THE NAVIGATOR
February 26, 2021
Newsletter
School Committee Unanimously Approves Full Time In-Person Learning (Five Days a Week) for Elementary Students, Beginning on Monday, March 1, 2021
At Wednesday evening’s (2/24/2021) School Committee Meeting, the Cohasset School Committee voted unanimously to return all elementary students at Joseph Osgood School and Deer Hill School to full-time in-person learning (five days a week with full day Wednesdays) beginning this Monday, March 1, 2021. This is wonderful news. We are thankful to the School Committee, District Leadership, staff, and families who worked diligently to make this happen for our students.
Principals have sent specific information to families and will continue to do so; however, I want to bring a few details to your attention:
1. Elementary students will be returning to full-time in-person school beginning Monday, March 1, 2021. Wednesdays will be full days.
2. Our bus routes are set for Monday, March 1, 2021. There are no changes to bus stops. Those families who live outside of a two (2) mile distance, who answered the survey saying that they absolutely required transportation every day, have been afforded that transportation. Communication is forthcoming to those families. Other than for those identified families, we will be following the current cohort model of bus transportation (adhering to the current cohort model on the district calendar for alternating Wednesdays). We appreciate the additional consideration many families provided concerning this issue, as bussing has continued to be a major challenge for us in our efforts to increase in-person learning. We ask families for patience, as we ensure the timing of the buses; however, we feel the 10 minute rule should suffice (being at the stop 10 minutes before the scheduled time, and waiting at the stop 10 minutes after the scheduled time). It is likely that we will experience some “growing pains” regarding the pick-up/drop-off process, so please have patience as we get everything sorted.
3. Due to the increased traffic brought about by limited bus seating, it is important that we adhere to the following rules:
Drop-Off:
Bus drop-off will be at the usual time for both schools
Cars at DH: Cohort A should please drop-off at 9:05AM and Cohort B should please drop-off at 9:15AM
Cars at Osgood: Cohort A should please drop-off at 9:10AM and Cohort B should please drop-off at 9:25AM
Pick-Up:
Bus pick-up will be at the usual time for both schools. Walkers and bikers will be dismissed after buses, as usual.
Cars at DH: Cohort A should please pick-up at 3:15PM and Cohort B should please pick-up at 3:30PM
Cars at Osgood: Cohort A should please pick-up at 3:20PM and Cohort B should please pick-up at 3:40PM
Each school is in the process of distributing to families a color-coded last name sign identifying cohort for their windshield, which should be utilized during drop-off and pick-up at both schools. Please do not line up for pick-up and drop-off too early, as this could cause traffic issues.
I have attached a link to the 2/24/2021 School Committee meeting, along with a link to the presentation and a copy of the district calendar (which is now officially placed on the school web-site) for your review. We are so excited to unify the cohorts and to bring back our elementary students to full-time in-person learning. Please click on the link below to view the 2/24/2021 School Committee Meeting.
Cohasset School Committee Meeting: 2/24/2021
Sincerely,
Patrick Sullivan, Ed.D.
Superintendent
Cohasset Public Schools
Please see below for images of some of our learning and dining spaces at the elementary schools. All spaces at Joseph Osgood Elementary and Deer Hill Elementary are now ready for our return to full in-person learning on Monday, March 1, 2021.
Kindergarten Classroom
First Grade Classroom
Joseph Osgood School Art Room
Student belongings spaced out in hallways... Plastic hooks will be affixed to the walls so that students can hang their belongings.
Classrooms at Deer Hill
Deer Hill Computer Lab
Dining Spaces at Joseph Osgood
Dining Space at Deer Hill
Video from Mr. Vinton and Principal Farrell for Osgood families to watch with their children Regarding Full In-Person Return
Discussions Concerning Increasing In-Person Learning for Middle and High School Students
Cohasset Community Health Update
Health Metrics
Please see the information below regarding the town of Cohasset’s positive COVID 19 rate and case count over the past 14 days.
Community Report:
As of February 25, 2021, the Department of Public Health (DPH) reports that the town of Cohasset’s positive COVID-19 test rate over the past 14 days is 2.49%, with 27 positive cases out of 1287 tests reported. Under the DPH metrics, the town of Cohasset is in the "Red" category for communities who have a population of under 10,000 who have more than 25 positive cases over the last 14 days.
It is imperative that we all follow the protocols of handwashing / hand sanitizing and wearing face-covering masks when appropriate to do so. Here is the complete report that was issued on Thursday, 2/25/2021.
For your information, please find below a summary table of all confirmed positive COVID cases in the District as of today, Friday, February 26, 2021. There have been no positive cases affecting Cohasset Public School Community Members this week.
