The Reading Public Schools has been invited to attend a Conference on Trauma-Informed Approaches in School:  Supporting Girls of Color and Rethinking Discipline on Monday, September 19^th at the White House in Washington, D.C.  The Conference is being sponsored by The White House Council on Women and Girls (CWG), the U.S. Department of Education (ED), the Georgetown Law Center on Poverty and Inequality (Center on Poverty), and The National Crittenton Foundation (TNCF).  Our district was invited to attend because of the work that we have doing with trauma-sensitive schools, school discipline, and/or health supports (including mental health supports).  This convening will bring together a number of select states and districts, as well as key researchers and experts in this topic, and nonprofit partners who have demonstrated a strong commitment to improving supports and outcomes for this vulnerable population. Superintendent of Schools John Doherty, Director of Student Services Carolyn Wilson, and District Leader of Social and Emotional Learning Sara Burd will be representing the district at the Conference.

Good Morning, Reading Public School Community and Happy Labor Day Weekend!

We hope that your first week of school went well.  The link below is our weekly Pathways Newsletter for Reading Public School parents.  The purpose of this newsletter is to provide district wide information on a variety of topics, as well as, timely articles on education that parents may be interested in.  This is the third year that we have published this newsletter as we continue to improve the communication with Reading Public School families.

This week’s newsletter contains information about the Financial Forum that was held last week, an article about connecting with students in the first days of school, and several links to parent resources about the opening of school.  In addition, we have photos from the Opening week of school.

Enjoy the rest of the weekend and the week ahead!

Pathways Newsletter V3N1

Last spring, School and Town leadership conducted a series of Community Listening Meetings, where residents and businesses gathered to hear an update on the town’s financial condition, and voice their opinions about what levels of service they desire.

This past summer, elected Boards and senior management worked together to come up with solutions to the shortfall in financial resources available to provide desired service levels. In mid-August the Board of Selectmen called for a Special Town Meeting on September 12^th to discuss Senior Tax Relief and the financial condition of the town; and a Special Election on October 18^th to ask the voters for a $7.5 million Override of Proposition 2-1/2. This would be the first such Override request in about 13 years.

On September 1^st the community is invited back to a Financial Forum at 7pm in the RMHS Performing Arts Center. At this meeting you will hear presentations from the School and Town leadership on the proposed solutions to maintain existing service levels that you requested, to restore a modest amount of previous budget reductions, and why this Override should reasonably be expected to last at least until 2025.

Dear Reading Public School Families:

Each year, we review, revise, and update our safety and emergency plans to align with current best practices.  As part of this review process, we would like to inform you of some specific guidelines that will affect you and your child. Attending to your child’s safety in school is of greatest importance to our school district. Our response procedures are reviewed regularly so that we can make prompt and responsible decisions in the event of an emergency. The purpose of this letter is to review some of our routine procedures. Please read this information so that you will be aware of our safety efforts, and know what you should do in case of emergency.

Please help us in the following ways:

• Keep medical information on file for your child up-to-date. It is very important that you notify the school nurse of any health or medication changes.
• Keep all emergency contact information current, and inform the school secretary if there are changes in your cell, office or home phone numbers.
• Register for your family District Parent Portal account so that you may access this site for information if needed, and make sure that your email address is up-to-date.
• During an emergency, please do not call the school. Telephone lines need to be kept open for emergency calls. We will keep you notified through our Blackboard Connect notification systems.
• Cooperate with visitor sign-in and identification procedures at all times. When you enter any of our schools, please go to the Main Office.  A member of our staff will be there to assist you.
• In an emergency situation, do not immediately drive to the school. Access routes may not be open, and additional traffic will interfere with safety procedures and put students at risk. Refer to the listed radio and television stations and our Connect Ed message system for instructions and emergency information.
• Please have your family review and practice responses to emergency situations at home, including instructions that your child should following the event of an early dismissal if you are not at home.
• Subscribe to our social media tools that we will also use to keep you updated. They are as follows:

• Website:  www.reading.k12.ma.us
• Superintendent’s Blog:  https://retiredsuperintendent.wordpress.com/
• Twitter Account: @ReadingSchools
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Readingpublicschools

• Please give us any feedback on our safety and security procedures and how we can improve.

