educators. MERSD educators always strive to put their students first. They have shown heart, professionalism, and creativity in their efforts to make the switch to a remote learning platform. It is almost certain that the environment we are planning for today will look very different in two weeks. This is a work in progress for all involved, and we will continue to make adjustments as we move forward. We miss our students, and we look forward to a time when we are back on campus and in our comfortable routines. Thank you in advance for your support as we make our way through this crisis - we are all in this together.
I hope that each of you is healthy and safe.
Sincerely,
Pam
Plans and related documents available
on the MERSD Remote Learning
Plan page.
Principals will be following-up
with information on the school-specific plans.
