Is your child feeling bored or lonely? Reading Kids Connect mentors are here for you. Reading Kids Connect pairs passionate, dedicated RMHS students and alumni with younger students (ages 7-15) for virtual video sessions. We can provide creative, personalized activities and extracurricular learning, homework help, wisdom, and compassion. Parents who need it can take a break. For mentors, this is a great volunteer opportunity and a chance to make a difference for a Reading family. To find a mentor or to volunteer, visit Reading Kids Connect on Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/Reading-Kids-Connect-101332944920250/

Reading Kids Connect Flyer (4)

Good Afternoon, Reading Public School Families,

We hope that you are safe and healthy during this difficult time.  We wanted to provide you with some updates regarding remote learning and future plans.  As we have throughout this pandemic and school closure, we will follow the guidance that will be set forth by Governor Baker and Commissioner of Education Riley in our decision making process.

• Videoconferencing Tool-We have two updates regarding videoconferencing tools from remote learning.  First, you may have noticed on Friday that Microsoft Teams updated the number of panels that can be seen at one time from 4 to 9.  This will allow teachers the ability to see up to 9 students at a time on the screen, with the rest of the class in panels at the bottom of the screen.  A raise hand feature has also been added to the update.  In addition, we are in the final stages of executing an agreement for an educational license with Zoom.  Our rationale behind going with Zoom is the changes that they have made from a data privacy perspective combined with a custom student data privacy agreement that we will execute with them will allow us to move forward with this tool in a safer manner.  In addition, Zoom does give teacher and students the ability to see up to 25 students on a screen at one time.  Once the agreement is executed, we will be developing accounts for all teachers to use.  With this additional tool, teachers will now have two videoconferencing tools (Zoom and Teams) and two learning platforms (Google Classroom and Teams) that they will be able to use with students.

• Giving Students An Opportunity to Pick up and Drop Off Materials-At the end of the month, students at each level will have the opportunity to pick up anything that they may have left in school on March 13^th and drop off any non-technology school property (i.e. library books, textbooks, etc.).  A plan has been developed, which is contingent upon Governor Baker’s orders, which will allow Secondary Students and RISE at RMHS to come to their schools during the week of June 1^st and Elementary Students and RISE at Wood End to come to their schools during the week of June 8^th.  Students who were loaned a laptop will return their device during the week of June 22^nd.  Building Principals and the RISE Preschool Director will communicate further information once we get closer to the dates.

• Extended School Year and Fall-One of the biggest questions that we are all asking is what will Extended School Year Services look like for students with disabilities and what will the opening of school next fall look like for all students?  Unfortunately, we do not have a lot of answers at this time because we are awaiting guidance from the Commissioner of Education on these two areas and what we will be allowed to do and not do.  As I mentioned in an email to families a few weeks ago, we are currently developing different models and options for both.  We are in the process of convening a working group that will review essentially three different options:  a complete return to school for all students, a hybrid model of students being in school part of the time and learning virtually part of the time, and a model where students are learning in a completely virtual model.  We are looking at these options for students from a variety of perspectives including, but not limited to cleaning and disinfecting, transportation, food service, technology, health services, athletics, extra-curricular activities and remote learning.  Once we have more information, we will share it with the community.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact your child’s building principal or myself.

Thank you and be safe.

May 11, 2020

Families of the Reading Schools, Reading, MA

Fourth Annual Summer Groceries Program

The Reading Conference of Saint Vincent de Paul Society is pleased to invite you to share in the Fourth Annual Summer Groceries Program.  As in previous years, this free program is being offered to families of students who participate in the National School Lunch Program in the Reading Public Schools during the academic year.

We have a limit of 40 participants this summer.  These students will be selected on a first come first serve basis.  If the program is already filled when you email us, please consider enrolling in the Reading Food Pantry at the Olde South United Methodist Church, 6 Salem St., Reading.

Groceries will be distributed on the ten Wednesdays of the summer starting on June 17, 2020 through August 19, 2020.  This summer your groceries will be delivered to your home in Reading by our partners at the Knights of Columbus Organization.

Register your child(ren) with us by providing us the following information:

1. The last name of the child(ren)
2. Number of students in your family
3. The address where you would like us to drop off these bag(s)
4. Which OUTSIDE door you would like us to drop off these bag(s)
5. Send this information to us via email at st.agnes.reading.svdp@gmail.com

VERY IMPORTANT NOTICE: Although we are very sensitive to friends with food allergies, we are not able to meet everyone’s personal needs.  Just as you would shop in a store, we ask you to select the items for your family; and if there is something that you cannot use, please pass it on to someone else.