Off-Site Evacuation/Dismissal Policy:

In an extreme emergency when a school has been evacuated and it is not possible to return, an off-site meeting place may be needed. Parents will be directed (through BLACKBOARD CONNECT) to go to a designated reunification center in the community. The Superintendent, with public safety personnel, will determine the location that best meets the needs of the specific emergency, and staff will be on site to assist with dismissal procedures using the following guidelines:

• No student will be dismissed from a primary or secondary evacuation site unless a parent (or individual designated by a parent on the Pupil Information Card) comes for him/her and is able to present photo ID upon request.
• All parents or designated persons who come for students will be required to sign out at the front office (or from a designated alternate release location in certain emergencies).
• In addition to the above notification sources, signs will be posted if an alternate location is needed.

Throughout the school year your child will be trained in emergency procedures.  Each school will have at least four fire drills, 2 enhanced lockdown drills (A.L.I.C.E), and 1 shelter in place drill.  Schools may have a full school evacuation drills this year to an offsite location.  Our secondary schools may have a canine search of lockers, public areas, some classrooms, and the parking lot as part of the School Committee Search Policy.  She/he will learn how to react, where to assemble, and what to expect in an emergency situation. While it can be unsettling to think about situations that require emergency response, frequent review and practice will reduce hazards and help everyone to be prepared in an actual event.

HEALTH, SAFETY AND EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS:

In an emergency, we will make every effort to keep you informed so that you will understand the situation, what is being done in response, and any instructions for families. Information will be disseminated in many ways, including:

• Broadcast on local cable and television stations
• District BLACKBOARD CONNECT notification system (See separate form for more details)
• District website (reading.k12.ma.us )
• Automated telephone, email, and text messaging via BLACKBOARD CONNECT and Edline
• Reading Public Schools Facebook Page (https://www.facebook.com/Readingpublicschools )
• Reading Public Schools Twitter (@ReadingSchools)

When providing phone numbers for emergency contact, please provide us with phone numbers without extensions If possible, list only lines and cell phones that will be answered by you or a person that you have authorized to pick up your child in an emergency. Be sure to inform your co-workers if you have listed your place of employment as an emergency contact number, and inform the school(s) if any of your contact information changes throughout the year.

EVACUATION:

The need to evacuate students from a building before the regularly scheduled dismissal time could arise from a relatively minor incident such as a power failure, or from a major event such as fire or bomb threat. During evacuation, students are guided to the nearest exit and assemble at an established location. Communication into the school, dismissal times and transportation may be temporarily disrupted. Families will receive information and instructions from the listed communication sources.

ENHANCED LOCKDOWN OR SHELTER-IN-PLACE:

Enhanced Lockdown (A.L.I.C.E.) or shelter-in-place is implemented when it has been determined that conditions outside of the classroom or building are potentially unsafe. Situations that may activate an enhanced lockdown/sheltering response include a hazardous materials situation near the school, police activity close by, or potential intruder alerts. While enhanced lockdowns are extremely rare, enhanced lockdown drills are conducted periodically to ensure that staff members and students are prepared to respond confidently and calmly. During an enhanced lockdown drill, as with an actual event, students and staff remain quietly in a designated location within the room or are guided to a secure location either inside or outside of the school to wait for the “All Clear” signal.  It is possible, based on the situation, that students will evacuate the school the school to a predetermined location. It is not possible for anyone to enter or exit the building until an “All Clear” signal is given by the principal or public safety official. Information concerning the lockdown is given to families through the listed communication sources.

EARLY OR DELAYED DISMISSAL DUE TO INCLEMENT WEATHER:

In severe weather or similar emergencies when travel conditions are expected to deteriorate, it may be necessary to take the precaution of an early dismissal, or to delay dismissal until conditions improve. You will be informed of modified dismissal times through the communication sources listed above.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact your building principal or the Reading Public Schools Administrative Offices.

Have a healthy, safe, and productive school year.

Sincerely,

John F. Doherty, Ed.D.

Superintendent of Schools

Dear Reading Public School Families:

I hope that you had an enjoyable summer.  Welcome to the 2016-17 school year!  Each year, we are required by Federal, State, and local laws and policies to distribute certain informational flyers which are meant to inform you about your rights and your child’s rights in a public school setting.   In addition, we have sent you information about your child via your parent portal which you are required to complete and update.  This information is very important because they provide us with contact information in case of an emergency, as well as, permissions that allow your child to fully participate in educational activities.

