More than you really want to know about Natick, Mass.
LOCATION: Zoom event
The Natick Public Schools (NPS), in collaboration with the Natick Board of Health, in response to community members’ questions about when schools will reopen for full-time in-person learning has issued an update about likely next steps, along with an update of COVID cases in the schools.
The NPS currently are running on a hybrid learning model.
Natick High SchoolAlthough COVID cases continue to climb across the state, schools have been getting the message from Gov. Charlie Baker that they should move toward reopening full-time for in-person instruction.
In a letter to the community, Superintendent Anna Nolin said, “Certainly, bringing all students back would improve instruction, but that was not feasible in June and it is still not feasible at this point. Positive COVID cases in Massachusetts have risen to well over 1,000 daily. To return the students would mean to relax the standard of six feet of social distancing.”
Nolan says to undo safety protocols at a time when the Center for Disease Control continues to recommend six feet of social distancing would be premature.
Additional challenges the district faces are staffing classrooms when teachers are out as they await everything from COVID-19 testing results, to taking care of more garden-variety illnesses such as the common cold, to caring for their own children when they get sick. And finding substitute teachers? Forget about it. We saw one Facebook post for an out-of-state district in which the superintendent explained that the high school would be closed for the day because there would not be enough adults in the building to staff the place.
Meanwhile, everything from testing to hand sanitizer going forward will be on the school district as the last of the CARES money is allocated.
“Please know that we recognize the immeasurable value in having all students in our schools, and it is truly our goal to see their return as soon as it is feasible and safe,” Nolan continues. “However, given the challenges that we are presently facing, I hope this letter helps to explain the reasons that are preventing a full and immediate return to school at this time. I know that this perhaps renders disappointment for those who want a full-time return, and perhaps brings relief for those who wish to carry on with remote instruction.”
You can see Supt. Nolan’s letter in its entirety here.
Note: the State and the Governor have made changes to the leveling and metrics system for the state and to that end, the complete data that for NPS is not yet complete.
The COVID dashboard is updated weekly in conjunction with the Natick Board of Health.
The next School Committee meeting is Nov. 30. You can email the School Committee with any questions, concerns, or comments: schoolcommittee@natickps.org
MassBay Community College will hold its annual fall Open House, virtually, on Saturday, November 14, 2020 from 9:00AM – 12:00PM. MassBay President, Dr. David Podell, along with faculty, staff, students, and alumni, will remotely greet prospective students and their families.
Prospective students, from the comfort of their homes, can learn about MassBay’s 70 degree and certificate programs, transfer opportunities after studying at MassBay, free resources available at the college, as well as the admissions and financial aid processes. Prospective students will also be able to apply for admission during the Open House. Current MassBay students, alumni, and staff will be available to live chat and answer questions.
WHAT: MassBay Community College Virtual Fall Open House
WHERE: Online
WHEN: Saturday, November 14, 2020
TIME: 9:00AM – 12:00PM
*An RSVP is required at www.MassBay.edu/OpenHouse or call the Office of Admissions at 781-239-2500. Once registration is complete, MassBay will send an email with instructions on how to join the Open House.
LeDerick Horne is a poet, advocate, and co-author of the book Empowering Students with Hidden Disabilities: A Path to Pride and Success” (Brookes Publishing Co.). Within this presentation, LeDerick Horne will share his own experience as a student with a learning disability who was able to graduate from college with a BA in mathematics. LeDerick is now one of the nation’s most sought-after speakers dedicated to improving the outcomes of youth with disabilities. During this family-focused presentation, LeDerick will give advice to help all students develop positive identities as people with disabilities. Strategies for helping students reach their transition goals will as be shared as well as advice on helping students develop positive relationships in school and the adult world.
LeDerick will share his own experiences as a student with a learning disability and present strategies to promote student engagement and empowerment during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Update: 10/24/20: A recording of the program
Natick Is United invites you to a Racial Justice Panel Discussion with current Natick High School Students and Alumni, Superintendent Dr. Anna Nolin, Principal Brian Harrigan, School Committee Member Dr. Donna McKenzie, and Co-Facilitators
Melissa Patrick and Guimel DeCarvalho.
This will be a youth-led panel focusing on advancing racial justice in Natick. Hear from our youth about their experiences on a local level; learn what policies and supports are in place to address racism and discrimination in our schools, & find out more about the current and future curriculum.
There will be an opportunity for Q&A in the online chat, and people may send questions in advance to NatickIsUnited@gmail.com. The discussion will be recorded and available at natickisunited.org for those who are unable to attend the live event on Friday evening.