Good Afternoon, Reading Public School Families

I hope all is well.  Here are some additional updates as we continue to get closer to the start of the school year.

1. State guidance on sports-The state has released some guidance today of recreational activities, including schools sports.  The link to the guidance is below.

https://www.mass.gov/doc/safety-standards-for-youth-and-adult-amateur-sports-activities-phase-iii-step-1/download

We received this information today, so we will provide further information once we review it in detail.

2.   Kindergarten-Due to the efforts of our building principals and facilities department, we are going to offer all kindergarten programs, in person, both weeks (Monday-Thursday),with Friday being a half day remote learning day.  The elementary principals will  send out further information in the near future.

3.   Survey-Thank you to all of you who have responded to the family survey.  We are currently at 3,450!  We will leave the survey live  until 12:00 p.m. tomorrow  when we will shut it down.  If you have not responded to the survey link yet, you can access it here.   Please remember that you need to complete a separate survey for each child in your family.

4.  Switching from one model to another-If a family chooses a model (fully remote or hybrid), we are asking that they stay in that model  until the end of the first marking period.  We certainly will review any extenuating circumstances, but we need to develop staffing levels and schedules based on what families have currently chosen in the survey.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact your building principal or Superintendent of Schools John Doherty at john.doherty@reading.k12.ma.us

Thanks.and take care.

John Doherty

Superintendent

Reading Public Schools

Good Afternoon, Reading Public School Families

I hope that you are having a great weekend.  Here are some updates on the Fall Reopening:

1. Fall Reopening Family Survey-This is just a reminder that the Fall Reopening Family Survey #3 is now open.  It is important that every family fill out this survey so that we know some critical information about your child(ren) to start the school year.  You can access the survey link here.  Please complete one survey per child in your family.  We have already received close to 1700 responses!

2. Fall Reopening Plan-On Thursday evening, the Reading School Committee voted 6-0 to support the recommendation of a phased in hybrid model.  You can access the version 1 plan here.  We are currently making some edits to the plan based on feedback we have received.  Once the revisions are complete, we will send out Version 2.0.

3. Questions that have come up during the survey-We have received a few questions so far in the survey that we would like to answer here.
   1. Extended Day-It is our intent to have extended day before and after school programming for students who are in person.  More information will be sent out shortly.
   2. Pods-We applaud the creativity of parents in creating pods of students that will learn together during remote weeks.  Unfortunately, because of all of our scheduling challenges, we cannot guarantee that we can accommodate pods of children and try to assign them to the same cohort.  We apologize for any inconvenience that this may cause, but there are certain students that need to be assigned to certain cohorts based on learning needs, specific course selections, IEP’s, etc.
   3. 504 Services-We will be delivering 504 services as described in the child’s 504 plan.  Some of this may be in person, while other services may be remote.  If you have specific questions, please contact your 504 liaison or building principal.
   4. RMHS Seniors and College Process-The Senior college application process will be occurring during the Flex block time in the RMHS schedule by the RMHS guidance counselors.  Each guidance counselor will be reaching out at the beginning of the school year to schedule appointments with their students.
   5. Kindergarten-We are in the process of investigating if we are able to have half day and full day kindergarten in school both weeks similar to RISE preschool.  This is both a space and staffing issue and the building principals are identifying options.  We cannot guarantee that this can happen, but we will be able to report out to the community in the near future.  Any full in person options would be with the same health and safety parameters as all other in person schooling.
   6. Tech support-As we get closer to the start of the school year, we will give you information regarding tech support options and contact information during remote learning.

Thank you for your continued feedback.  Have a great day and be safe.

John F. Doherty, Ed.D.

Superintendent

Reading Public Schools

781-944-5800

John.doherty@reading.k12.ma.us

On Thursday, August 7th, the Reading School Committee voted 6-0 to move forward with a phased in hybrid model for the beginning of the school year.  A copy of the plan is found at the link below.

https://retiredsuperintendent.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/fall-school-reopening-plans-comprehensive-2.pdf  

In preparation for our fall opening, we will need specific information from families on the following areas:

1. Which model you are choosing for your child(ren) (hybrid or fully remote) for the first marking period.
2. If you are choosing hybrid, do you want to your children to be in the same or different cohorts.
3. If you qualify for regular bus transportation or special education transportation if you plan on using it.
4. If you need internet access or a laptop for home use.
5  If you will need access to breakfast and lunch when school is not in session.
6. Kindergarten Options for Kindergarten families.

A copy of the survey link is below.

Because we need specific individual information, please complete one survey for each child in your family.  The survey needs to be completed no later than Thursday, August 13th.  If you do not complete the survey, we will assume that your child(ren) will be hybrid to start the fall school year.

