PPS Learning Model Update
Monday, February 8, 2021
Dear Plymouth School Community,
This past Saturday, February 6th, the School Committee held its bi-annual weekend meeting. The majority of this meeting was dedicated to discussions related to COVID-19, our current operational practices, and what we as a district would need to consider in order to transition all students to a full-time model of in-person learning. Education and health are not conflicting interests, but instead are dependent upon each other. Feasibility, logistics, local health metrics, as well as the restrictions and regulations set forth by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) continue to guide the District’s decision-making.
We recognize that there is much to consider as to how best to serve our students in ways that are safe for students, teachers, staff, families, and the community at large. Having said that, we stand committed to the goal of returning all students to a full-time in-person learning model this school year. At this time, we have set the goal of returning all students to a full-time model at the conclusion of April vacation (Monday, April 26th). In order for this to occur, four conditions will be examined:
1. The vaccination distribution to our early education and K-12 workers;
2. The COVID-19 test positivity rate in our community;
3. A transportation plan that can be carried out for all students that meets Massachusetts General Laws and current Covid-19 restrictions; and
4. The ability to use outdoor spaces for teaching and other school activities.
The above-mentioned conditions, as well as all other matters related to COVID-19 and our Return-to-School Plan, will continue to be discussed at every School Committee meeting. During the April 5th School Committee meeting, a decision will be made regarding returning to school full-time on April 26th. If the Committee does not feel that the conditions have been met at that time, we will continue to re-evaluate the return to school date. We will also continue to provide regular updates through our social media accounts.
The great variance across the Commonwealth in terms of community size, facilities, enrollment, transportation models, as well as a multitude of other unique conditions have impacted districts’ structures of operation and specific plans to address these differences. We realize this has been a very challenging time for families and staff. There is much to consider in regards to how best to serve our students in ways that are safe for students, teachers, staff, families, and the community at large.
As always, if you have any questions at any time, please feel free to reach out to any of us or your school administration.
Sincerely,
Plymouth Public Schools Administration
Christopher S. Campbell, Ed.D., Superintendent of Schools
Stacey A. Rogers, Ed.D., Assistant Superintendent
Erik W. Cioffi, Assistant Superintendent
Brad F. Brothers, School Business Administrator
Plymouth School Committee
Kimberly A Savery, Chair
Michelle L. Badger, Vice Chair
Robert P. Morgan, Secretary
Margie C. Burgess, Member
Vedna Lacombe-Heywood, Member
Luis Pizano, Member
James R. Sorensen, Member
Dr. Christopher S. Campbell
Superintendent of Schools
11 Lincoln Street | Plymouth, MA 02360
Phone: 508-830-4300 | Fax: 508-746-1873
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