Hanover Public Schools Closure Announcement 3/13/20

After a great deal of deliberation and collaboration with our surrounding communities, we have collectively decided to close from Monday, March 16 through Friday, March 27.  Over the next two weeks, we will reassess to determine if a longer closure is warranted. This decision was made earlier today in consultation with, and in line with, over 25 other South Shore school districts. 

Earlier this morning, our District leadership team participated in a conference call with the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH). On that call, we learned that the state is not recommending statewide school closure at this time, and thus the decision remains in our hands. Although we still do not have any positive or presumed cases of Covid-19 in Hanover, we believe being proactive in this situation is critical to supporting not only our schools, but the healthcare and public safety systems we rely on to keep our communities safe. Our top priority is the health (both physical and mental) and safety of Hanover students and staff, and I believe that the decision to close the District is in direct alignment with this responsibility. 

Some good news: Yesterday, we reported that a student was in contact with a person who later tested positive for COVID-19. As you are aware we received guidance from the Hanover Health Department to close and sanitize schools today pending additional information. We have since received information from the Massachusetts Department of Health Epidemiologist that the infected person that our student came in contact with was not symptomatic at the time of the contact. Further, the amount of face-to-face contact was fewer than 15 minutes so our student is now characterized as extremely low risk, does not need any quarantine or any action that is different from any other individual in our community. There is no risk from this situation to any of our students or staff.

Later today, and throughout this closure, we will communicate with all of you as frequently and transparently as possible. More information about academics, operations, and health issues will follow through our normal communication platforms.

Our community has been simply incredible with providing me and our team with support and cooperation as we navigate this unprecedented challenge with so many unknowns and complex issues. It is deeply appreciated.

Sincerely,

Matt Ferron
Superintendent of Schools