In order to conserve paper, we are only distributing to you the information that you either need to complete and return, or is required by law or school committee policy for us to distribute to you in paper copy.  Those forms will be sent to you via U.S. Mail.  This includes the Blackboard Connect form and parent permission form.  Please complete the forms that are mailed to you and your parent portal information no later than    Friday, September 9^th.  You can also print paper copies of these forms on the Reading Public School District Website, http://www.reading.k12.ma.us/district-information/first-day-school-fliers/ or pick up paper copies at your child’s school.

In addition, some informational flyers will not be distributed by paper and will also be posted on the link above.  If you would prefer to have a paper copy of these flyers, please contact Linda Engelson, the Administrative Assistant for the Superintendent, at 781-944-5800 or by email at linda.engelson@reading.k12.ma.us.

Please take a few moments to read these important fliers located at http://www.reading.k12.ma.us/district-information/first-day-school-fliers/ :

1. School Committee Policy ACAB/ACAC on Harassment, Discrimination, Bullying and Hazing-This policy has been updated to reflect the Massachusetts Anti-Bullying and Gender Equity Laws.
2. Notification of Rights under FERPA-This letter describes the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) which affords parents and students over 18 years of age certain rights with respect to the student’s education needs.
3. Directory Information-FERPA requires that the Reading Public Schools, with certain exceptions, obtain your written consent prior to the disclosure of personally identifiable information from your child’s education records.  However, the Reading Public Schools may disclose appropriately designated “directory information” without written consent unless you have advised the District to the contrary.  This letter describes the directory information and the process and has been updated since last year.
4. Notification of Rights Under the Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (PPRA)-This letter explains the Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (PPRA), which affords parents certain rights regarding our conducting of surveys, collection and use of information for marketing purposes, and certain physical exams.
5. Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) and Children Families and Protection Act-This letter outlines procedures to notify parents and faculty under the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) and the Children Families and Protection Act (Use of Pesticides).
6. Acceptable Use Policy and Internet Safety Agreement for Students-This document explains in detail the Reading Public Schools Acceptable Use Policy and Internet Safety Agreement for Students.  Parents should read this policy carefully with their child and sign on the Pupil Emergency Card.  This document has been updated to reflect the changes that have occurred in the cyberbullying aspect of the Massachusetts Anti-bullying law.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the Superintendent’s Office or your child’s school.  We look forward to working with you and educating your child during this upcoming school year.

Sincerely,

John F. Doherty, Ed.D.

Superintendent of Schools

It’s Almost Time! Temporary Library Closing Soon

We are excited to share:

The Library’s Big Move Back is coming! It is almost time for the temporary Library at 80 General Way to close.  Our last day open will be Friday, August 19. The Library will be closed beginning Saturday, August 20 and will remain closed for at least four weeks, as we pack up and move back to our beautiful renovated library building at 64 Middlesex Avenue.

To keep updated on details about when we will be reopening, check our “Library News” page and subscribe for emails or RSS feed, or call the library at 781-944-0840 to hear a recorded message.

While we are closed, be sure to have your library card and PIN handy to take advantage of our many online and digital services, such as:

Zinio

Freegal

Consumer Reports

Mango Languages

Overdrive Downloadable Books

Tutor.com

… and more

 

Have more questions about the Library’s Big Move Back? We’ve got answers.

Questions about the Big Move Back?

There is a lot of excitement about the Library’s Big Move Back to 64 Middlesex Avenue, and we are sure you have many questions! Here are the questions we’ve been getting, with the answers.

When does the temporary Library close?

The temporary Library at 80 General Way is closing Friday, August 19 at 5 p.m.

How long will the library be closed?

We anticipate being closed for at least 4 weeks.

How will I be notified when the Library is reopening?

Please call our phone number (781-944-0840) for a recorded message. Check our website’s “Library News” page for announcements and to sign up for emails updates or our RSS feed.

Will there be a Grand Opening event?

Yes, we are planning a welcome back celebration on Sunday, October 2 from 2-5.

How long can I check items out?

Beginning Monday, August 8 all items will have an extended loan period of 6 weeks.

Can I still request books/DVDs/CDs/Magazines?

Yes! However, as of August 8, you may not choose “Reading Public Library” as the point of pick up. Until we reopen, please select any other NOBLE library to pick up your materials.

Where do I pick up items when you are closed?

Unless you have changed the pickup location for your holds, the holds will be suspended until we reopen. You will not lose your place in the queue for suspended holds. All holds will activate when we reopen.

What materials are available while the library is closed?                            

Please visit the “Discover” section of our website to access downloadable eBooks, audiobooks, music and magazines. All of our online research resources will remain available. You will need your card number and PIN! Please make sure you have it before we close.

