Dear North Reading Public Schools Community,

Last evening the North Reading School Committee voted to accept the recommendation to take only Monday, April 20, 2020 and Friday, April 24, 2020 as vacation days next week.  This means that Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday of next week will be remote learning days. Each school will be sharing more information soon about what those days will look like at each level.

The School Committee also decided not to change our end of year date at this time as we may need to use some or all of the additional three (3) vacation days in the future if the school closure is extended beyond May 4, 2020. If we do not use those additional three (3) vacation days we would end our year three (3) days earlier. Once we have more information about whether there is to be an extension of the school closure we can identify additional breaks and a last day of school.

Our Remote Learning Plan is now in its second week. We continue to offer structured learning for our students that is flexible in order to meet the unique challenges that our students and families are facing. However, it is important that all students engage with this work to the best of their abilities. During this period of closure it is expected that all students follow the Remote Learning Plan and communicate with the teachers regularly to discuss any questions or concerns. We are confident that we can best meet the needs of all students if we follow this plan and communicate regularly when there is a need for flexibility.

Additionally, the leadership teams at all three levels are discussing a timeline and the supports that we would need to have in place in order to move into Phase 2 of our Remote Learning Plan. This phase would allow for the introduction of new content and so we would ensure that students have the supports from their teachers and related support staff to adjust to these new concepts. Most likely all other aspects of the Remote Learning Plan (schedule, etc.) would remain the same in Phase 2. Schools would also communicate more information about how grading and assessment will look during Phase 2 and we will continue to be fair and flexible with our plans. More information will be coming soon from your Principal.

As always, thank you for your support and all that you do with our students each day.

Dr. Daly