Wednesday's Words
May 19, 2021
Dear Parents,
It is hard to believe we are heading into the final weeks of the school year. What an incredible year this has been for our students, families, staff members and community. The Covid Pandemic has impacted all aspects of our lives, and has certainly dramatically changed teaching and learning across the globe! Our students adapted to many changes, including learning how to participate in their classrooms remotely, interact with peers who are not physically present in the classroom, adjust to wearing masks at school and following new protocols for hand-washing and social distancing. We were thrilled to be able to offer all students the opportunity to return to full in-person learning in early April. It is a gift to be able to end the year with children interacting directly with their teachers, peers and special subject teachers. We look forward to welcoming our remaining remote learners back to school in August!
As most of you are aware, on Monday evening Governor Charlie Baker announced that due to the significant decrease in the number of Covid cases in Massachusetts, the rapid decline in hospitalizations and the growing number of residents who are now fully vaccinated, the state is further lifting Covid 19 restrictions. The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, in partnership with the Department of Public Health, has also revised the guidelines for safety practices and protocols in schools. The biggest change in guidance involves mask wearing. Due to the incredibly low number of cases of outdoor transmission of Covid, DESE is now allowing students to not wear masks while outside at recess, at outdoor physical education classes or while participating in outdoor learning activities. Students are also not required to maintain social distancing during those times. The Department of Education has also released new guidance on the sharing of materials at school, ventilation in school buildings and gathering sizes for end of year celebrations.
The Norfolk School Committee will be reviewing the current face covering/ mask policy in light of Governor Baker’s announcement at tonight’s School Committee meeting. Changes to the current policy that are approved at the meeting will go into effect immediately. Please be assured that regardless of changes at the state and local level, any student or staff member who chooses to wear a mask or face covering at any time during the school day will continue to be allowed to do so. DESE continues to require all students, staff and visitors to wear a mask at all times when inside school buildings with the exception of lunch and/or snack when individuals maintain a minimum of six feet of social distance.
Additional information will be sent to families tomorrow morning regarding changes to mask requirements or other safety protocols. We look forward to providing students with a greater sense of normalcy at school, while also protecting the safety and well-being of all members of our community. We hope everyone is enjoying the beautiful warm weather and longer days as we head into summer!
Sincerely,
Ingrid N. Allardi, Superintendent
INSTRUCTIONS FOR RETURNING TECHNOLOGY EQUIPMENT 💻
Attention Kindergarten Families
Please return all Norfolk Public Schools technology equipment;
ipads, chargers and cases
to your student's homeroom teacher by Friday, June 4th, 2021
Attention Families of Students in Grades 3-6
Please return all Norfolk Public Schools technology equipment;
Chromebook, charger and case
to your student's homeroom teacher by Thursday, June 10th 2021
HELP WANTED
The Norfolk Public Schools are currently accepting applications for several open positions including daily substitutes, food service staff and paraprofessional staff. We provide training and support for all new employees to ensure that they are prepared to meet the responsibilities of their new positions. If you are interested in being considered for an open position, please visit the district website and click on Employment Opportunities.
Grade 3 Staff Celebrates Disney Spirit Day🐾
Ms. Murphy-White's Grade 1 Remote Class - Predicting and Observing Seed Growth
Ms. O'Shea's Kindergarten Class - Fun Friday!
Ms. Leger's Kindergarten Class
Norfolk Public Schools
Email: allardi@norfolk.k12.ma.us
Website: www.norfolk.k12.ma.us
Location: 70 Boardman Street, Norfolk, MA, USA
Phone: 508-528-1225