Confirmed Positive Cases as of Friday, February 26, 2021
IMPORTANT TRAVEL REMINDER:
- Travelers arriving in Massachusetts are required to immediately begin the 10-day quarantine until a negative test result has been received.
- COVID-19 test must be administered up to 72-hours prior to the arrival in Massachusetts.
- If you took a test prior to your arrival but have not received your negative result, you MUST quarantine until you receive the negative result.
- If a test is not obtained before entry in Massachusetts, a test can be obtained after arrival, but you MUST quarantine until you receive a negative result.
- According to the MA DPH regulations, one must obtain an approved molecular PCR test. Please note, a rapid-antigen test is not an acceptable test to end a travel quarantine.
- If choosing not to be tested after traveling, one must complete a 10-day quarantine upon arriving in Massachusetts.
As there are signs that our infection rates are stabilizing, please try to avoid travel, if possible. If you must travel, please be sure to follow all travel orders.
Please click on the link to review the Massachusetts COVID-19 travel order
February is Black History Month
Teaching in a Culturally Responsive Way throughout the entire school year is paramount for our students. Here are some excellent resources and reminders as we celebrate Black History Month.
BE THE CHANGE
Please visit our website for resources regarding the promotion of diversity.
Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment: Assistant Superintendent Leslie Scollins, Ed.D.
Professional Development Committee
DESE District and School Report Cards
We are pleased to share with you the 2020 school report card from the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. You can access a link to our District and School Report Card at:
Student Opportunity Act (SOA)
Osgood: Dave Vinton dvinton@cohassetk12.org
Deer Hill: Laurie Dolan ldolan@cohassetk12.org
Robyn Costa rcosta@cohassetk12.org
CMS: Emily Manewal emanewal@cohassetk12.org
CHS: Leanne McCarthy lmccarthy@cohassetk12.org
Please see the links below for additional resources.
Mental Health Resources (Courtesy of Principal Mills & CMS Newsletter)
Chinese philosopher Sun Tzu observed "In the midst of chaos, there is also opportunity."
These are certainly difficult times and many parents and families are experiencing great stress. Our ability to cope is regularly challenged and, understandably, there may be times when individuals can no longer manage their emotions. It is important to know where to turn when we reach that point.
To help our families, we share this contact list of support providers--Mental Health and Crisis Contacts These support providers offer great opportunities to help receive help when those we love are struggling to manage.
RISE Before and After School Program
Looking for a way to avoid the lines at drop off and pick up at Osgood and Deer Hill?
Finance and Operations Update
PUBLIC HEARING
ON
FISCAL YEAR 2022 SCHOOL BUDGET
A public hearing has been scheduled on March 3, 2021 at 5:30 pm. The hearing will be a held Via Zoom Video Call. The purpose of this meeting is to invite public comment as the law requires, on the School Committee’s deliberation on and certification of the proposed Fiscal Year 2022 School Budget.
Kindergarten Registration is now Open for 2021 - 2022 School Year
Kindergarten Registration Information
Kindergarten Registration Timeline
Sports Information
Congratulations to Girls Basketball Coach Vincenzi for being named SSEL Tobin Coach of the Year.
Thank you, Athletic Director Rotondi, Coaches, Families, and of course our amazing student athletes for an amazing winter sports season!
Visit Cohasset Athletics to Get Updates on All of Our Teams
Images of the Week
Mrs. Swartz's middle school art students created art using the "Grid Method."
Middle School Students take a walk and talk break. One of the silver lininings of the pandemic has been our increased use of outdoor spaces, which is wonderful for staff and students.
Families shovel off Alumni Field in preparation for the "FALL 2" Season. This was such a great community effort!
Mrs. Berkowitz and students working on their ceramic projects at CHS
Costume Fun at the Osgood
SAFE HARBORS UPDATES
The "Don't Wait" video provides insights on why it’s essential for parents to talk to their kids early and often; how to best approach these conversations; and what to do if you spot the signs of drug and alcohol use in your child. This now available, for a limited time, for you or anyone you can share this with, to watch at your own convenience, through a Promo Code listed below. This is a film every parent and caring adult must see! Availability to watch this video is now through March 10, 2021.
