Wednesday's Words
January 13, 2021
Phase II Remote and Hybrid Learning
We are excited to be transitioning to Phase II of our Remote and Hybrid Learning Plans, with full implementation beginning on Wednesday, January 20th. In response to the feedback we received from parent and staff surveys, as well as to recent changes in DESE Structured Learning Time guidelines, Phase II will include an increase in live instruction for students at all grade levels on remote learning days. Classroom teachers will be sending information to parents this week regarding changes to students' daily instructional schedules. We recognize that these schedule changes are new for our students and families, and we will do our best to provide clear communication and support as we transition to the new model. We strongly believe that the adjustments we have put in place will lead to greater student engagement and better learning outcomes for all of our children.
Please keep in mind that this is a brand new experience for both our students and our teachers. It will take some time for everyone to get used to and become comfortable with teaching and learning in this new manner. We ask for your support and collaboration as we fine tune schedules and trouble shoot challenges in order to make the new live instruction as effective as possible.
If you would like more information about the Norfolk Public School's Phase II Learning Plan, please click on the link below to view the full report.
Sincerely,
Dr. Ingrid Allardi
Massachusetts State Travel Order
As a public school district, we are required to monitor and adhere to the requirements of the state travel order . In order to return to school following travel outside of low-risk states (as identified by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health), students must meet the following requirements:
- Complete a 10-day quarantine upon returning from travel and be asymptomatic or
- Provide evidence of a negative Covid 19 test administered no earlier that 72 hours prior to returning to Massachusetts
In an effort to streamline this process, the district is posting two brief forms on our district website for parents to complete. Travel forms can be found at the bottom of the main page of the district website at www.norfolk.k12.ma.us. To access the forms click on the Covid 19 Resources and Travel Forms button. The Travel Notification form must be completed to notify the district of intended travel outside of low-risk states. The Travel Certification form must be completed by a parent/guardian upon returning from travel in order to verify that students have met the state requirements to be able to return to school. Completed forms are automatically sent to the appropriate school nurse, who will then follow up as needed. For more information, please see the temporary district Covid 19 Travel Policy below. If you have any questions about state travel guidelines, please contact me directly at 508-528-1225 or you may reach out to one of our school nurses.
Free Meals For Students
Free meals are currently being provided for all students at sites across Massachusetts. These meals will continue to be provided through the end of June 2021.
All students are eligible for these meals, no registration or identification is required.
The USDA and Department of Elementary & Secondary Education announced that student meals will continue to be free to all whether meals are through Grab and Go or while in school.
Students need to pay if purchasing a second meal ($3.00) we ask that students prepay through My School Bucks (www.myschoolbucks.com).
Please take advantage of the Grab and Go meal pick up on Wednesdays between 9:30 am – 10:30 am, door #4 at the Freeman-Kennedy School.
Your children are the reason we do our jobs and we are here to make sure that they are fueled with good food!
If you have questions about receiving meals please let me know.
Thank you
Linda King
508-528-1266 x1810
Family Wellness Update
Happy New Year!
Wishing you and your families good health, peace and joy in the new year! Looking to the months ahead with both optimism and caution. By continuing to follow safety protocols, mask up and practice physical distancing we can all help each other stay healthy.
If you have concerns about your child's emotional wellbeing, remember to reach out to school counseling professionals or administrators, or connect with your child's pediatrician. In addition, the Family Wellness Resource Guide provides resources for support for mental health, basic needs, and other wellness topics.
Below are some highlighted or new resources to support you. They will be included in the resource guide for future reference.
Later this month, we will be introducing our partnership with Interface Referral of William James College. As subscribing communities, families from the four districts will be able to connect with a referral coordinator to support access to mental health services for children and adolescents. Watch for details.
Take care and be well,
Dot Pearl
Director of Wellness
Norfolk Public Schools
Email: allardi@norfolk.k12.ma.us
Website: norfolk.ma.us
Location: 70 Boardman Street, Norfolk, MA, USA
Phone: 508-528-1225