Hanover Public Schools Home Learning and Operational Updates 4/22/20

April 22, 2020
Hanover H

As you know, Governor Baker has announced that all Massachusetts schools will be closed for the remainder of the school year.  Although expected, this is sad and disappointing news for all of us, and we needed a day to process the fact that we won’t be seeing our students again this year.  The reality is setting in, and we will move forward. The most important thing we can all do right now is to stay safe and healthy so that we can get back to a normal way of life.  

Our teachers and administrators will continue to collaborate and innovate to make the home learning experience as valuable and positive as possible for the next two months.  Your child’s principal will be reaching out to students and families to keep you updated on home learning plans and any changes that may come along.  The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) will be providing updated guidance to districts to help all schools move forward with priority learning standards to support a common level of continuity and equity.  We will keep you informed as that process moves along.  

There are many operational and cultural issues that need to be addressed to move us forward in a positive and supportive way. I won’t list all of them, but these are a few of the current topics of interest: 

Class of 2020 Graduation

We are actively exploring options to provide the most meaningful graduation experience for our current seniors – stay tuned.  Many thoughtful gestures and offers of support are coming from parents, teachers, and community members who have no direct connection to this graduating class.  This is another example of the kindness this community always shows in support of others.  Please be assured that graduation and other Class of 2020 activities are a top priority.  HHS Principal, Matt Paquette, is listening to feedback, and we will come up with a creative plan to honor and celebrate our graduates.  We will also be planning ways to celebrate the fourth and eighth graders as they move up to their next school.  

Personal Items at School

Each principal will be creating and sharing a plan to allow students access to their lockers and desks to retrieve personal items over the next several weeks.  This will require staggered building access along with careful social distancing and cleaning measures that need to be arranged.  If you have anything that requires urgent access, please contact your child’s principal.

Technology Needs

If your child needs a Chromebook, or you need any assistance accessing the technology needed for home learning, please reach out to your child’s principal for assistance and they will be happy to help you.  

Food Assistance

If you are in any need of food assistance, regardless of your circumstances, please reach out. We are here to help.  Email foodoutreach@hanoverschools.org or call 781-878-0786, extension 6100.  Your child does not need to qualify for free or reduced lunch to be eligible for this assistance.  

Extended School Year (ESY) Services

We are actively planning our ESY programming for students requiring special education services.  Our planning includes both in-person and virtual options dependent on the social distancing guidelines that may be effect for the summer.  We sincerely ask for your patience as we navigate this very challenging and fluid situation.  We are working on staffing, scheduling, and service delivery options without knowing the level of accessibility for the summer.  Our special education leadership team is evaluating as many options as possible and will be communicating with parents as we learn more.

School Calendar

The last day of school will be Friday, June 19, 2020.  Memorial Day will be observed on Monday, May 25, 2020.  As we learn more about state and local social distancing requirements in the future, we will be evaluating any potential impact on the 2020-2021 school calendar.  Hopefully, nothing will change and we can be back to school in September as planned!

Other Family Supports

For many families, this time of isolation, home schooling, and health and economic uncertainty has been very difficult both physically and emotionally. There are many resources available on our Home Learning website for social-emotional supports for children along with a list of local mental health service providers to assist anyone seeking additional help.  If your child is struggling in any way, or if you are overwhelmed, please don’t hesitate to contact your child’s principal for support. They want to assist in any way they can.  

Thank you again for your ongoing support of our students, staff, and families.  We will keep these communication channels open. Please stay safe and healthy.  

Sincerely,

Matt Ferron
Superintendent of Schools