All the best wishes to you and your family for a safe and healthy summer,

Alicia Gallagher, Coordinator of Summer Lunch Program

Good Afternoon, Reading Public School Families,

I wanted to share with you some thoughts and reflections as we now enter our eighth week of this public health crisis and school closure.  During this time, I have seen and experienced how our school and town employees and the community can come together and overcome the obstacles that face us during this health crisis.  For example, I have seen first hand our teachers, administrators, and other staff step up to this challenge, reinvent school on the fly, and work tirelessly to try to provide connection, support, and learning opportunities for the 4300 students in the Reading Public Schools.  There are some amazing and creative ways that our teachers are connecting with our students and teaching them interactive lessons.  Our community has rallied around our RMHS Class of 2020 with lawn signs, balloons, virtual proms, and other upcoming activities..  I have also seen our food service, custodians, facilities staff, nurses, and technicians come to work on a regular basis, amidst this pandemic to make sure our buildings are safe and sanitized, our most vulnerable students have access to food and technology, and that our most compromised citizens in our community have access to public health support and foundational needs.  Throughout this pandemic, I have been honored to be a part of an outstanding group of town and school officials who have worked collaboratively to manage this crisis for our community.  One such example was this past week when town officials, police, fire, facilities, schools, DPW, public health, and over 50 volunteers, including 30 students, distributed 6000 face masks in less than 2 hours to our senior citizens.  Our community has clearly stepped up to the plate and this is the part of Reading that makes me proud to be part of this community..

I have observed as we have phased in remote learning that there are three groups of families, a group that is overwhelmed with what we are offering, a group that is very happy with what we are doing, and a group that feels we are not doing enough and they want more synchronous time for their children.  We appreciate the many positive comments and constructive feedback that we have received from parents from all different grade levels.  This feedback has been very helpful as we continue to improve what we are doing.  Unfortunately, we have also received our share of negative, hurtful, and unconstructive comments.   In some ways, it is understandable, given the fact that we are all juggling multiple responsibilities and there is a growing level of frustration because we have not been able to live our “normal” life as we knew it just 8 short weeks ago.  However, when negative comments become personal and attacking to the very people I described above, I feel compelled to respond.

Last week was Teacher Appreciation Week, a time in our country where we show our appreciation for the work our teachers do each and every day for our students.  Even more so this year, we can see first hand how important teachers are to our society.  Unfortunately, during a week of what should have been celebration, especially during this challenging year, turned into a referendum with some members of the community with negative facebook posts and an anonymous survey asking parents to compare classrooms across the district to see if there are inequalities with remote learning.  Needless to say, our staff can view these posts and one can only imagine how they must feel.  Other hurtful and disrespectful posts and emails have been sent over the last several weeks to teachers, principals, administrators, myself, and School Committee members, portraying a school district where no one is learning, no one is being supported, and in which no one cares about their children.  This is far from the truth.

I will be the first to admit that what we have done over the last 8 weeks is not perfect and I wish that we had a remote learning platform prior to the pandemic where we could just flip the switch and go to this new world.  I will take responsibility for that gap in our infrastructure and we are working as quickly as possible on a solution.  We also know that there are inconsistencies in what we are doing across grade levels and schools and we are working to improve those inconsistencies.  However, in spite of all of those challenges and their own personal challenges, I am very proud of what our teachers, staff and administrators have done in this short period of time.  Like you, most are juggling their own family responsibilities, some are caring for sick members, and others are sick themselves.  But, throughout all of this health crisis, they have done everything that they can do to connect with our students and help them learn in this virtual world.

We know that we have challenges up ahead. Like any crisis, the only way that we are going to successfully navigate through this pandemic is by working together and not against each other.  We appreciate the work that families are doing to juggle their own situations and we know that everyone is stressed, tired, and concerned about when this will end and what daily life (school, work, and community events) will look like going forward..  The Reading Public School Educators have the same concerns and are developing plans to address those areas.  This new educational world will take planning, patience, and time.  But, at the end of the day, we will be a better school district for all students and better prepared for the next challenge that lies ahead, if we are all working together.  This is the Reading I know.  This is the Reading I hope we can be.

Looking for a something new to learn during this unimaginable time?  READING COMMUNITY EDUCATION is offering NEW ONLINE CLASSES for May and June.  Join us and learn about financial planning, Tax Savings, new online Drivers Ed Program class for RMHS Students and more.

NEW ONLINE READING COMMUNITY EDUCATION CLASSES:

The following classes are online, please see our registration page for times of classes.

ROADMAP TO A SECURE RETIREMENT INCOME:  What you should be doing if you are within 10 years of retirement! – MONDAY, MAY 11

TAX-SAVING FINANCIAL STRATEGIES AND SECURES ACT OF 2019 (WITH A 2020 CARES ACT UPDATE) – MONDAY, MAY 18

SAVVY SOCIAL SECURITY AND MEDICARE PLANNING:  What you need to know now to maximize your benefits! – MONDAY, MAY 25 

ATHLETIC ADVANTAGE TO COLLEGE ADMISSIONS – THURSDAY, MAY 28

NEW DRIVERS EDUCATION ONLINE CLASS:

RMHS STUDENT DRIVERS ED PROGRAM CLASS – STARTING TUESDAY, MAY 26

TO REGISTER ONLINE or to view more class information with times of classes and details on the new online classes:

http://www.reading.k12.ma.us/community/adult-and-community-education/

Good Afternoon, Reading Public School Community,

I hope that you and your families are doing well and are enjoying this beautiful weekend.  I am attaching, for your information, a copy of the Remote Learning Plan for Phase 3.  This plan was developed in collaboration with our administrators and teachers and builds upon the great work that has been going on in our classrooms during Phase 2 of remote learning with a goal of moving all students toward consistent engagement in remote learning with a focus on connectedness and on the content standards most critical for success in the next grade.

