March 27, 2020 Community Update
Dear Medway families,
I hope that this week’s communication finds you and your families healthy. As we close out week two of our school closure, we hope that our families have had the opportunity to access supports needed to ensure connection, wellness, and continued learning for our students and families. On Monday, March 23, families were provided with information about alternative, enhancement learning and support experiences for our students. These supports can be accessed under the Welcome Message on our website at, www.medwayschools.org or through this link. In addition, you will find information about how to gain access to food services and technology if there is a need.
As you are likely aware, earlier this week, Governor Baker announced that the school closure period will be extended until at least May 4. We are all hopeful that schools will reopen at that time! Currently, districts across the Commonwealth, like Medway, have provided rich, alternative enrichment or enhancement student learning plans that are recommended but not graded or required. Educators have utilized virtual platforms and social media outlets as well as traditional measures like email and the phone to help our students remain connected to their caring school communities. With closures now extended into early May, and perhaps beyond, the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education has provided new guidance to school districts on Remote Learning. Medway has partnered with our Medway Federation of Teachers and is exploring an implementation plan based on this new guidance. We believe we are well poised for this transition as we have most elements of the plan already in place. We are hopeful to have an update to families by the end of next week. The full guidelines from the DESE can be found: DESE Remote Learning Guidance.
Please know that we are working to gain answers to many questions created as a result of this extended closure. I continue to appreciate your continued patience and flexibility as we gain answers to these questions. Also, again I would like to thank our entire faculty and staff who are continuing to ensure that our students are supported, while managing many personal challenges that this situation has created.
Please note that we have created a single site with information about student learning plans, student services support resources, mental health resources and supports, access to nutritional services and technology. This information can be accessed via our main website, www.medwayschools.org or directly through this link: MPS School Closure website
I have included another personal message for all of our families that you can find here.
Be well,
Armand Pires, Ph.D.
Superintendent of Schools