Link to Consent Form

Date: February 6, 2021

Dear parents, caregivers, and guardians,

Thank you for your continued partnership during this unprecedented school year. In an effort to  prevent the spread of COVID-19, we have been working closely with the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) to implement a free COVID-19 pooled testing program for students and staff at our school.

The purpose of this letter is to ask your permission to regularly test your child as part of a pooled testing program at our school. Pooled testing involves mixing several individuals’ test samples together into one “pool” and then testing the pooled sample for COVID-19. This approach increases the number of individuals that can be tested at one time and allows us to regularly test our school community for COVID-19.  I have attached a power point presentation that was given earlier this week to the staff and community.

The pooled tests will be performed at least once per week with a shallow nasal swab for all participating students and staff members. Schools will receive the pool results within 24-48 hours. If the result of the pool is negative, then all individuals are presumed to not have COVID-19. If the result of the pool is positive, then all individuals in the pool must be retested individually. Because pooled testing does not give individual results, you will only be notified if your child requires follow-up testing. Our school district will be providing the Abbott BinaxNOW Rapid Antigen Diagnostic Tests for follow-up testing, so that students or staff in a positive pool can be tested as soon as possible and receive individual results in 15 minutes.

Our staff has been thoroughly trained on how to administer pooled testing, as well as the Abbott BinaxNOW Rapid Antigen Diagnostic Tests, if they are needed for follow-up testing.   Your child’s school nurse, the Director of Nurses, Mary Giuliana or building principal will notify you if your child is part of a positive pool and requires follow-up testing. The Reading Public Schools will also notify you of the individual follow-up test results and if your child is positive or negative and what to do in each scenario.

The Reading Public Schools will report all follow-up test results to DPH.  The Reading Public Schools will also provide positive follow-up test results (without names or other identifying information) to DESE’s Rapid Response Help Unit.

To give permission for your student to participate in the COVID-19 Pooled Testing Program at our school, including consent to transmit student information via the pooled testing technology platform, consent for any necessary follow up tests, and consent to share the test result information with the Department of Public Health and CIC Health (a third party [non-profit] organization contracted to compile consent for testing and to share test results), please complete this online consent form no later than Thursday, February 11^th.  We have attached a word version of the document to you to review prior to completing the form online.   Please note that all students that participate in person for athletics or extra-curricular activities are required to be tested to continue to participate in these activities.

We are extremely grateful to our committed staff and families that continue to show great flexibility and resilience as we navigate through this school year. It takes all of us working together to contain the spread of this virus. Each school in our district is excited to add pooled testing as another mitigation strategy for our school community, as we continue to work to work together toward the safe return of all students and staff to school.

If you have questions regarding the COVID-19 Pooled Testing Program, please do not hesitate to reach out to me.

Link to Consent Form

Thank you,

John F. Doherty, Ed.D.

Superintendent of Schools

Good Morning, Everyone,

I hope all is well.  Here is Winter Hybrid Update 8.  We will be sending out additional information about Pooled Testing later today. Have a great Super Bowl Sunday!

• COVID-19 Information-Here are the COVID-19 cases for this week.
  • Staff-We had 2 staff test positive, one at Birch Meadow (remote, no close contacts) and one at Joshua Eaton (in person, 45 students and 7 staff quarantined)
  • Elementary Students-We had four elementary students test positive, all were remote with no close contacts. (Birch Meadow, Barrows, Eaton, Wood End)
  • Middle School-We had four middle school students test positive, all were remote with no close contacts. (3 Coolidge and 1 Parker)
  • RMHS-We had two RMHS students test positive, one in person (1 student quarantined) and one remote (no close contacts)

• Pooled Testing-This past week, Community Forums were held regarding pooled testing.  Below is the Power Point Presentation for the forums.  A separate email is going out later today explaining this information in more detail.  If you have questions, please contact Director of Nurses Mary Giuliana (mary.giuliana@reading.k12.ma.us) or Superintendent of Schools John Doherty (john.doherty@reading.k12.ma.us)
  • Pooled Testing Power Point Presentation

• Fall 2 Sports Season-On Friday, the Middlesex League Athletic Directors and Superintendents met to discuss the Fall 2 Sports Season.  The tentative schedule for Fall 2 is as follows: 
  • Phase I (Practices/Tryouts) – Starts February 22, 2021

• The fall 2 sports season for practices/tryouts will begin no earlier than February 22, 2021.
• Individual schools will make decisions about the timing for beginning practices/tryouts based upon the local context of each school community up to 4 practices a week for varsity and 3 for sub-varsity teams.
• Over the two weeks of Phase I, schools will assess the effectiveness of sports modifications and cleaning protocols, as  well as the trajectory of the virus, to determine if athletics can proceed to Phase II – Interscholastic Competitions.
•   Phase II (Interscholastic Competitions) – Starts March 6th Volleyball, Girls Swim, Indoor Track March 19 Football, Cheer, and Dance

• Interscholastic competition can start March 6th (Volleyball, Girls Swim, Indoor Track & March 19 Football, Cheer & dance)
• Schedules will be designed, by sport, to match only two communities in a given week.
• Initially, up to two spectators will be permitted to attend any outdoor competitions. This number may be reduced depending on the facility and any other limitations placed on outdoor gatherings by the MA Department of Public Health.

