Good Afternoon, Reading Public School Staff and Families,

I hope that you are enjoying this chilly weekend.  Here is Winter Hybrid Update #6.

• COVID-19 Information-In the second half of the week, there were fewer positive cases across the district.  We have been informed of the following positive cases in our school district this week.  None of the cases below were in school transmissions.  All close contacts have been notified by our health staff and building administrators.

• 2 RMHS Student-Remote this week, no quarantine of staff or students
• 2 Middle School Students (Parker)-Remote this week, no quarantine of staff or students
• 4 Elementary Students (2 Killam, 1 Birch Meadow, 1 Barrows)-2 in person and on the bus and 1 remote
  • 40 Students and 5 Staff Quarantined
• 1 RMHS Staff Member, no in school exposure
• 1 Killam Staff Member, 1 Staff member quarantined due to close contact

• Pooled Testing Update-The Reading Public Schools is currently investigating bringing pooled COVID-19 testing for staff and students during in person weeks.  This program is being funded until March 28^th through DESE.  We will be providing more information in the near future.  For further information on what pooled testing is, please go to https://www.doe.mass.edu/covid19/pooled-testing/ .

• School Committee Meeting, Monday at 7:00 p.m.-There will be a meeting of the Reading School Committee on Monday, January 25^th at 7:00 p.m. (Executive Session at 6:00 p.m.).  The meeting will be held on Microsoft Teams and RCTV.  A link to Teams will be sent out tomorrow.  The main topic of the meeting will be the School Committee taking a vote on the FY22 Superintendent’s Recommended Budget.

• SEPAC Information– Please join the SEPAC (Special Education Parent Advisory Council) at our next business meeting on Tuesday, February 9, 2021 at 7:00 PM! New business for this meeting includes an update from our reading/literacy subcommittee and a brief presentation by Alice Gomez, School Psychologist, on community resources, followed by a parent discussion regarding the same. Please join us for this presentation and discussion and feel free to share any additional resources that you think other parents may find helpful. All are welcome!  This meeting will be held virtually, via Zoom. Join us for our next VIRTUAL SEPAC MEETING on Tuesday, February 9th at 7 PM. Meeting link: Join Zoom Meeting . Please also join us for our next VIRTUAL Reading and Literacy Subcommittee Meetingon Tuesday, February 2nd at 7PM.  Meeting link: https://readingpsma.zoom.us/j/87835232197  All are welcome and ENCOURAGED to attend!

• Opportunity for Therapy- The Reading Coalition for Prevention & Support has partnered with Doc Wayne to bring an exciting youth therapeutic program to Reading students ages 5-18. If you are looking for individual therapy for your child or are interested in learning more about group therapy, please join Doc Wayne and the Reading Coalition for a virtual information session. Sessions will be hosted on:

• Tuesday February 2^nd, 7:00-7:30PM:   https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83625231000?pwd=dk5PMWlPZVJzdHdudjYzOEFqZjRIUT09
• Thursday February 4^th, 12:00-12:30PM:   https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81745519753?pwd=OGViZG1ucFpEVUU3Q0ZtWVY0MmJIQT09

Using a theoretical curriculum, which incorporates social-emotional learning and life skills, Doc Wayne offers innovative mental health programming. In addition to traditional individual therapy, Doc Wayne offers unique group therapeutic programs. Through these groups students:

• Have the opportunity and needed supports to become resilient and regulated individuals with positive adult and peer relationships
• Create positive relationships with teammates, friends, and family members
• Become confident and competent members of their schools and larger communities
• Achieve their highest level of academic success

Please see the attached PDF for additional information on Doc Wayne. All of Doc Wayne’s programming is being offered via telehealth due to COVID-19.

If you have any questions please contact Sammy Salkin, Outreach Coordinator, Reading Coalition for Prevention & Support at ssalkin@ci.reading.ma.us.

 Have a great week ahead!

John Doherty

Superintendent

Reading Public Schools

82 Oakland Road

Reading, Massachusetts 01867

781-944-5800

John.doherty@reading.k12.ma.us