Coronavirus concern cancels school in Grafton
The Grafton Public Schools are shutting down next week, joining a growing list of schools and colleges that are taking cautions against coronavirus by temporarily shutting down.
Superintendent of Schools Jay Cummings announced the decision in an email to parents Friday afternoon.
“After consulting with the Board of Health, town administrator, and area superintendents, I have decided to close GPS for the week of March 16-March 20,” Cummings wrote. “All schools, offices, and grounds will be closed. During the week we will complete an extensive cleaning process.”
Cummings said the closure may extend through March 23, a decision that will be made by March 23.
Gov. Charlie Baker, declaring a state of emergency earlier this week, said schools will not be required to make up days closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Grafton continues to be on track to end the current session on June 18.
Baker announced Friday that the state was banning gatherings of more than 250 people in Massachusetts. Baker said the new ban included, but was not limited to community, civic, public and leisure gatherings, faith-based events, sporting events with spectators, concerts, conventions, fundraisers, parades, fairs, festivals, and any similar event or activity that brings together 250 or more persons in a single room or space.
That decision has led to the postponement of the Boston Marathon for the first time in its history. The traditional Patriots Day race moves to Sept. 14 for its 124th run.
The MIAA has also voted to delay the start of the spring high school sports season to March 30. They are also canceling the remaining state championship games this weekend.
Grafton Theatre Director Lisa Scarlett has announced the postponement of the spring musical, “Grease,” originally slated for April 3, 4, and 5.
Baker’s emergency order has also modified the Open Meeting Law. Public meetings are no longer required to be held in a physical accessible space, but municipal board meetings must make meetings accessible through other means, including telephones and livestreams. Town officials may participate remotely.
“If a municipal body can’t afford real-time access, they must post full transcript, recording, or other record of the proceedings as soon as possible,” Attorney General Maura Healey said on Twitter.
Numerous events planned in Grafton have been canceled, including the annual Mr. GHS pageant at Grafton High, Apple Tree Arts’ fundraiser gala Saturday, and Monday’s Jazz Night at Grafton High.
Cummings’ statement to parents:
The situation at hand has been challenging on numerous fronts. I appreciate everyone’s patience. This morning’s call with the state was disappointing, as very little guidance or direction was provided. Individual districts remain on their own in terms of decision-making related to the Coronavirus situation.
After consulting with the Board of Health, town administrator, and area superintendents, I have decided to close GPS for the week of March 16-March 20. All schools, offices, and grounds will be closed. During the week we will complete an extensive cleaning process.
There is a possibility that we will need to extend the closure into the following week (week of March 23rd). We will monitor the situation and communicate any decisions regarding the possible need for an extension by Thursday, March 19th.
I will continue to send out updates as needed. Those updates are made available on the district website and are sent out through email. A Facebook group has been created as a resource for questions and answers as well. That page is entitled “GPS Budget and Coronavirus Questions & Answers”.
Feel free to contact me with individual questions. I can be reached at cummingsj@grafton.k12.ma.usand I will do my best to respond as promptly as possible.
Sincerely,
Jay