• Snow Day or Remote Day?- I received a few questions regarding this past Tuesday being a snow day instead of a remote day.  Each school district is wrestling with this decision and several surrounding districts did call a snow day last Tuesday.  Here is my rationale:
  • First, we have several students (high needs, preschool, and kindergarten) who are unable to access remote learning because of their disability or developmental age.  Essentially, we would be excluding these students from a day of school.  This is denying them much needed services and learning opportunity.  We also have some employees that would lose a day’s pay if we went remote.  In the past, with a traditional snow day, those days would be moved to the end of June and they would not lose pay.  Unfortunately, now these employees need to be in person to work and would not be able to make up the opportunity because of the remote day.  For this particular snow day, I was also concerned that the forecast called for a noreaster with damaging winds, which could create power outages.  If students and/or teachers did not have power, we could not have a remote day of school and it would have been shifted to a snow day.  Finally, I am still optimistic that we will be in person at the end of the school year.  By having a traditional snow day, it potentially increases our in person days at the end year of the year not only for half the students, but perhaps all of the students.
  • Currently, we have had two snow days, so the last day of school is scheduled for June 21^st.

• SEPAC Meeting- 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 at the following Meeting link: Join Zoom Meeting

• Doc Wayne Update- Thank you to everyone who joined the Reading Coalition for Prevention & Support and Doc Wayne at an information session earlier this week to learn more about Doc Wayne’s youth therapeutic programs. If you were unable to attend an information session but are still interested in learning more about Doc Wayne’s services, please contact Maggie Yuan, Doc Wayne Program Director, at myuan@docwayne.org. If you have additional questions about adult and youth therapeutic options available to the Reading community please contact Sammy Salkin, Reading Coalition Outreach Coordinator, at ssalkin@ci.reading.ma.us.

• Food Distribution-This is a reminder that we are continuing our popular food distribution for all students and families.  Food distribution days are Wednesday, from 2:30-3:30 p.m. and Fridays from 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. at the bridge at Reading Memorial High School (near the east side of the field house)  Families are given 7 days of breakfast and lunch per child in their family.  No identification is necessary.  Please note that we will not be distributing food during February vacation week.

Good Morning, Reading Public School Staff and Families,

I hope that you are surviving this very cold weekend.  Here is Winter Hybrid Update #7.

• COVID-19 Information:  We had a total of 10 cases this past week.  Below are the cases by level:
  •   3 RMHS students-There was no in school exposure and no athletics exposure.  No students or staff were quarantined.
  •   1 Coolidge student-There was no in school exposure and no students or staff were quarantined.
  •   4 Parker students-There was three classes of students that were exposed.  33 students and no staff were quarantined.
  •   5 Wood End students-All unrelated.  There was one class that was exposed.  9 students and 1 staff member were quarantined.

• Community Forum This Week on Pooled Testing and Other Hybrid Updates-The Reading Public Schools is planning on moving forward with pooled testing in the near future as an additional mitigation step for all staff and students.  We will be holding staff and community forums this week to present what pooled testing is and also any other winter hybrid updates.  The community updates will be held on Zoom and will be at the following dates and times:

• Tuesday, February 2^nd–4:30-5:30 p.m.  The link to the forum is https://readingpsma.zoom.us/j/86289927087
• Wednesday, February 3^rd–6:00-7:00 p.m.  The link to the forum is https://readingpsma.zoom.us/j/82681326728

• Potential Snow Storm for Monday Afternoon/Tuesday-The current forecast for our area is predicting that snow will begin tomorrow afternoon at approximately 1:00-3:00 p.m. and will continue into the evening and Tuesday morning.  If school is impacted on Tuesday due to inclement weather, it will be a snow day and not a remote day.  We will keep you updated if conditions change.

• Second Semester/Third Quarter for Secondary Schools starts Tomorrow-Second Semester and Third Quarter begins tomorrow for our middle schools and RMHS.  In addition, elementary schools will switch art and music classes. 

• CDC Article on Reopening Schools-This week, you may have seen the CDC study on reopening schools  and accompanying articles.  It is important to continue to emphasize that the reason why in school transmissions are much lower than the rest of the community is because of all of the mitigation steps that our schools are taking.  This includes the 6 foot distancing, hand sanitizing, cohorts, cleaning and disinfecting, mask wearing, updated ventilation and upgraded filters, and staying home when a person has symptoms.  We are excited that we will now be adding pooled testing to those mitigation strategies.

