Agawam Public Schools Newsletter
Monday, May 11, 2020
General Updates and Information
- Last Day of School - Friday, June 19th (due to working through April Vacation). Seniors last day with be June 2nd
- Agawam Public Schools Facebook Page - Like the Agawam Public Schools on Facebook to see what is happening across the district.
- Student Belongings - We are currently in the process of developing school-based plans for how students can retrieve their belongings AND how families can return school issued materials and books. Please wait for communication from your school principal for more details.
- Agawam High School Class of 2020 Graduation - Many options are being explored and are awaiting Governor Baker's guidance about gatherings later this month.
- End of the Year Activities and Celebrations - Plans for end of year activities and celebration are also in progress. These activities will most likely be virtual, but we are awaiting more information.
Distance Learning Update
As everyone is aware by now, Governor Baker has announced that all schools in the state will remain closed for the rest of the academic year, and MCAS testing, for this school year has been waived. Agawam Public Schools is following grade level guidelines for remote learning provided by the Massachusetts Commissioner of Education. To ensure all students have equal access to learning opportunities, we have distributed approximately 500 Chromebooks for students to use at home. If your child is in need of a device please contact your child’s principal.
Our educators and staff have been working diligently to set up Google Classrooms to provide students with enrichment and learning activities. The students use their accounts to sign-in and participate in virtual classrooms where they are able to connect with teachers and other students. Families can learn more by visiting our website, www.agawamed.org, and viewing a Parent’s Guide to Google Classroom- Quick Guide.
On our website you will find:
Important updates and messages from our Superintendent
Agawam Mental Health and Wellbeing Resources to help students and families through these unprecedented times
Translation programs that can convert classroom documents into different languages
Links to the Center of Disease Control to help you learn more about Covid-19 and ways to protect yourself and to help prevent illness.
If you have any questions related to technology, our website can connect you to the IT Department or you can submit an email to support@agawamed.org. The Technology Support System will remain open through the entire school closure.
Additionally, there are frequently asked questions and answers that can help guide you to understanding how the district is meeting Special Education needs. Special Education staff are available to assist families with specific questions as needed. The best way to contact them is through email but they can be reached by phone from 9 am until 1 pm on weekdays.
District Technology Update
During this time of Distance Learning, we have opened up the district’s technology support line to students and parents who may be having issues with any school issued devices or software. You can submit a support ticket by emailing support@agawamed.org. Please provide as much detail as possible in the ticket and allow us time to respond.
Kindergarten Registration and Screening Update
- Kindergarten Registration - Registration packets are available online at (https://www.agawamed.org/application/files/7815/4886/4586/Enrollment_Packet.pdf) and printed packets are also available by request at each elementary school. Completed packets may be returned via mail or dropped off at the assigned school. Please contact the building principal with any questions or to receive a printed packet.
- Kindergarten Screenings - Due to the extended closure, screenings have been postponed until the first month of school.
Agawam Mental Health and Wellbeing Update
Agawam Mental Health and Wellbeing Resources - https://sites.google.com/view/agawamsmentalhealthwellbeingre/home
Mental health services and community resources from our Social/Emotional Learning Director are available on our website to help children that may be experiencing anxiety.
There are also links to mental health emergency services which include 24/7 crisis lines as well as parental stress lines. There are online education services for parents providing care for youth experiencing mental health symptoms. You can connect with online recovery support groups, domestic violence support, and online information about Mass 211 services.
It Takes a Village Web Series
Agawam Public Schools staff are recording quick and easy 20 minute webinars.
They are available to you to listen to as you cook dinner or take a walk or find some spare moments to yourself.
Topics Include:
- Mindfulness at Home
- Creating the Best Schedule for your family
- Positive Reinforcement in your home
- Using Active Listening with your teen
- Tips and Tricks with APS School Psychologists
Food Resources
There are a number of food resources that Agawam families can access locally to provide relief:
The Agawam Public Schools Lunch Program is providing Grab & Go lunches for students on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 11 am until 12 pm at the Agawam Junior High School. On Monday you pick up for Monday and Tuesday, on Wednesday you pick up for Wednesday and Thursday and on Friday you pick up for Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
The Agawam Lion’s Club offers a Pop-up Pantry in a tent located in the parking lot at Bethany Assembly of God, 580 Main Street, Agawam on Wednesdays from 5 to 7 pm. You simply pull up to the tent and open your trunk or a window to receive bags of non-perishable food items.
The Parish Cupboard is available to Agawam and West Springfield residents only.1023 Main Street, West Springfield (413)734-7969 ParishCupboard@aol.com Emergency Food hours: 9 - 11:15 am / Lunch Program: 11:20 am -12:30 pm
- Project Bread Food Service Hotline 1-800-645-8333 (160 languages) Monday through Friday 8 am- 7 pm and Saturday 9 am- 2 pm
Contact Information
Website: https://www.agawamed.org/
Location: 1305 Springfield Street, Feeding Hills, MA, USA
Phone: 413-821-0551