Thank you in advance for providing this information.

https://forms.gle/PVknRwKxEVqHWshs8

Good Evening, Reading Public School Community,

I have attached, for your information, a copy of the Comprehensive Plan that the School Committee will review and vote on Thursday night.  I am recommending a phased in hybrid model as the primary plan.  As with everything else right now, all of this is subject to change as we get closer to the school year.

I appreciate all of the feedback and input that we have received over the last several weeks in the development of this plan.  The plan is focused on the health and safety of our staff and students, combined with providing in person educational experiences for our students.

I will be hold two community forums this week.  The dates and times are as follows:

• Wednesday, August 5^th, 6:00-7:00 p.m.(Zoom Link Below)

https://readingpsma.zoom.us/j/95328227322?pwd=alhUZXp0aFgzc01tK0Q2RW5lUkdXQT09

• Thursday, August 6^th, 4:30-5:30 p.m.(Zoom Link Below)

https://readingpsma.zoom.us/j/96520172685?pwd=UThmUk5YQzlKRjFCaDBiOTBzcWh4dz09

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Thanks and take care.

John F. Doherty

Superintendent, Reading Public Schools

Fall School Reopening Plans-Comprehensive-2

Good Afternoon, Reading Public Schools Community

I hope that you are having a great weekend.  Here are some additional updates:

1. Now we move on to the comprehensive plan-Thank you very much for all of the feedback that I received last week at our forums.  I hope that you found them informative.  We are now in the process of completing the comprehensive plans that are due to DESE on August 10^th.  These plans have much more information than the preliminary plans and go into further detail regarding the components of the three different plans with sample schedules and other pertinent information.  It is my intent to have a draft of the comprehensive plan released to staff and the community by Tuesday afternoon.  At that time, I will also announce times for staff forums and community forums to hear questions and get feedback on the plans.  The School Committee is currently scheduled to vote on the plans on August 6^th.
2. Health Protocols-Attached is a set of DESE health protocols and scenarios for COVID-19 related illnesses in school.  I sent these out a couple of weeks ago, but I am resending them because I know that everyone is receiving dozens of emails these days.
3. Remote Learning and Arts Guidance-I am also attaching DESE guidance on remote learning and additional safety guidance for band, chorus, drama, art, PE.
4. Power Point Presentation from Wednesday Night’s SC Meeting-For your information, I am attaching the power point presentation on the fall reopening that was given at the SC meeting last Wednesday evening.

Have a great rest of the weekend!

SC Power Point July 29 2020-2

2020-0717protocols-document

2020-0724add-safety-guide

2020-0724remote-learning-guide (1)

Good Afternoon, Reading Public School Community,

I hope that all is well with you and your families.  I have attached, for your review, a draft preliminary DESE Fall Reopening Plan.  As I mentioned in previous updates, we are required to submit three preliminary plans to DESE by July 31st: an in person plan (with a minimum of three foot distancing, a hybrid plan), and a fully remote plan.  I have to submit the final plans to DESE no later than August 10th.  Please note that these are draft preliminary plans and I welcome your feedback and questions on the plans.

The Community will have an opportunity to give feedback and ask questions on the plan through community forums on the following dates and times:

Monday, July 27th-6:00 p.m.(Zoom Link Below)

https://readingpsma.zoom.us/j/91169089611?pwd=emI5VkF6V3VaMXR4UlZNNmxPK0NNdz09

Tuesday, July 28th-4:00 p.m. (Zoom link below)

https://readingpsma.zoom.us/j/99870593271?pwd=ZStra2xSYUI0TGlXLzdxVXRDc0JRQT09

Wednesday, July 29th-11:00 a.m. (Zoom link below)

https://readingpsma.zoom.us/j/94127205800?pwd=cllNZ04wakZxVytyeUYvcUxJS3N1UT09

Thursday, July 30th-8:00 a.m. (Zoom link below)

https://readingpsma.zoom.us/j/99614294985?pwd=c3pmREVCSENDN2xhd1BJT1FjMzZ5UT09

Each forum will last one hour.  Preregistration is not necessary to attend the meetings.  Just click the link above for the date(s) that you would like to attend.  In addition, there will be a presentation of the plans to the Reading School Committee at their meeting on Wednesday, July 29th at 7:00 p.m.  A meeting link will be sent out early next week.  The School Committee will vote on the final plans at their meeting on August 6th at 7:00 p.m.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Thanks and have a great weekend!

John F. Doherty

Superintendent of Schools

DESE Preliminary Report-DRAFT3

Good Afternoon Reading Public School Families,

This is the second family survey regarding the Fall reopening of school.  The purpose of this survey is to get more specific information from each individual familiy as we begin to develop different schedules and determine foundational needs.  Our decision making process for what the start of school will look like will focus on the safety of our staff and students combined with the educational benefit of returning to an in person school.  When we have enough information, we will work collaboratively with all stakeholders to develop a plan that focuses on health, safety, and education.  We are using the latest medical information provided to us by the state, the latest guidance from DESE, and the resources that we have available as a district.  We will continue to get feedback from staff and the community as we go through this process.