• 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.

doc-wayne_readingDownload

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

Please see the attached information from Reading School Committee Chair Charles Robinson regarding the announcement of the finalists for the Position of Superintendent of Schools.

January 29, 2021

To:       Reading Public School Community and the Reading Community at Large 

From:   Chuck Robinson, Chair Reading School Committee

Re:        Superintendent of Schools – Reading Public Schools

As you are aware the Reading School Committee has been conducting a search for a new Superintendent of Schools to begin leadership of our school district effective June 30, 2021.  I am pleased to inform you that our search process has selected three exceptional candidates as finalists to be interviewed by the committee.  They are as follows:

• Dr. Matthew Janger, Currently High School Principal at the Arlington, MA Public Schools
• Mr. Thomas Milaschewski (Doctoral Candidate – June 2021), Currently Superintendent Resident at the Medford, MA Public Schools
• Dr. Stephen Zadravec, Currently Superintendent at the Portsmouth, NH Public Schools

The committee is excited about these candidates and we have planned various opportunities for all the stakeholders to meet these candidates and provide feedback.  Information on these forums and the feedback gathering mechanism will follow in a separate notice.

We look forward to announcing the Next Superintendent of the Reading Public Schools on February 11, 2021. 

Thank you,

Charles Robinson

Chair, Reading School Committee

I hope this note finds you all well and safe. Please know that no one can do more to protect the health and wellness of the Reading community than each of you – and please remember to look after each other.

Two days ago, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts changed their approach to Covid-19 vaccinations, with an emphasis on state-run large sites and online sign ups. As many of you know, the best locations for up-to-date information from the state are: https://www.maimmunizations.org and this map for state locations: https://www.maimmunizations.org/clinic/search.

Another useful map combines state and private locations, but not all are available to Reading residents: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-vaccination-locations-for-individuals-in-eligible-groups-and-phases. As I write this, the state is working to simplify the online application process, and we will keep the community updated. Right now, the emphasis is on completing Phase 1 eligible candidates (medical personnel and first responders); then moving to 75+ year old residents; 65+ year old residents; and then under 65-year-old residents with two or more serious medical conditions.

In Reading, since March 2020 we have provided updates on our home page www.readingma.gov. The red banner on the top of that page represents all the best information we have, along with many links to a lot more information. Recently we added a yellow ‘COVID-19 Vaccine Info’ button to that home page, which is also included within the red banner page.

Your Emergency Management team in Reading is prepared to run large scale local clinics, as Town and School staff have worked collaboratively and diligently through the myriad of logistics to make this happen. However, those plans were shelved by the new approach by the state, as we have been told that we will receive a maximum of 100 doses per week for the foreseeable future. At that rate, we would be vaccinating our 75+ year old residents well into next fall, let alone the other 20,000+ residents! I raised this point on a state-wide call on Tuesday, and the same frustration is happening everywhere.

Yesterday Governor Baker indicated that the uncertainty of vaccination supply is a national issue, and believes that the federal government will provide more information by early next week. This will allow the state to better plan vaccine distribution, and we will continue to advocate loudly for more vaccine so we may directly serve our residents locally.

Some folks have asked about actions in neighboring communities. For reference, we are in a public health region within the state that reaches to our north and west, and led by Andover. We challenged this setup earlier this winter, but it did not change. I am told that one of the charms of New England is the decentralization of government to the local level. While I often see and enjoy that charm, during a pandemic having Police, Fire and Public Health all in three different regional groups does not improve the efficiency of a coordinated response, a point I raised over a decade ago. Yet rest assured that we are using all of our relationships with other communities regardless of region to provide the best resources for Reading.

Today we have only 20 doses of vaccine on hand with another 50 doses on the way. So right now, our best advice is for neighbors to please help each other. Yesterday, I did hear from some residents that with persistence they were able to schedule appointments. However, we know that about 25% of our 75+ population do not use computers regularly, and the state’s online application process can be daunting.

We began the process to reach out proactively to lists of the frail and fragile residents that would most need our help. This help ranges from online computer assistance through medical rides. We have also contemplated delivering services to our home bound residents. However, our resources have been swamped by hundreds of incoming calls in the past 48 hours – very understandably. We have shifted additional staff to help out, and are keeping lists of requests so that we may soon return to our proactive work aimed at those most in need.

I believe the new approach by the state is a good one, and will, err… overcome some of that local charm when we are ready for broad vaccine distribution at Phase 3 sometime in the spring. In the meanwhile, we will advocate for more vaccine so that we may at least serve our most frail and fragile residents.

