Update on Reopening of Schools: August 7, 2020

Update on Reopening of Schools: August 7, 2020
Posted on 08/07/2020

View translated versions of message: Spanish | Amharic | Chinese | Haitian-Creole

Dear CPS families, staff, and students,

Late last night, the School Committee voted to approve the Superintendent’s recommendation to re-open schools with a staged approach, if certain conditions are met to ensure student, family, and staff health and safety. The presentation from and video of last night’s meeting are here.

The following is a summary of the re-opening plan for September:

  • Remote learning for all students with in-person options for preschool-3rd grade (with capacity limits at 2nd and 3rd grades)
  • Remote learning for all students with in-person options for students with disabilities in substantially separate programs (preschool-12) and English learners in Sheltered English Immersion programs (JK-12)
  • Remote learning for all other students in grades 4-12
  • The year will begin in stages: Family conferences begin September 14. Students begin school on September 16 with at home learning, students will have half days the week of September 21 and transition to full days the week of September 28

Conditions for approval:

  • A COVID-19 testing plan;
  • Approval of a final Safety and Facilities manual;
  • Independent analysis of building spaces;
  • Use of classrooms only if they meet the requirements in the analysis; 
  • Ongoing use of key metrics centered on equity and vulnerable populations disproportionately affected by COVID 19; (See draft safety metrics)
  • Co-created plan for substantially separate classrooms by educators, families, administration, and Taskforce experts;
  • Exploration of childcare options for students engaged in remote learning; and
  • A social-emotional learning, mental and behavioral health plan for students. 

Next week, look out for an important form for families to complete regarding options and needs for this school year. Click here for more information on CPS planning efforts.

As we continue to face an uncertain and evolving pandemic, changes to this reopening plan may be necessary as we learn more information in the coming weeks. As such, the plan and the School Committee’s vote is subject to change.

There are many questions and much work ahead. I am committed to working with educators, families, students, and partners to support the education and well-being of our young people during this challenging time. Thank you for your support.

Sincerely,

Kenneth Salim, Ed.D.
Superintendent

Please join in the upcoming opportunities:

August 11 |11AM: CPS Staff Q&A Session
August 11 | 3:30PM: Town Hall with Special Education Families, Office of Student Services
August 11 | 5:30PM: Joint City Council and School Committee Roundtable
August 12 | 4:30PM: Town Hall: Spanish-speaking families
August 12 | 5:30PM: Town Hall: Haitian-Creole speaking families
August 13 | 4:30PM: Town Hall: Bengali speaking families
August 13 | 5:30PM: Town Hall: Amharic speaking families
August 20 | 3 PM: Briefing: Summer 2020 Learnings

Additional sessions to be scheduled.

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