Cummings letter: Grafton schools transitioning to ‘instructional model’ for students during pandemic

Today’s photo is by Michelle Kenney LaRose as an example of kids keeping positive during the COVID-19 school closure.

As you most likely are aware, all Massachusetts schools are now closed through May 4, 2020. Earlier this afternoon, the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education put out new guidelines to districts to assist in setting up alternative schooling opportunities for students during the closure.

I understand that many parents are already thinking of shipping their children to Siberia and at the same time are worried that their children are going to fall behind in terms of their education. In a way, it is a positive that all students in Massachusetts are faced with the same struggle. Together, all districts will work in collaboration to ‘catch up’ as needed when we do return to school.

While difficult, parents have done a great job in focusing on keeping our children happy, healthy, connected, and as engaged as possible in their learning. We will eventually return to normal and the students will get back on track. I think we will be amazed at how quickly students rebound from this unique challenge, student resiliency never ceases to amaze me.

We are currently working on a transition plan that will go into place next week, with more significant changes going into place the following week. As we develop our plans, we will provide updates both through my office and through principals and directors. The most significant changes will revolve around the following:

• Student accountability (participation will be required to pass/receive credits in grades 6-12),
• The creation of a greater definition of expectations and daily schedules
• We will be able to move forward with instruction and student work will be collected (this will be especially true at the secondary level)

The amount of work that goes into making these changes is overwhelming and entirely new. I can assure you that the GPS staff is working tirelessly to provide the very best for our students with the resources available.

Among the many immediate challenges and responsibilities that we face are centered on four central equity issues. We are doing our best to overcome these challenges. These four core challenges are being faced by all districts to different degrees:

1. Access to wi-fi – Some students don’t have access to reliable wi-fi. We are working with internet providers to provide services, as you can imagine the companies are struggling to meet demand state-wide.

2. Access to devices – Many students don’t have access to reliable devices. While the great majority of families have at least one device, they are often shared among children and there is more demand than ever for parents to be working from home as well. We have distributed over 100 Chromebooks to date and that effort continues to expand.

3. Access to parental supports – Many of our younger students are being watched by other family members while parents work and simply don’t have access to consistent educational and/or technical support during the day. As we develop schedules, we will be trying to provide for as much flexibility as possible so that work can be done when the opportunity presents itself on a daily basis.

4. Access to accommodations and modifications – Meeting the needs of all students is critical. Virtually replicating the vast array of supports that we provide to students with individual needs on a daily basis is going to be a significant challenge that we will give our very best effort to overcome. Our special educators and English Language Learning teachers will be working together and with general educators to provide as many ongoing supports as possible.

Next week (the week of 3-30) we will start transitioning to a more instructional model. The new model will go into place the week of April 6th. We will provide additional updates on the topic of instruction as well as additional issues we are dealing with. As always, feel free to contact me with any questions and concerns.

Sincerely,

-Jay

Jay Cummings is the Grafton Superintendent of Schools