Here are the directions to follow to log in to the video:
- Go to https://vimeo.com/ondemand/dontwaitpromo
- Click on "Rent $10.00" You won't be charged; it's already paid for
- You will be asked to log in or to create a Vimeo account by entering your name, email and password
- Enter the Promo Code: DFPG2021
Safe Harbor Cohasset Coalition’s “Our Safe Home” campaign is about addressing the issues of youth access of alcohol in the community, which involves parents, guardians, merchants, and youth themselves. Parents pledge their commitment to joining other parents in providing a fun, safe, and substance-free environment for our children. Merchants pledge to comply by following the law and regulations, to not sell alcohol to young people under 21 years old. Youth are increasing awareness of the issue by talking to adults in their community.
We recognize that we cannot supervise our teens 24/7, nor can we always control the choices they make. However, we will do our part to discourage underage drinking and we will do our best to help each other support and monitor our teens.
Please see the link below for more information:
Please Click on the Image Below for a Video Regarding the "Our Safe Home Pledge"
Please Click on the Image Below to Access an Important PSA Regarding Dangerous "Pressed Pills"
Health Reminders and Protocols
Update on FLU Vaccine Requirement for Students
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health is removing the requirement for flu vaccination for attendance in childcare/preschool, primary, secondary and postsecondary education. Preliminary data show that this has been a mild flu season to date, presumably as people have received their seasonal flu vaccine and have been adhering to mask-wearing and social distancing due to COVID-19. Given the intensive Commonwealth-wide efforts regarding COVID-19 vaccination, DPH wants to alleviate the burden to obtain flu vaccination and focus on continuing our COVID -19 vaccination efforts.
DPH continues to strongly recommend that everyone age six months and older receive their seasonal flu vaccine each year.
Quarantining Guidance from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH)
Here is the recent guidance from the CDC regarding quarantining:
"Reducing the length of quarantine may make it easier for people to quarantine by reducing the time they cannot work. A shorter quarantine period also can lessen stress on the public health system, especially when new infections are rapidly rising.
Your local public health authorities make the final decisions about how long quarantine should last, based on local conditions and needs. Follow the recommendations of your local public health department if you need to quarantine. Options they will consider include stopping quarantine
- After day 10 without testing
- After day 7 after receiving a negative test result (test must occur on day 5 or later)
After stopping quarantine, you should
- Watch for symptoms until 14 days after exposure.
- If you have symptoms, immediately self-isolate and contact your local public health authority or healthcare provider.
- Wear a mask, stay at least 6 feet from others, wash their hands, avoid crowds, and take other steps to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
CDC continues to endorse quarantine for 14 days and recognizes that any quarantine shorter than 14 days balances reduced burden against a small possibility of spreading the virus. CDC will continue to evaluate new information and update recommendations as needed." (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/if-you-are-sick/quarantine.html)
The Important Role Families Play In Stopping the Spread of COVID-19
Families will play an important role in helping to create a culture that prioritizes health and safety. Families should check their children daily for signs of COVID-19 and should keep them home from school if they are not feeling well or if they have been in close contact with a person who has been recently diagnosed with COVID-19. It is also important that families support students wearing masks in school and on the bus. We are strongest when we work together to stop the spread (Initial Fall School Re-entry Guidance, 2020).
CPS Pledge: Healthy and Responsible Behaviors Regarding COVID-19
By coming into Cohasset Public Schools, I pledge I am following:
State expectations for social and physical distancing
Regulations regarding the wearing of facial coverings over your nose and mouth when in public settings (for students from grades PK– 12 and for all staff)
Quarantine directives put forth by the Massachusetts Department of Health and the Cohasset Department of Health
Guidance that has students and staff stay home from school / work if they are experiencing symptoms of fever, fatigue, difficulty breathing, or dry cough or if they have exhibited any symptoms relating to COVID-19
PROTOCOLS REGARDING COVID-19
The following information was compiled by our district nurses and provides supplementary information to the protocols stated in the Cohasset Public Schools Fall School Re-Entry Road Map. A big thank you to Kelly Gildea (lead nurse) and our district nurses for compiling this information and for their leadership and guidance during this difficult time.
Cohasset Public Schools Medical Frequently Asked Questions
Cohasset Public Schools Decision Tree Regarding Health Situations Related to COVID-19
COVID-19 Symptom Checklist for Parents and Guardians to utilize with their children
Here are some useful videos regarding Mask Wearing, When to Stay Home, and Hand Washing / Hand Sanitizing prepared by the National Association of School Nurses (NASN).
Take Care of Yourself and Take Care of Each Other
HAVE A WONDEFUL FEBRUARY BREAK!
Please click on the following link to access even more information on the Cohasset Public Schools Web Site.
Please follow me on Twitter for daily updates from the Cohasset Public Schools
Email: psullivan@cohassetk12.org
Website: https://www.cohassetk12.org/
Phone: 781 383 6111
Twitter: @SuperCohasset