Mansfield Public Schools
Monday, April 13, 2020
Inspire ~ Empower ~ Engage
Dear Mansfield School Community,
Each school’s staff and faculty groups are giving their all to provide distance learning to their students. This looks different in each school, but please know that your children and teens are not the only ones learning new skills. As a district we are providing training in technology skills to our teachers and service providers because they are striving to deliver effective instruction and support to students. As I’ve listened to many parents and guardians during the past few weeks, I have come to understand that many of you have already developed these types of skills because you have had the benefit of working remotely in your work for many years (albeit not with your families underfoot on a daily basis). But, as you can imagine, the remote aspect of teaching and meeting is very different for those of us who work in schools. Our schools work best when our teachers have their students in their classrooms. As that can’t be the way for now, we thank you for your patience as they continue this journey of remote learning. I recognize that for some students, the work is too much; for some, too little; and hopefully, for the majority, it’s just right. Every week we want to continue to improve because ultimately, through this time of distance learning, our district’s challenge and responsibility to students remains the same as we strive to inspire students, empower them to discover what they want to learn, and to engage with their learning.
Sincerely,
Teresa Murphy
Spring MCAS Testing
April Vacation
On Thursday, April 9th the School Committee voted on a calendar change for April.
The week of April 20th was originally scheduled as April vacation. The change that has been made is that the vacation days have been cancelled and remote learning will continue.
The new calendar reads:
- Monday, April 20: Patriot's Day which is a Massachusetts holiday and a day off
- Tuesday, April 21 through Friday, April 24 will be remote learning days
This impacts the June calendar and the last day of school will be Thursday, June 18.
Robinson Chromebook Distribution
Due to the needs Robinson families have expressed, we are excited to offer Chromebooks to families for use with students in grades K through 2. These devices will help families access increased learning opportunities and connectivity. Chromebook distribution will be held on Wednesday, April 15th from 8:00 am until 3:00 pm and Thursday, April 16th from 8:00 am until 11:00 am.
We know many of our families already own a device (personal computer, laptop, or Chromebook) equipped with a microphone and camera. If that is the case for your family, please do not feel obligated to borrow a Chromebook.
Chromebook Distribution
Our goal is to manage the distribution in an orderly manner while maintaining social distancing guidelines.
- Chromebooks can be picked-up in the large MHS parking lot (not the bus loop). Please look for the white tent near the gym entrance.
- Drive into the parking lot. Stay in the designated lane that will lead you to the white tent.
- When you reach the tent, you will be asked for your student’s name(s) and will then be handed a chromebook, charger, and a mouse in a plastic bag.
Chromebooks will be distributed at a specific time based on the first letter of your last name.
Wednesday, April 15, 2020:
- 8:00-11:00 Last names beginning with: A-M
11:00-3:00 Last names beginning with: N-Z
Thursday, April 16, 2020:
8:00-11:00 anyone who could not attend at their assigned time
We ask that all families fill out the GAFE form by clicking the link below. The form asks for your permission for us to create a Google account for your student(s).
Google accounts are needed for all students even if you do not intend to pick up a Chromebook later this week.
Students who have Google accounts will be able to access the G Suite tools such as Google Docs, Classroom, and Meet, etc. These are the tools our teachers are learning/have learned about and are likely to use in the near future.
If you need technical support, please email help@mansfieldschools.com and include a telephone number so that a representative can get back to you. Please note that we are only able to provide support for school-owned devices.
We thank you in advance for your patience and cooperation and ask that you use care and practice responsible usage while these devices are in your possession. When this crisis is over, we will provide instructions for returning the device, mouse, and charger.
If you have specific questions, please email Dr. Kerri Sankey at: kerri.sankey@mansfieldschools.com.
Contact Information
Email: school.notifications@mansfieldschools.com
Website: www.mansfieldschools.com
Location: 2 Park Row, Mansfield, MA, USA
Phone: 508-261-7500
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Mansfield-Public-Schools-508839202499633/
Twitter: @MansfieldSchool