The link to the slide deck is here.
Summary: Dr. Nolin recommended starting school in a hybrid model based on the balance of the low risk of Covid cases in the area and the risk of social/emotional impact, parent employment and loss of learning with students being out of the school building. Dr. Nolin is awaiting information from DESE about what Covid positivity rate informs decisions about moving from a hybrid model to a full remote model for the district. The School Committee voted to adopt a hybrid model to start the school year, with an option for parents to opt into a full remote curriculum using Edgenuity. This was a vote for the high level model, details within the model will be released later.
What's Next:
A survey will be sent out tomorrow from NPS asking for parent decisions within the hybrid model - either sending their child into school buildings every other week and going remote every other week or going fully remote with the Edgenuity program and NPS teacher support. No specifics were given on either of these models other than what has been shared in previous meetings. The survey will stay open for about a week. The choice to go fully remote does not need to be medically supported by a Doctor's note. Concerns were raised by Ms. Sonneborn and parents about the "chicken and the egg" issue and the difficulty of filling out a survey and choosing a model with such limited information about the models. Any questions about filling out the survey can be asked through the Speak Up Portal or to school principals.
Non-Reopening Items:
The School Committee voted to extend Dr. Nolin’s contract until 2026.
Reopening Items:
The School Committee voted to adhere to two policies to protect students, teachers and staff.
The policy on face coverings is here. This policy requires face coverings for all grades in school and on school buses. There are some exemptions to this policy for students which required a doctor’s note. Masks will not be required during mask breaks, eating and while outside. Students must provide their own masks, but extra masks are available at schools if needed.
The other set of policies relates to being able to make fluid changes to school schedules, class size, attendance, job descriptions and other items related to Covid. The policy is here.
Mr. Wood, co-president of the Teachers’ Union (EAN), shared that goals of EAN are a safe reopening and providing the best possible education for all students. EAN and the School Committee are both willing to continue discussion about in person learning in a hybrid model or remote learning with input from Board of Health, Mr. Gadson (Facilities), Ms. Sherlock (YMCA program). Read the full document here. No specifics about surveys to teachers or teacher opinions were given.
Ms. Sherlock, COO of Metrowest YMCA, spoke about experiences with the YMCA program.
Open since late March serving 60-80 students in the spring for emergency childcare for essential workers