September 11, Reopening Updates

 Hello parents and families,

I begin today by taking a moment to think of those we lost on September 11, 2001. The students entering our schools were almost all born after those tragic events took place but it is still so important that we teach them to never forget what happened that day. 

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This week concludes our first full week back with our staff who engaged in professional development and collaboration. It was a very successful week for learning, sharing, and growing as a community. Last evening our Teachers and School Committee passed a Memorandum of Understanding and our buildings and Educators are prepared to begin receiving students next week.

Your building Principals should have sent information to you about the visitation schedule for next week that is specific to your child's grade level and school. If you seek more information please contact your building Principal.

On Thursday, September 17, 2020 all students in cohorts B and C will return to school in-person while students in cohorts A and D will be remote.

IMPORTANT REMINDERS

1. As we begin on campus next week for visitations and the first day of school all students and staff are expected to complete this electronic Daily Health Screener prior to arriving on campus (the morning of arrival and not the night before). This screener will serve as another tool in the self-reporting process and will provide our nurses, administration, and support staff the information we need to continue to keep our buildings safe.

2. If you are sick, please stay home! This is as important now as ever: please do not come to school for any reason if you are ill or have any symptoms. Everyone has the option to learn remotely and students will not fall behind if they take the time to stay home and get well.

3. All students and staff must wear a mask that covers the nose and mouth. We recommend the following, based upon CDC, DPH, and DESE Guidelines:

• *No one-way valves
• *Bandannas and neck gaiters are not allowed

Cloth masks should:

• *Cover your nose and mouth,
• *Fit snugly but comfortably against the side of the face,
• *Be secured with ties or ear loops,
• *Include multiple layers of fabric,
• *Allow for breathing without restriction, and
• *Be able to be laundered and machine dried without damage or change to shape.
• *According to recent studies, neck gaiters are not allowed 

4. The full school calendar is available here: https://www.north-reading.k12.ma.us/ and will allow you to view the days when the cohorts are attending. This will be particularly helpful to identify whether cohort A or B is scheduled for a Wednesday. Please note that while the calendar reflects specific release day Wednesdays for the entire district (prior to Thanksgiving, etc.) the elementary schools will have release days every Wednesday.

Finally, a huge thank you to our entire school community for all that you've done to help us remain safe and to prepare to open. The positivity rate in North Reading is trending in the right direction and we all need to continue to do our part to physically distance, wear masks, and be safe so that our community and schools will remain safe for our students and staff.

Have a wonderful weekend,

Dr. Daly