Can I use other libraries during the closure?

Yes! Your card works at ANY public library in Massachusetts. Make sure you have your library card with you. Many libraries will not let you check out without one.

Can I return books while the library is closed?

The book drop will close at 5pm on August 19. However, you may return items at any other NOBLE library until we reopen.

Can I use Museum Passes?

Coupon style passes may be used while we are closed, but need to be picked up by 5pm on Friday August 19.  Beginning then, all passes will be unavailable to book until we reopen at 64 Middlesex Avenue.

PLEASE NOTE:  The middle and high school required summer reading titles will be available at the:

Lucius Beebe Memorial Library

345 Main Street

Wakefield, MA 01880-5093

By phone: 781-246-6334

By fax: 781-246-6385

By e-mail: email@wakefieldlibrary.org

http://www.wakefieldlibrary.org/

 

 

(We are sending whatever copies of summer reading we have available at the time of closing, over to Wakefield.)

This is an important message from Reading Community Alerts

Please be advised that on Thursday, July 28, weather permitting, the Town of Reading, through its contractor Lazaro Paving Corp., will be installing the final layer of pavement on Intervale Terrace, Birch Meadow Drive from Arthur B. Lord to John Carver Rd., Forest Glen Rd., and Curtis St. from South St. to George St.    Work will begin on Intervale at 7:00 AM and then proceed to Birch Meadow Drive, Forest Glen, and Curtis St., in that order as the day progresses.  In the event that the contractor is unable to complete Curtis St. on Thursday afternoon due to either time of day or inclement weather, the work will occur on Friday at 7:00 AM, weather permitting.  Detours will be in place and delays should be expected.  If you need your vehicle during this time, please relocate it outside of the construction area to avoid getting trapped in your driveway.  Parking will be prohibited within all construction areas while construction is occurring and will be strictly enforced by the Reading Police Department.  Please contact the Town’s Engineering Division at 781-942-9082 or visit their website at www.readingma.gov.  Thank you for your continued patience and we hope you have a great day.

Good Morning, Reading Public School Community,

This is a message from the Town of Reading regarding road construction on Birch Meadow Drive.  We wanted to alert any families who may have school or community programs in this area next week.

Please be advised that, beginning on Monday, July 18, the Town of Reading through its contractor Lazaro Paving Corp. will begin resurfacing Birch Meadow Drive from Main St. to John Carver Rd.  Detours and delays should be expected.  It is anticipated that work will take at least 3 weeks to complete.  While construction is occurring, parking on Birch Meadow Drive will be prohibited and will be strictly enforced by the Reading Police Department.  If necessary, vehicles should be parked on either Oakland Road or Arthur B. Lord Drive.   We apologize for the inconvenience. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Town of Reading Engineering Division at 781-942-9082 or visit their webpage at www.readingma.gov.  Thank you and have a great day!

Good Morning, Reading Public School Community,

This is a very sad time for the Birch Meadow community and the entire Reading community as we mourn in the  the passing of Mrs. Jolene Tewksbury, Grade 4 Teacher at Birch Meadow School.  Our thoughts go out to the Tewksbury family and the Birch Meadow Community during this time of sadness.

In addition to the services that will be held for Jolene today and tomorrow., we want to give families and students a chance to share their remembrances and honor Mrs. Tewksbury.   For this reason, two open houses have been scheduled at Birch Meadow School.  These are on:

Tuesday, July 12 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Monday, July 18 from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m.

At these open houses there will be a place to leave cards and letters for Mrs. Tewksbury’s family and to make cards and letters.  These will be delivered to her family home.  There will be a condolence book and the PTO is making flower ribbon pins for us to wear as a remembrance of Mrs. Tewksbury.

Counselors will be available at the open houses to provide support for children.  In addition, support will be available for parents who may be concerned about their children or want to ask questions about how to talk with children about death and grief.

During the year, we will continue to find ways to honor and remember Mrs. Tewksbury.  If the school  or the district can do anything to support you or your family at this time, please do not hesitate to contact us at 781-944-2335 (Birch Meadow) or 781-944-5800 (Reading Public Schools Administration Offices).

 

Good Afternoon,

Below are the service arrangements and obituary for Birch Meadow Teacher Jolene Tewksbury, who passed away unexpectedly on July 5^th.

http://mcdonaldfs.tributes.com/obituary/read/Jolene-L.-Tewksbury-103742990

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Tewksbury Family and the Birch Meadow Community during this time of great sadness.