The pandemic has exhausted us all, in a wide variety of ways, physically, mentally and emotionally. One day in the future, we will all be well rested and calm, and able to look back critically on things that might have been done differently.

Today, however, is the time to remember to take care of each other and be a close-knit community.

The pandemic has isolated us in ways we could not have imagined. Isolationism is divisive. Please stop, take a deep breath, and call an elderly relative or neighbor that might need your help. Working together is the only way we’ll get the best results the community deserves.

Good Morning,

There will be a meeting of the Reading School Committee this evening at 7:30 p.m. (Please note change in time) on Microsoft Teams.  Here is the public attendee link to the meeting and the packet is attached.

Thanks.

Good Morning,

There will be a meeting of the Reading School Committee this evening at 7:00 p.m. (6:00 p.m. Executive Session) on Microsoft Teams.  The link to the meeting is below and the packet is attached.

Public comment can be given on the live chat section of Teams. Please list your full name to be recognized for public comment.

https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_NzVhNzY2MDQtYzI2Yi00NzY1LWEwOWQtZjRhOTUyM2Q2ZTlh%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%226b81bca4-cd59-4341-a904-ea2ff758fe2a%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%220201fbad-7d69-4c02-99db-cffbb16751d6%22%2c%22IsBroadcastMeeting%22%3atrue%7d

Thanks.

John Doherty

Superintendent

Reading Public Schools

82 Oakland Road

Reading, Massachusetts 01867

781-944-5800

John.doherty@reading.k12.ma.us

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

Good Afternoon,

Tomorrow at 10:00 a.m., the Reading Human Relations Advisory Committee will present “Beloved Community” in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.  You can access the event virtually at the following link. 

 www.facebook.com/hracofreadingma

Thanks and take care.

John Doherty

Superintendent

Reading Public Schools

82 Oakland Road

Reading, Massachusetts 01867

781-944-5800

John.doherty@reading.k12.ma.us

Good Afternoon, Reading Public School Staff and Community,

I hope that you are having an enjoyable weekend.  Here is Weekly Winter Hybrid Update #5.

• COVID-19 Information-Below is the latest information on the COVID-19 cases for this week.  Our cases were lower this week and many students who tested positive were remote.  We believe a combination of our district going remote last week, combined with the work that families and staff are doing with preventative measures contributed to the lower numbers.  Thank you for your efforts.
  • 3 RMHS students tested positive.  All three students were remote and there was no in school exposure.  However, all three are in season athletes and, as a result, 9 other athletes had to quarantine.  Unfortunately, this results in one of our teams being quarantined until 1/21.
  • 2 Coolidge Middle School students tested positive.  Both students were remote and there was no in school exposure.
  • 4 Elementary Students (Eaton, Birch Meadow, Killam) test positive.  All four students were remote and there was no in school exposure.
  • 1 RMHS Staff Member test positive.  As a result, 4 staff members and 2 students have been quarantined.

• School Nurses Receive First Dose of Vaccine-We are pleased to announce that our school nurses have received the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccination along with our Reading first responders.  Our nurses will be assisting in administering the vaccine to the community and to the schools.

• Reading Public Schools Professional Development Day on Friday-This past Friday, Reading Public School staff participated in several workshops focused on “Resiliency and Support in COVID impacted classrooms.  The topics focused on several areas including:
  • Cultural Proficiency
  • Uncovering Implicit Bias
  • Difficult Conversations About Race and Racism
  • How to begin courageous conversations
  • Technology Professional Development
  • Mindfulness and Meditation
  • Youth Mental Health First Aid
  • Creating a trauma sensitive classroom
  • And More!

I want to thank Assistant Superintendent for Learning and Teaching Chris Kelley and the Professional Development Committee for their efforts in organizing this day.The work that was done on Friday aligns with one of our goals in our current district improvement plan that focuses on equity and social justice practices, as well as, the social and emotional well-being of all students.Public schools need to provide safe places for all students to have discussion and dialog about issues of public concern such as equity and social justice.These professional development days provide the support and training needed to have those discussions and dialog.As I mentioned in my message to the Community last week, I am proud of the work that our Principals and staff are doing on this important topic and I support their work.

• FY22 Public Hearing and School Committee Meeting on Budget-There will be a meeting of the Reading School Committee on Thursday, January 21^st, beginning at 7:00 p.m.  The meeting will begin with a public hearing on the FY22 budget and continue with the regular SC meeting agenda.  Because of the nature of the public hearing, this meeting will be on Zoom and RCTV at the following link below.

https://readingpsma.zoom.us/j/81055755789

• Email-Recently, you may have received an email from john doherty <fixreadingschools@yahoo.com> . I would like to make it clear that this email did not come from me nor is this email or the website affiliated with the Reading Public Schools.  We cannot guarantee if the contents of this email is safe to open.

Have a great rest of the weekend and week ahead!