This Newsletter updates on all matters connected to Cohasset Public Schools. This letter is sent as part of a District initiative focusing on communication.

Thank you, All for an excellent start to the school year. We are so appreciative to work in a community that came together to allow our students to come back safely into our wonderful learning environment. We will continue to build on this excellent start, and we will be communicative as we move forward. In terms of communication, we will be hosting a Virtual Superintendent's Coffee via ZOOM for families on Wednesday, 10/14 from 6:00PM - 7:00PM to discuss the start of school, to listen to input, and to answer any questions you may have. Here are the ZOOM details needed to access the meeting:

https://zoom.us/j/92281029362?pwd=dVArOVord21wekVWYTYxRXZEbWJMdz09

Passcode: 548095

Just a reminder that the Cohasset School Committee Meeting is this Wednesday, October 7, beginning at 6:00PM via Zoom.

With appreciation,

Patrick Sullivan, Ed.D.

Superintendent

Leslie Scollins, Ed.D.

Assistant Superintendent

We remain in the unshaded category of the DPH / DESE Metrics that identify those communities who have less than five (5) positive cases over a two (2) week period. The report can be accessed at the DPH Website: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-response-reporting. There has been one (1) new case over the past 14 days (0.22%). Please remember that we all play an important role in stopping the spread and keeping our rates low. Please practice proper handwashing / hand sanitizing, keep appropriate social distancing, and wear masks when appropriate to do so.

In addition to the mask policy that was approved by School Committee, we are asking that students refrain from wearing masks that the CDC identifies as being improper for everyday use (vinyl masks, masks with exhalation valves, and masks meant for healthcare workers, such as N95 masks). We have replacement masks that will be issued to students if they wear the above type of mask. Thank you for your help!

Open House will look a little different this year. All Open Houses will be virtual and asynchronous. You will still be provided all the information you would normally, however this format will allow you to attend Open House when it works best for you. Principals will email you on the morning of Open House with specific information.

Open House Schedule:

JOS 10/15

DHS 10/19

CMS 10/22

CHS 10/23

Please remember that all students are required to have a flu vaccination by December 31, 2020 (religious and medical exemptions withstanding)

Wondering what remote learning will look like this year? Greg Kulowiec from EdTechTeacher.org gives an overview of remote learning and the pedagogy behind it as well as answers your questions. Click here for Elementary presentation and click here for Middle and High School presentation.

Dr. Steven Golden, the District physician, along with Mary Goodwin, the Town Nurse and Pam Fahey, from the Board of Health shared some current information about COVID-19 and its relation to the the schools as well as answered questions for families and staff. Here is the parent presentation.

Dr. Bonuato and Dr. Plummer presented to both staff and families about strategies to help children return to school and Lauren Dargan, LICSW, worked with schools to address the stress of returning to school for both staff and students and gave strategies to aid all as they come back to school.

We were thrilled to welcome back the students ! The joy we felt when they entered the school and classrooms was palpable. Here is an encore presentation of the images from the past two weeks.

The Important Role Families Play in Stopping the Spread

Families will play an important role in helping to create a culture that prioritizes health and safety. Families should check their children daily for signs of COVID-19 and should keep them home from school if they are not feeling well or if they have been in close contact with a person who has been recently diagnosed with COVID-19. It is also important that families support students wearing masks in school and on the bus. We are strongest when we work together to stop the spread (Initial Fall School Re-entry Guidance, 2020).

CPS Pledge: Healthy and Responsible Behaviors Regarding COVID-19

By coming into Cohasset Public Schools, I pledge I am following:

• State expectations for social and physical distancing

• Regulations regarding the wearing of facial coverings over your nose and mouth when in public settings (for students from grades PK– 12 and for all staff)

• Quarantine directives put forth by the Massachusetts Department of Health and the Cohasset Department of Health

• Guidance that has students and staff stay home from school / work if they are experiencing symptoms of fever, fatigue, difficulty breathing, or dry cough or if they have exhibited any symptoms relating to COVID-19

The following information was compiled by our district nurses and provides supplementary information to the protocols stated in the Cohasset Public Schools Fall School Re-Entry Road Map. A big thank you to Kelly Gildea (lead nurse) and our district nurses for compiling this information and for their leadership and guidance during this difficult time.

Cohasset Public Schools Medical Frequently Asked Questions

Cohasset Public Schools Decision Tree Regarding Health Situations Related to COVID-19

COVID-19 Symptom Checklist for Parents and Guardians to utilize with their children

Here are some useful videos regarding Mask Wearing, When to Stay Home, and Hand Washing / Hand Sanitizing prepared by the National Association of School Nurses (NASN).

The Before and After School Care program RISE for students K-5 had a successful start last week. Mr. Brett Youman, PE teacher from Deer Hill, is the administrator of the program. The RISE program is available for Osgood and Deer Hill students on their in-person days only. This program will take place at the Osgood School 7:00am – 9:00am and 3:30pm - 6:00pm on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday. There are spots available.

Please see the Cohasset Recreation Department website for more detailed information and registration process.

We will continue to engage students and staff in the meaningful discussions necessary to promote change. We are committed to promoting anti-racism and cultural competency.

Google Classroom is the learning management system (LSM) that all teachers are using. All students K-12 have Google accounts. All assignments and work are housed in Google Classroom. Teachers will provide information for students and families. If you need some help logging into Google account click on this link.

The elementary schools will be using the Math Learning Center Bridges program. Teachers will provide resources for families. The website isn family friendly and offers great resources. The Math Learning Center worked with staff virtually for 2 days and also provide a library of trainings for staff to use to create professional development geared to their needs.

Teachers continue to return to the Remote Learning PD trainings provided by EdTechTeacher as they develop remote learning curriculum for students.

This month staff will have safety training with SRO Greg Taylor and Detective Lopes. This is an annual training that review safety protocols in case of an emergency.

Last March the district was hosting a day long workshop on Cultural Competency. Aleisa Gittens-Carle, the METCO Director, secured a generous grant from the Cohasset Education Foundation (CEF). Unfortunately, the school closed and we were unable to have the day. Fortunately, we have been able to secure most of the presenters from last year including Dr. Kalise Wornum and the workshop will take place on October 30. This will be a virtual workshop day for teachers and Dr. Wornum will continue the dialogue that was started during our PD days last month.

Please do not hesitate to reach out to us if we can do anything to help your student or your family during this difficult time. Most important is the physical and mental health of everyone, and we will stay focused on making that a priority. Please take good care.