MERSD End of Week Update!

Dear MERSD Community,

I’d like to close the week and the school year by expressing my sincere gratitude to the entire school community for the tremendous team effort by all to organize, to implement, and to support remote learning during the COVID-19 school closing.  The challenge isn’t over, and I ask for your patience and flexibility as we navigate the uncharted waters ahead. At this time, the organization of the 2020-2021 school year is still a work in progress.  I anticipate getting the initial reopening guidance in the coming days, and this will assist in developing a framework for the Fall, but our final plan will likely not be complete until mid-August.

What We Know At This Time

• Health & Safety Plan Design Guidance
• Will be derived from a state team of medical experts
• Hybrid of In-Person and Remote Learning
• Remote Learning Will Be Different
• Structure
• Schedule
• Accountability
• Integrated w/ in-person experience
• Final Guidance Expected Late July
• Significant Planning & Implementation Will Likely Take Place Through Mid-August
• Parents May Have Option to Keep Students Home 
• Calendar Could Change 

 What We Don’t Know – Yet

• Organization of the School Day/Year
• What limits might be placed on the organization of the school day
• Class size
• Number of student allowed in school at one time
• Programs after-school activities
• Athletics
• Schedule By Building/Grade Level
• Transportation Options

It is likely that plans could change suddenly and move in a different direction from what we foresee at this time.   I will continue to keep you informed throughout the summer by sending out regular updates through email and social media.   Community Input will be gathered from late June through  August.

Tentative Schedule for Community Input

All Dates are Subject to Change

·         Week of June 26^th – Remote Learning Survey

·         Week of July 6^th – Virtual Focus Groups

·         Week of July 27th - Return to School Survey 

Have a wonderful summer.

Pam

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End of Year Celebrations

High School   Senior Spotlight Celebration

Middle School  Grade 8 Moving On Ceremony

Essex Elementary

·         Talent Show

·         Grade 5 Moving On Ceremony

§  Slideshow

Memorial School

·         5^th Grade Play – The Show Must Go On   Cast 1  &   Cast 2

·         Grade 5 Moving On Ceremony

MERSD 2020-2021 TENTATIVE DISTRICT CALENDAR – Click Here

All Dates are Tentative and Subject to Change

Annual Town Meetings

Manchester Town Meeting – Monday, June 22 / Outdoors on MERMHS Hyland Field /6:30pm

MERSD Annual Budget Book

Memorial Building Project Update:  The Memorial School Project continues to move forward on time and on budget for a Fall opening of the classroom wing.  Although it is exciting to think about the move this fall, it is sad to say goodbye to the school that served us well for so long.  Click Here for Full Post

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.

School Buildings: All buildings and fields will remain closed.

• 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.