Straight From The Lions Mouth
October 10, 2020
Phase- in to the Hybrid Model
Dear Families,
We are so happy to share with you that the Amesbury School Committee approved a modified plan for our transition to the hybrid model of learning. The purpose of this letter is to provide you with more specific information about this plan and how it will impact elementary students and families. We know that many of you have been anxiously awaiting this information and we are thrilled to be able to provide you with more specific details at this time. Please note that all cohort designations will be shared with families on the afternoon of Tuesday, October 13th.
Due to the feedback from families and teachers, the hybrid plan for the early elementary level (Kindergarten and Grade 1) has changed from the initial reopening plan. We heard from almost all corners that full-day, asynchronous, remote learning is not developmentally appropriate for these students. The new model will continue to divide students into two cohorts, A(Red) and B(White), but will consist of half-day in-person sessions on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday with cohort A(red) attending in the morning and cohort B(white) in the afternoon. These sessions will run 8:30-11:15 and 12:15-3:00 and begin on October 19, 2020. The other half of the student day will consist of teacher-provided asynchronous learning activities as well as specials. If your child is in a class that will remain remote for the entire year he/she will be placed in a cohort and follow this schedule remotely. This change was made as we realize that students at this level will be more successful if we provide them with more frequent in-person teacher contact and limit their fully asynchronous activities. Wednesday has been proposed to be a ½ day (morning) synchronous remote day for all students with asynchronous activities provided for the afternoon.
Beginning on October 26, 2020 students in grades 2, 3, and 4 will follow the reopening plan approved by the school committee at the end of the summer. This plan describes 2 cohorts: one that will be in school on Monday and Tuesday (Cohort A/Red) and the second on Thursday and Friday (Cohort B/White). Two of the students' remote days are asynchronous and, as stated above, Wednesday has been proposed as a ½ synchronous remote day with asynchronous activities provided for the afternoon. The cohorts will be divided alphabetically and be in-person for two full days and home for three full days. If your child is in a class that will remain remote for the entire year he/she will not be placed in a cohort and his/her schedule will not change. During the week of October 26th, Cohort A will attend on 10/26 and 10/27 and Cohort B will attend on 10/29 and 10/30.
Some students may qualify for additional in-person services based on their specific needs. If this applies to your child, you will hear from personnel in Student Services and/or your child’s school over the next week. If you have questions regarding this matter, please contact our school’s main office or your special education liaison.
There is always the option for families to shift from one model to another should you realize that your initial choice no longer works for your family or you are not comfortable with making the transition to in-person learning. These shifts can be from fully remote to hybrid or hybrid to fully remote. Please know that our first priority is student safety and as such, this process may take up to 3 weeks before it goes into full effect as we work to ensure classroom physical distancing and manage transportation issues. If as a family you would like to make such a request, please email your school principal or call the school office and we will be in contact with you as soon as possible to discuss the change.
We recognize that this change will have a significant impact on the childcare needs and work schedules of families. While we understand that these cohort models will be challenging, we feel strongly that we must prioritize students’ educational needs as much as possible during this exceedingly difficult time.
As always, we thank you for your support and understanding during this time. Please do not hesitate to contact our offices with any further questions.
Sincerely,
Karina Mascia- Fayles, CES Principal and Shannon Nolan AES Principal
From our School Counselors Office: Home School Connections
FRIENDLY REMINDERS FROM OUR SCHOOL NURSE OFFICE:
Travel restriction
All visitors entering Massachusetts, including returning residents, who do not meet an exemption, are required to:
- Complete the Massachusetts Travel Form prior to arrival, unless you are visiting from a lower-risk state designated by the Department of Public Health.
- Quarantine for 14 days or produce a negative COVID-19 test result that has been administered up to 72-hours prior to your arrival in Massachusetts.
If your COVID-19 test result has not been received prior to arrival, visitors, and residents must quarantine until they receive a negative test result.
Failure to comply may result in a $500 fine per day.
Please find more information below, including the list of lower-risk states, exemptions, business guidance and other details.
WELCOME KINDERGARTNERS!
Immunizations Mandatory for Kindergarten Entry per Ma.DPH
An updated physical with immunizations may be scanned/emailed to School Nurse at carol.greene@amesburyma.org
5 doses of DTaP
4 doses of Polio
3 doses of Hep B
2 doses of MMR/Varicella
1 dose Influenza (by 12/31/2020)
DTaP = Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis
MMR = Measles, Mumps, and Rubella
Varicella = Chicken pox Virus
*Don’t Wait,Vaccinate
For more information, contact your health care provider
or the MDPH Immunization Program:
*Massachusetts Department of Public Health Immunization Program
https://www.mass.gov/doc/immunization-requirements-for-school-entry-0/download
All-Inclusive Dance Fit Event Coming | Register Your Student!
Amesbury/Cashman Parents and Families,
Due to the changes in school, resources are more necessary than ever for our teachers, & we need your help! This year we’re hosting an event to help our schools raise $25,000 for Chrome Books and School Supplies.
Funrun.com is OPEN on October 14th to start registering your students. Here, you can access the character content for this year, as well as support our school!
We’re two weeks away from kicking off our program for students in-school and remotely, but you can get a head start on registering your student by logging on TODAY at FUNRUN.COM!
Be sure to check out all of our sharing functions on FUNRUN.COM to let others know how they can help support our school.
Make a Student Star Video to share with Facebook friends!
Copy and paste the email template and then send to family, friends, and local businesses.
Log to FUNRUN.COM from your mobile device, click share, and send texts to friends and family.
Please Note: There is NO obligation to give! Sharing with friends and family can help our school and all students can participate, regardless of financial participation.
- Principal Mascia
Charles C. Cashman Elementary School
Email: karina.mascia@amesburyma.org
Website: https://schools.amesburyma.gov/Domain/454
Location: 193 Lions Mouth Road, Amesbury, MA, USA
Phone: (978) 388-4407