Good Afternoon, Reading Public School Community,
I hope that you are doing well and you and your family are safe and healthy. I wanted to update you on some areas that we are currently reviewing and planning for the remaining weeks of the school year. First and foremost, we want to thank you for your continued support and feedback as we navigate these uncharted waters of education during this health crisis. We realize that you are juggling many roles these days as we work together to do what is best for your children and our students. During each phase of remote learning, we have continued to review what we are doing and how we can do it better. The updates below communicate some of those changes. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact your child’s teachers or building principal.
Here are some updates:
- Remote Learning-Phase 3–We are currently working with teachers on a remote learning plan for Phase 3 and will hopefully have that released soon. This remote learning plan will continue to focus on two primary areas; (1) reinforcing standards taught prior to March 13th; and (2) exposure/preview of standards noted in the MA Department of Ed Prerequisite Skills Document. In order to provide equity, teachers will be focusing on providing many opportunities for preview and exposure of skills not yet taught as well as reinforcing skills that may have been taught prior to our period of closure. District staff and principals are working with teachers to continue to provide a variety of activities and opportunities for learning that are engaging and support students and families. As a district work is happening to map out compacted pacing guides for our upcoming year.
- Technology Tools That Support Remote Learning-One of the key pieces of remote learning is the ability for teachers and students to connect through videoconferencing tools. Currently, the district uses Microsoft Team for that platform, however, we are exploring other options as well that provide the safe use that Microsoft Teams provides, as well as, the ease of use for teachers and students. We understand that this is a concern with staff and parents and will be coming up with other solutions in the future.
- Gathering Belongings Left Behind–We are currently working on a reentry plan into our school buildings that will allow a safe entrance for teachers, staff, and students to be able to gather their belongings, pack up their classrooms for the summer, and return any materials that they borrowed or were issued. We are working closely with the facilities department and local health officials on a plan that will allow for this reentry. We will communicate more information once it is available.
- Summer Programming–At this time, it is unclear what summer programming will look like for our extended school year students, summer camps (public and private), summer rentals and town recreation programs. We are following guidance from the state and local officials and will be making decisions in the future. We will be offering extended school year programming for our students with disabilities who need those services, however, those services may be remote depending upon the guidance that we receive.
- Opening of School-Now that the physical school buildings are closed for the remainder of the year, one of the areas that we are focused on is what may the opening of school look like for next school year. Options will range from a normal opening similar to previous years to a staggered school schedule with less students all the way to a complete remote learning environment. We will be working very closely with the state, local officials, and staff to develop a system that works for our students and staff while providing as safe an environment as possible. Additionally, the leadership team is working to make plans for learning when we return to school. These plans will include adjusted pacing guides that identify what learning standards will be condensed, what will be moved, and what may be skipped or done in a purely exposure way. Teacher feedback and input will be gathered as this work progresses in future weeks.
- Covid-19 Resources-Our district wide crisis team has put together several resources for family, staff, community, and students that focus on behavioral health and mental health supports. These resources are located below.
How to Offer or Ask for Help
The Town of Reading has set up email addresses and a phone number to offer support or receive support. That information is below:
- To Receive Human/Elder Services help email
or call 781-942-6680, press #1
- To Volunteer to help email
Covid-19volunteer@ci.reading.ma.us)
or call 781-942-6680, press #2
- For General Community Questions please email
or call 781-942-6680, press #3
- Reading Food Pantry –The Reading Food Pantry is located at the Old South Methodist Church, Salem Street. Residents interested in visiting the Food Pantry should contact Kerry Valle, Town of Reading, Sr. Case Manager, (781) 942-6659. Donations may be dropped-off (dry goods) during their hours or contact the Food Pantry directly at (781) 944-8486. The hours of operation for the Food Pantry is as follows:
- Mondays 7:00 – 8:00 pm
- Fridays 10:30 – 11:30 am
- Gift Card Donations-The Reading Food Pantry is seeking gift card donations for families who need additional assistance. The Town of Reading has set up three secure dropbox locations in our community where community members can donate gift cards for the Reading Food Pantry.
We ask that gift cards are $25 or less in denomination and be from local grocery stores and pharmacies. You may drop off the gift cards at the following safe and secure dropbox locations:
- Reading Police Station (Front Entrance)
- Reading Town Hall (Side door facing Parking Lot)
- Superintendent’s Office (Main door)
We are all here to help. Please be safe and take care of yourself.
The Journey-The Next Chapter 