This survey is being sent to all families in the Reading Public Schools.  Please review each question carefully. So that we can begin to plan for foundational needs and scheduling, we are asking you to provide contact information.  This information will go to the building principal only. The answers that you give today do not commit you to a specific decision, but will be helpful to us as we begin to plan and create schedules in each school.

For the purpose of this survey, we will be following the DESE recommendations for health and safety which include:

• A combination of prevention strategies done collectively, not just one.
• Staff and families should monitor symptoms themselves prior to coming to school and to stay home if they do not feel well.
• Adequate mask protection for all students and staff
• Hand hygiene (hand washing or sanitizing)
• Physical distancing a minimum of three feet separation is needed with masks, 6 feet minimum if one or more parties is not wearing a mask.
• Cohorts/Assigned seating

Here is the link to the survey.  The link is below as well.

https://forms.gle/F2M5yBrZbC99f9FJA

Thank you in advance for providing this information.

Good Afternoon, Reading Public School Families

I hope that you are doing well and you are enjoying your summer.  This is our fifth fall reopening update for the summer.  Here are some important updates for your information:

1. Staff and Family Surveys-Later on today, you will receive a survey for all families in the Reading Public Schools.  The survey should take you approximately five minutes to complete.  Please take a few moments over the next week to answer the survey questions.  The results will help us continue to get your feedback as we go through the planning process.
2. Protocols for Responding to COVID-19 Scenarios in School-Late Friday evening, DESE released a set of protocols for responding when there are COVID-19 cases in schools.  I have linked the document below for your information.   Over the next several weeks, we will be working with our school nurses, principals, and other staff to be fully informed as to the protocols.
3. DESE Preliminary Plan-On Thursday, we received templates from DESE to complete our submission for our preliminary plans.  As required by DESE, we have to submit three plans, an in person plan, a hybrid plan, and a remote plan.  The plans are due to DESE by July 31^st.  Next week, I will be releasing drafts of those plans and hold forums to give you the ability to give feedback and ask questions.  The full plans are due to DESE by August 10^th.

The plans require us to conduct a feasibility study of our classrooms.  As part of this study, we are required to set up desks in select classrooms throughout the district to see what the capacity of a classroom would be with three foot distances from seat to seat.  These classroom set ups will help us make determinations as to which plans are more realistic than others.   Please note that these setups are models and are not what it may actually look like.

4.     Virtual Office Hours-I continue to hold virtual office hours for staff and families.  So far, I have had 30 virtual office hour appointments scheduled.  If you are interested in scheduling an office hour, please complete the link here.

Thanks and take care.

Protocols for responding to COVID-19 scenarios 7.17.2020 vF

Good Morning, Reading Public School Families and Community Members,

I hope that you are doing well and you are enjoying your summer.  Unless you have completely unplugged from social media and the news (which I hope you have been), you have probably heard and seen a lot of information nationally and at the state level regarding the opening of schools in the fall.  I can only imagine the level of anxiety and questions that each of you may have regarding what school is going to look like and how this will impact your children and your families.

I want to reassure you that NO decisions have been made regarding the start of the school year.  School reopening is a state and local decision.  As required by DESE, we are in the process of developing three different school reopening plans:  An in person model which follows the American Pediatric Association Guidelines of three feet physical distancing with masks, a hybrid model where approximately half of the students are remote while half of the students are in person, and a completely remote model.  Over the last several weeks there have been several working groups in our district focused on different areas of the reopening on what works best for the Reading Public Schools.  These groups have a mix of teachers, administrators, and parents. In addition, the survey data that you and families provided us a few weeks ago has been very helpful in our planning process.

Our decision making process for what the start of school will look like will focus on the safety of our staff and students combined with the educational benefit of returning to an in person school.  When we have enough information, we will work closely with our collective bargaining units to develop a plan that focuses on health, safety, and education.  We are using the latest medical information provided to us by the state, the latest guidance from DESE, and the resources that we have available as a district.  We will continue to get feedback from staff and the community as we go through this process.

To that end, I wanted to share with you some updates on where we are.  As you will see below, a significant amount of work is happening behind the scenes for the planning and preparation for the reopening of school.  I would like to publicly thank our building principals, Chief Financial Officer Gail Dowd, Assistant Superintendent for Learning and Teaching Chris Kelley, Director of Student Services Jennifer Stys, HR Administrator Jennifer Allard, Director of Facilities Joe Huggins, Director of School Nutrition Danielle Collins, Director of Health Services Mary Giuliana, Network Manager Julian Carr, METCO Director Grant Hightower, Director of Adult and Community Education Chris Nelson and all of their teams for the amazing work they have done and continue to do.

