THE NAVIGATOR
October 16, 2020
Newsletter
Checking In on How Everything is Going
Now that we have been back for nearly a month, we are in the process of checking in to get a sense for how our models for learning and the protocols and safety measures present in our Re-Entry Road Map are going. We very much appreciate the parents and guardians who participated in the Superintendent's Virtual Coffee this past Tuesday. We gained a great deal of information from the comments and questions. We have also enjoyed speaking with faculty and staff over the past two weeks to gain their perspectives.
As part of our approach to gather data, we will be sending out a survey to families on Monday to gather input on our learning models and safety protocols. Over the coming days we will also be talking with student groups, continuing to meet with staff, and analyzing all of the accumulated data to present at our special School Committee Meeting on October 28 to discuss the state of our Re-Entry Plan and to consider our future adjustments and progression.
With appreciation,
Patrick Sullivan, Ed.D.
Superintendent
Leslie Scollins, Ed.D.
Assistant Superintendent
Cohasset Community Health Update
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 here. There has been one (1) new case over the past 14 days (0.22%) with 460 tests during this period of time. 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.
Interview with 143 TV
Sincerely,
Patrick Sullivan, Ed.D.
Superintendent
Cohasset Public Schools
Some Reminders from our Previous Newsletter
Adjustments to the Mask Policy
Masks must:
• Cover both the nose and mouth;
• Fit snugly but comfortably against the side of the face;
• Be secured with ties or ear loops;
• Allow for breathing without restriction;
• Be able to be laundered and machine dried without damage or change to shape;
• Cloth masks must include multiple layers of fabric; And must not:
• Be intended for healthcare workers (N95 surgical masks and respirators, for example);
• Be made of fabric that makes it hard to breathe: vinyl, for example; Include valves or vents;
*Neck Gaiters and face shields should not be used in lieu of masks.
If a non-exempt student declines to wear a face covering appropriately, or is otherwise in violation of this policy, the student may be removed from in-person instruction and school transportation. The building principal will consult with the student’s parent(s)/guardian(s) to determine whether an exception is appropriate. Violations of this policy by staff will be handled in the same manner as other violations of School Committee policy. Visitors in violation of this policy will be denied entry to the school/district facility. This policy will remain in place until rescinded by the School Committee.
The complete policy can be found here.
Thank you for your help!
New Online Food Ordering System
Dear Cohasset Families,
We are happy to announce our new online meals ordering system. This will allow parents/guardians to order student meals for both the days that students are in school and the days they are remote learners.
Meals are available for order Monday-Friday for all students at no charge currently. Meals must be ordered before 8:00 am for that day. All parents/guardians must set up an account before ordering meals. The website for this is onlineordering.linq.com. After you have set up your account, to order meals, simply go to the district website, cohassetk12.org, and click on the menu tab at the top of the page (next to the calendar tab is a fork and knife and reads “Menu”). This will bring you to the nutrition site.
- Click on menus at the top, and then select your students’ school.
- Once the menu is open, click the online ordering button.
- Please choose the pick-up location for the student:
- For the days students are in school, select “cafeteria”
- For the days they are remote, select “remote pick up”
Meal pick-up for remote learners all grades is at Cohasset Middle/High School, behind the building at the loading dock, Monday-Friday from 12:00-1:00.
Attached are a few instructional videos to get started with online ordering. If you have any questions please contact Marilyn Haraden at mharaden@cohassetk12.org or 781-383-6107.
How to Create and Verify Account
Parent / Guardian Dashboard
How to Order Meals
How to Add a Child to Your Account
How to Add to Your Account Balance
Open House
Open House Schedule:
JOS 10/15
DHS 10/19
CMS 10/22
CHS 10/23
Cohasset Department of Health Announces Flu Clinics (Please click on the image below to access the Cohasset Mariner article that provides the flu clinic information)
Presentations for Parent / Guardians Regarding Remote Learning
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.
Some Images from the Week
SEPAC Meeting with our Director of Student Services, Barbara Cerwonka
Thank you to our amazing nurses who are making a huge difference every day. We are so fortunate to have you with us!
A Message From Our School Nurses Regarding Flu, Seasonal Allergies, and COVID-19
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).
RISE - BEFORE AND AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAMMING K-5
Information Regarding RISE
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.
BE THE CHANGE
Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment: Assistant Superintendent Leslie Scollins, Ed.D.
Google Classroom
Math Center Bridges Elementary Math Program
SAFE HARBORS UPDATES
Updates:
- Town-Wide Pumpkin Contest Youth who are connected to their community are at a lower risk of substance use, mental health issues, and violence in their adulthood. This alternative Halloween activity aims to bring the community together across all sectors and boost moral amongst the residents. Limited to the first 300 who register.
- 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.
- 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