Good Evening, Reading Public School Community,

Throughout this pandemic, our focus in returning back to school has always been the health and safety of our staff and students while providing the best learning environment possible given our current situation.  As described in our Fall Reopening Plan, the measures that we are taking include satellite rooms to allow for six foot physical distancing, proper wearing of face covering, practicing proper hand hygiene, having parents self-check children at home for symptoms, ventilation filter enhancements in our buildings, and increased and enhanced cleaning and disinfecting.  Our learning environment includes additional remote learning tools, learning platforms, adequate laptop supplies for our students, and high end cameras for improving learning in our satellite classrooms.

For our plan to be successful, we need to make sure all of the above components are in place and operating effectively before we can safely implement the hybrid model.  Unfortunately, due to the impact of COVID-19 on all areas we have experienced several logistical and staffing challenges that have delayed the implementation of the plan.  Our challenges include filling staffing vacancies due to an increased volume of leaves of absences and accommodations for our staff who are unable to work in person, delayed delivery of technology devices, the challenge of scheduling and retrofitting classrooms with the appropriate amount of furniture and technology infrastructure and effectively implementing our learning platforms.

Due to the above challenges, we are going to need to change our phase in hybrid plan to reflect a later in person start date for most groups of students.  This delay will allow us to hire and train staff for the vacant positions, receive and appropriately set up the technology and learning platforms, and set up the classrooms for an effective hybrid model of learning.  We will still provide in person instruction for our high needs, RISE Preschool, and Kindergarten students beginning on September 15th.  All other students will start the school year in a remote model.

At the August 27^th School Committee meeting, we will provide a revised phase in plan which will reflect the above changes.  At the School Committee meeting this evening the Committee will defer public comment on this topic until the next meeting.

We apologize for the timing of this notice and we realize the frustration that this will cause for families in trying to secure additional child care.  However, we felt it was important that you received this information as soon as possible.  We appreciate your patience as we revise our plan.  We are looking at all options to address the concerns.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at john.doherty@reading.k12.ma.us.

Sincerely,

John F. Doherty

Superintendent of Schools

Good Afternoon, Reading Public School Community,

I hope you are having a safe and enjoyable summer.  Here are a couple of updates:

1. Fall Reopening Plan, Version 2.0-I have attached, for your information, Version 2.0 of the Fall Reopening Plan.  This is the plan that I submitted to DESE this morning.  This plan has the following major additions/changes from Version 1.0.
   1. Updated Elementary and Middle School Schedules
   2. Additional Information on servicing EL students
   3. Updated phase in plan to reflect changes with kindergarten
   4. DESE metrics when determining change in models
   5. Updated information on remote option
   6. Updated information on proper mask types

2. Approved mask types-I know that several of you will be coming into the buildings towards the end of next week, so I wanted to inform you about the type of masks and face coverings that will not be allowed due to its ineffectiveness.  Recently, a research study was conducted from Duke University regarding the efficacy of different types of masks.  What they found was that neck fleece, neck gaiters, bandanas, knitted masks, and masks with vents are not as effective as other cloth face coverings and medical face masks.   Therefore, we are asking that those types of face coverings not be worn by staff.  We will have a similar restriction when we open up school in a few weeks for students.

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

Take care and be safe.

Fall School Reopening Plans-Comprehensive-Version 2.03

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