The full Phase 3 Remote Learning Plan is attached.  Here are some of the highlights of that plan, :

• Opportunities for connection between teachers and students-Our remote learning plan will focus on the following strategies to make connections between teachers and students.  Because two way communication and connections between teachers and students is critical for remote learning, teachers will have regular and consistent connections with students using the strategies below.

• • Synchronous “live” connections-Reading Public School Classroom Teachers and Specialists will be expected to offer synchronous opportunities with their students on a weekly basis.  The content and frequency will look different for each level and for each position.  Teachers will use an approved district videoconferencing tool to interact with students. These blocks may focus on social-emotional learning and could take the form of a class meeting, open circle activity, an SEL activity, advisory group, a share, interest-based groups, peer-support groups, or some other engagement strategy.  Teachers also may use these times for full classes special interest and/or small group focused classes.
  • Regular teacher “office hours”-Reading Public School Teachers will offer office hours (minimum of 2 times per week at elementary and 3 times per week at secondary) when students can drop in via computer or phone to get help with assignments and/or check in with their teacher.
  • Individual calls to students from Reading Public School Teachers and staff-Building principals will continue to implement a system to check in on student’s well-being.  Teachers will check in on students who may be struggling, may not be engaged or intermittently engaged in remote learning or to review feedback on student work.
  • Opt-in, interest based peer groups-Reading Public School Teachers, paraprofessionals or other staff could have clubs and activities such as book clubs, drawing workshops, sing alongs, etc.
  • Counselor-facilitated peer support groups-will be developed by our counseling staff organized around a common student need.
• Focus on prerequisite content standards-Remote learning lessons should focus on the prerequisite elementary and secondary content standards that were released by DESE on April 24^th.  These standards have been identified by DESE as critical for success in the next grade for math, English language arts, science, and history/social studies.  The Reading Public Schools will give further guidance on these standards in the near future.
• Ensure supports and scaffolds for students with disabilities and English learners-General education teachers, special education teachers, and ESL teachers should be working together to ensure supports are in place for students with disabilities and English learners.  DESE guidance on English learners is located here.  DESE guidance on special education is located here.  In addition, our special education department has created information for families located here.

• Provide a manageable number of lessons and assignments-As stated in the March 26^th guidance from DESE, the overall student remote learning day is expected to last approximately half as long as a normal school day.  However, academic time on task will vary by grade level with enrichment opportunities filling in the remaining remote learning time.
• Developing a system for identifying and supporting students not effectively engaged in remote learning-There are a population of students in each school who are not being reached in remote learning or are only intermittently engaged.  These are students who may have other foundational needs (food, technology, mental health support).  The purpose of this section is to continue to identify and address the specific barriers students are facing.  We have a moral obligation to do all we can to reach out and engage all students in the Reading Public Schools.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact your child’s building principal or me.

Enjoy the rest of the weekend!

Sincerely,

John Doherty, Superintendent of Schools

John.doherty@reading.k12.ma.us

Phase 3 RPS Remote Learning Plan for Community

This is a community alert from the Town of Reading.

Dear Resident,

On Wednesday, May 6, the Town will conduct a MASK DISTRIBUTION EVENT for residents age 60 and over and medically fragile individuals.

Masks will be distributed 2 per person and up to 6 per vehicle from 9AM-11AM, in the parking lot behind the Reading Memorial High School Field House.

Residents should enter the High School property from Oakland Road and follow the directions from Police Officers on site. Residents should stay in their vehicles for mask distribution.

Again, masks will be distributed in the parking lot behind the RMHS Field House on Wednesday, May 6, from 9am-11am for residents age 60 and over and medically fragile individuals. Distribution will continue until 11AM or until supplies last.

Visit ReadingMA.gov for more information.

Thank you.

Good Afternoon,

There will be a meeting of the Reading School Committee this evening at 7:00 p.m.  The meeting will be held remotely and will be shown on RCTV and at the link located here.

The School Committee agenda and packet is attached below.

Thanks.

 

SC MEETING 4.30.20

 

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.

• Family Resources

• Staff Resources

• Community and Outside Resources

• Remote Learning: Social Emotional Resources

 

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

Covid-19help@ci.reading.ma.us

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

covid-19@ci.reading.ma.us

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.