THE NAVIGATOR
October 30, 2020
Newsletter
Start of School Data Review
At last Wednesday evening's Special School Committee Meeting to review the first six weeks of school, we presented data gathered from students (focus groups), staff, and families. At the conclusion of the meeting, the Cohasset School Committee voted, pending further negotiations with the Cohasset Teachers Association (CTA), to implement alternating in-person Wednesdays for each cohort at every school in the district, beginning on December 9, 2020. Here is the link to a video recording of the meeting. Thank you to everyone who helped provide input regarding our start of school.
With appreciation,
Patrick Sullivan, Ed.D.
Superintendent
Leslie Scollins, Ed.D.
Assistant Superintendent
Cohasset Community Health Update
Cohasset Community Health Update
As of October 29, 2020, the Department of Public Health (DPH) reports that the town of Cohasset’s positive COVID-19 test rate over the past 14 days is 1.37%, with nine (9) positive case out of 658 tests reported. Although none of the cases have originated from Cohasset Public Schools and there are no new cases within Cohasset Public Schools at this time, the town of Cohasset is now in the Red Category according to DPH metrics, which designates towns that have a case rate greater than eight (8) in the last 14 days per 100,000 population.
With Halloween approaching, it is important that we are vigilant with social distancing and that families please take care to follow all safety protocols. Please consider alternative Halloween activities from traditional trick-or-treating. Please take a moment to read this article, which recently appeared in the Cohasset Mariner highlighting a joint effort between the Cohasset School Committee and the Cohasset Board of Selectpersons to underscore the importance of avoiding traditional trick or treating. We all also need to keep following the protocols of handwashing / hand sanitizing and wearing face-covering masks when appropriate to do so. Here is the complete report from DPH that was issued Thursday evening.
Cohasset Public Schools adding Portable Air Cleaners (PACs) to learning spaces
The Cohasset Public Schools has secured funding for the acquisition of approximately 170 Portable Air Cleaners (PACs) for use in various learning spaces throughout the district. We have ordered these PACs in anticipation of the winter months and in an effort to mitigate any potential air quality concerns within the buildings.
In support of this purchase, the district cites the following considerations:
· PACs can simulate a higher Air Change per Hour (ACH)
· PACs can improve air quality
· PACs can be used to reduce airborne contaminants
Thank you to the Cohasset Teachers Association (CTA) and the Town of Cohasset for their collaboration regarding this important safety initiative.
Flu Clinics
A Note from SEPAC
Special Education Rights Presentation
Some Images from the Week
The Important Role Families Play In Stopping the Spread of COVID-19
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
PROTOCOLS REGARDING 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).
BE THE CHANGE
Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment: Assistant Superintendent Leslie Scollins, Ed.D.
CPS Faculty Professional Development
Parent Workshop
Cohasset Public Schools offered a workshop: “Preparing for School Re-entry: How to Support Students with Practical Social Emotional Skills and Strategies; Part 2, 6 Weeks In!” presented by Dr. Steve Bonauto and Dr. Barry Plummer on Monday, October 26. This was a 60 minute interactive virtual presentation that provided a forum for families to hear about ways they can continue to support their children during this school year. Here is the link to watch the recording of the workshop.
SAFE HARBORS UPDATES
Updates
- Cohasset Virtual Youth Center This is now live on the home page of the Town’s website, found toward the bottom right-side of the page. This serves as a central location for all youth-geared programming/events that are occurring via Rec, Library, Elder Affairs, and Safe Harbor.
2. WANTED: Social Media Boosters Looking to volunteer time to the Safe Harbor initiative but don’t have much time to give? Please consider volunteering to be a designated social media booster.
What does this entail?
Receiving communication from Marketing Director that information has been posted for you to like, comment, share, share to Cohasset143 and/or post yourself
How much of a time commitment?
5 minutes a week
Take Care of Yourself and Take Care of Each Other
Please click on the following link to access even more information on the Cohasset Public Schools Web Site.
Please follow me on Twitter for daily updates from the Cohasset Public Schools
Email: psullivan@cohassetk12.org
Website: https://www.cohassetk12.org/
Phone: 781 383 6111
Twitter: @SuperCohasset