MERSD End of Week Update

Good Afternoon MERSD Community,

It has been a slow news week in terms of learning any new information from the state that will help us answer the many questions we still have about the end of the school year.  Here is the latest information we have on the end of year assessments, activities and events that have been impacted by the shutdown.

• MCAS: MCAS is currently postponed and potentially canceled.  The MA Department of Education has applied for a federal waiver, and there is state legislation pending that will give the Commissioner of Education the authority to make the final determination.
• SATs, ACTs & AP Tests:  March/May SATs have been canceled; however, the June 6^th SAT is still scheduled.  The College Board is currently targeting administering AP tests during the make-up window, which is the last two weeks of May.  Click here for up-to-date AP information from the College Board.  April ACT testing date has been moved to June 13.  Registered students will receive information from ACT via email
• HS 3^rd Quarter: April 10 ends Quarter 3.  Students wishing to have their Quarter 3 grade, calculated up to March 13th should email their teacher by April 17th.  Grades or credit earned will be posted to the students' transcripts the following week.  April 13th is the first day of Quarter 4
• Shutdown Length: The statewide school shutdown has been extended through May 4^th.  We are awaiting further information from the Governor’s Office as to whether the closure will be extended.
• At this time no decisions have been made with regard to the end of the year student activities.
• MIAA has set the spring athletics season to begin on May 4^th  pending our return to school.
• The MA Department of Education has not required that April vacation should be used for instructional time. 
• At present we are continuing to follow the 2019-2020 school year calendar and our last day of school is scheduled to be June 23^rd.  
• Remote Learning: The MERSD Remote Learning Plan and related documents are available on our Remote Learning Page.
• School Buildings: All buildings and fields will remain closed through at least May 4^th per the Governor’s order.
• No access for students, staff, or the community.
• During the shutdown, buildings will be cleaned and sanitized.
• Construction at Memorial School continues under the guidelines for essential construction.
• Food Assistance: 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
• Weekly Grocery Support is available. Please click here for more information.

There are some amazing things going on in our learning community.  While we are all anxious to return to the routine of the school day, our new normal has ignited a lot of creativity in our students and faculty.  Here are a few things from the past few weeks that are worth checking out to see how our community is adjusting to the remote learning environment, working to stay connected,  and trying new things.  

• Student Organized Virtual Talent Show to benefit Direct Relief
• Middle School: Hello Everyone – We Miss You
• Grade 6 - Endangered Species Art Project
• Memorial School Poetry Month Poetry Challenge & Student Submissions
• Essex Elementary Virtual Spirit Week
• Officer Locke’s Story Hour – Fridays at 10 Livestreamed on Facebook 

Have a wonderful weekend everyone.  Stay safe and remember to use social distancing if you need to go out.  The more we can do to stop the spread of the virus, the sooner we can all get back to campus.

Pam