I have included for you three documents on the links below; the presentation that we gave the School Committee on Thursday evening that was an update on the Fall Reopening, the latest guidance that was sent to us by DESE on Special Education Services for the start of the school year, and a document that was released yesterday by DESE on Frequently Asked Questions.  This is for your information to hopefully answer some of the questions that you may have regarding the start of school.

In the meantime, I encourage you to reach out to your building principal or myself if you have any questions.  If you would like to have a virtual office hour meeting with me, please complete the following link.  In addition, I will be having staff forums in the next few weeks for you to hear updated information and ask any questions that you may have.  We will be sending you out a follow-up survey in the near future to get further feedback.  I will also continue to send you updates when information becomes available.

Here are some current updates:

1. PPE-Over the last several weeks, we have been purchasing PPE and other products to protect staff and students when we are in person.  We are purchasing adequate PPE so that both students and staff have access to their designated PPE if they need it.  Following DESE guidelines, here is a list of what has been ordered.

1. 1. Disposable masks (adult and child)
   2. Clear masks (for special education)
   3. Gloves
   4. Gowns (For nurses and other personnel that work with high risk students)
   5. Face Shields (For those working with higher risk students)
   6. Goggles (For Nurses)
   7. KN95 Masks
   8. Hand Sanitizer Dispensers for high traffic areas and classrooms
   9. Hand Sanitizer

2.  Technology and Curriculum Purchases-To help facilitate our online learning, we have purchased a significant amount of technology and curriculum tools to support teachers and students this upcoming school year.  A full list is in the power point presentation that is attached.  Here are some of the highlights.

1. 1. Replacement laptops to continue our five year replacement cycle
   2. 1:1 devices for remote learning for families that need additional devices
   3. Cameras for synchronous learning
   4. Wireless Hotspots for families that do not have wireless at home
   5. Social Studies and English Online Tool (Newsela for K-12)
   6. Edulastic assessment platform (all subjects, gr. 3-8)
   7. Science formative assessment probes, Professional Text (gr. K-8)
   8. Math formative assessment probes, Professional Text (gr. 1-3)
   9. Social Studies Tool (National Geographic Books and Online Programming) for grades 9, 10 and 11
   10. Online ELA Tool (Actively Learn for 6-8)
   11. Math Tool (EnVision series for grades 7 and 8)
   12. Algebra 1 Tool (EnVision) for grades 8/9
   13. Math differentiation tools (gr. 6)
   14. Math Manipulatives (gr. 6-8)
   15. Coding/Computer Science resources (gr. 6-8)
   16. Lexia Intervention and Early Literacy Screening Tool

3.   Classroom Space Analysis-As part of developing the in person and hybrid models for our own use and as part of our submission requirements to DESE, we are currently analyzing each learning space in every school to determine the in person capacity of every classroom using the 3 foot minimum requirement with masks, proper handwashing, daily cleaning and disinfecting, and following proper protocols for staff and students when they are sick.  The three foot distance is defined as measured from the seat of one desk to the seat of an adjacent desk.  We anticipate that we will have this information within two weeks, which will allow us to plan for schedules, lunch, specialists, appropriate planning time, etc.

4.    Start of School-It is possible that the Commissioner will change the number of required student days to a number less than 180 days.  The difference in days will be allocated to staff for training and professional development in preparation for the beginning of the school year, regardless of the model.  Once we have more information and a definitive answer, we will publish a new school calendar.

5.   Other guidance coming out in the near future-We have been told by DESE that we will be receiving additional guidance in the near future on bus transportation, athletics, physical education, extended day programs and extra-curriculum activities (i.e. band, drama, chorus), and a final fall guidance.  This information will help inform us even further as to what will school look like.  We have already begun conversations with our staff on these topics and as to what it could look like.

6.  Comcast Discount for Families-I have linked, for your information, a Brochure from Comcast Learning for a discount on high speed internet to our income qualified families.  A device is also included as part of this opportunity.  There is also a discount for Senior Citizens who qualify found in this Letter.

Thank you for your continued patience and support.  If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact your building principal or myself.

Be safe and enjoy your summer.

Sincerely,

John F. Doherty Ed.D.

Superintendent of Schools

Fall Reopening Update for July 9, 2020 School Committee Meeting

DESE Reopening FAQ

DESE Special Education Guidance

Good Afternoon,

There will be a Reading School Committee Meeting this evening at 7:00 p.m.  The meeting will be held virtually and can be accessed on RCTV or at this link.

The packet is below.

SC MEETING 7.09.20