March 12, 2020

Dear Canton Public School Families and Staff:

Continuing our practice of responding cautiously about the spread of COVID-19 and after consultation with Canton School Committee and the Canton Department of Public Health we have decided to cancel all non-essential events effective immediately and through April 30, 2020. 

Below are some examples of events: 

• Student performances (for example, the Canton High School musical)
• Community events and meetings in our school buildings (for example, CAPE Spelling Bee) 
• Use of school buildings by non-school groups
• School-sponsored, out-of-town field trips

Additionally, the school district will be suspending visits from outside vendors and groups.  

In every case, Principals, teacher-leaders, and Central Office Administrators will be contacting students and families about specific events that are being canceled, as appropriate.  

When appropriate, administrators will seek to reschedule any canceled events based on further developments with the virus.

We are also communicating cancelations as determined by our state athletic association (Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association - MIAA):

• Girls and boys state tournament ice hockey games scheduled for Sunday, March 15, 2020
• All spring sports delayed until March 30, 2020

We understand that the cancelation of these groups will come as a great disappointment to our school communities. And we recognize the hard work that has gone into preparing for each event. However, given the information currently available to us we believe it is the safest decision.

In-school activities, such as assemblies for students that do not include parents or other adults from outside of the school, will continue as planned.

Extended Day programs will continue to operate as normal. After-school activities at our schools will continue including athletics and clubs, however we will not allow spectators at indoor events. 

Finally, the news of the spread of COVID-19 changes quickly, and it is always possible that we will need to take further steps that will impact school operations, teaching and learning. Please know that we will work closely with our public health partners, the MA Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) and School Committee to take appropriate steps and provide necessary and timely information.

As always, we appreciate your support.

Sincerely,

Jennifer Fischer-Mueller, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools