April 8, 2020

Dear Parents and Families,

History will provide us with a better understanding of all that happened during this unprecedented time, but right now, we are navigating the unknown and bringing new meaning and purpose to activities of our daily lives. Beyond the many significant traditions and norms, this evening I am speaking specifically about school. 

The meaning of engagement and expectations during Phase 1 of school closures have now shifted into Phase 2. This next phase will carry us through our return to school, whether it’s May 4, later this spring or even next September - we have a plan. The most significant shift that I outlined in my previous letter is from optional learning opportunities for students, to expected student engagement in remote learning experiences. Within this shift, we remain committed to staying connected to each and every child in the Canton Public Schools and doing everything we can to provide all students with what they need in a very different context - from food and devices, to ongoing connections with school staff and peers, to learning and feedback that maintains and promotes student growth. Our plan has been created in collaboration with the two largest unions in our district (e.g., teachers and education assistants) and the Canton School Committee. As a result of deep discussions over time, we have an agreement!

One other specific agreement to share with you is in regards to the school calendar. April vacation is canceled and remote learning will continue through that week (Tuesday, April 21  through Friday, April 24, 2020). What is usually the first day of April vacation, Monday, April 20 is a state holiday - Patriots’ Day; therefore, no remote learning and communication will be provided on that day. With this change, the last day of school for the 2019-2020 school year will be Tuesday, June 23, 2020. 

Consistent with the school district calendar, this Friday, April 10, (Good Friday) is a day when schools are closed. Therefore, as stated earlier for Patriots’ Day, there will be no remote learning and communication provided from school staff on that day.

We have developed a series of parent/guardian FAQs to help you better understand what is expected of your child moving forward and what school staff are doing to support connections with you and your child, and student learning. Based on the negotiated staff expectations, there will be consistency among classes and grades, as well, there will be some differences in implementation. Staff of the Canton Public Schools continue to be highly committed to Canton children and their jobs within the school system. I encourage you to communicate with your child’s teacher(s) and administration, to whatever degree is necessary so that you fully understand the details of the new context of school.

We are here to help your students and to support you. Below are the FAQs created by members of the Central Office team:  Debra Bromfield, Deborah Rooney and Julie Shore to provide you with more detailed information. We understand that your challenges are great and varied, depending on your personal situation. Please, stay connected and as I’ve said before, we’re all in this together!

And finally, please continue to adhere to the safety advisories and maintain social distancing by staying home. We are all eager to return to school!

With respect and optimism,

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

Canton Public Schools
Frequently Asked Questions for Parents
School Closure, 4/7/2020-reopening of school

The information shared below is based on our plans through the reopening of school, currently scheduled for May 4, 2020. During Phase 2 of the school closure, teachers are teaching new content through remote learning. These remote learning experiences are not optional, they are expected to be completed. This FAQ will provide you with additional information.  

If after reading this information you have additional questions specific to your child, please contact your school Principal. 

You can also contact Central Office staff with questions:

For Teaching and Learning questions:  Deborah Rooney, rooneyd@cantonma.org

For Technology questions:  Julie Shore, shorej@cantonma.org                

For Student Services questions:   Debra Bromfield, bromfieldd@cantonma.org

Our goals during this Phase 2 of school closure include:

• We are seeking to slow the progress of the COVID-19 virus by practicing social distancing. 
• Staff will maintain connections and communicate with students and families to support their wellbeing and their sense of belonging to our school communities while we are engaging in remote learning.     
• Staff will provide remote learning opportunities and support for our students to help them maintain their skills and knowledge and advance the curriculum, as appropriate.   
• Staff will maintain connections and communicate with students and families to help them access the materials, to offer support and encouragement, to clarify any questions they have and to provide feedback, as appropriate. 
   

What is remote learning?

Remote learning occurs when the student and the instructor are separated by time and distance and therefore cannot meet in the traditional classroom space. While we cannot possibly recreate the classroom experience, educators will be sharing resources that help students to work both online and offline. Remote learning can take place in a multitude of ways, including helping students engage with resources in their everyday lives and in the natural world around them. Remote learning also provides unique opportunities to further engage students in the arts or interdisciplinary work. Finally, we must be conscious of the effects of increased screen time and seek balance between learning through technology and remote learning that happens offline to support students’ curiosity and understanding. Details with the specifics for your child’s remote learning schedule will be shared by the individual schools.

Remote learning can be synchronous or asynchronous.  

Synchronous remote learning takes place when the student(s) and the educator are virtually connected at the same time in Google Meet or Zoom. This time can be for a variety of purposes, including instruction, class discussion, and Q&A. 

Asynchronous remote learning takes place when an educator prepares learning opportunities for students, who engage with them at the time that is most convenient for the student. The Google Classroom stream can be utilized to foster asynchronous discussions, and students can join office hours if they need support with questions.   

 

Are students expected to complete the work?  

Teachers will share assignments that students are expected to complete. 

PreK-5:  The learning opportunities are no longer only optional. While students are expected to complete assignments, teachers will provide feedback to students and parents that helps them to know how their child is doing on work submitted. Teachers should also indicate for students and parents which assignments are expected and which are optional. 

GMS and CHS:  Teachers will share assignments that students are expected to complete.  Remote learning is no longer optional.  While students are expected to complete assignments, teachers will provide feedback to students and parents that helps them to know how their child is doing on work submitted, as appropriate.  

 

How will my child access the remote learning opportunities?

Assignments will continue to be shared in Google Classroom for students in K-12.  Our Preschool students are accessing their resources through the Preschool website.  

 

What will the student schedule be?

The Commissioner has recommended that districts support students to engage in meaningful and productive learning for approximately half the length of a regular school day. We expect this learning to take place via a combination of educator-directed learning and student self-directed learning. Some learning may be synchronous; some will be asynchronous, as defined above.

 

What if I have questions or my child needs help with the work?

PreK-5:  Teachers will continue to be available for office hours for one hour daily.  

GMS and CHS:  Office hours are a time for teachers to connect directly with students. This may come in the form of online virtual meetings via Zoom or Google Hangout, online digital chats, time set aside for synchronous responses to email, or small group/1:1 check-ins with students. 

 

Will teachers be taking attendance? 

Attendance during times of remote learning looks different than during the regular school year. Attendance now reflects engagement which is expected of all students. 

PreK-5:  Teachers will be keeping track of student attendance during office hours, any synchronous remote learning sessions, and participation in the Google Classroom. 

GMS and CHS:  Teachers will be keeping track of student attendance during office hours and participation on work assigned. 

 

What about grades?

Feedback to students is critically important, but we will not be assigning traditional grades for a record of student performance. Teachers are expected to give feedback to students and communicate that feedback to parents when there are concerns about a child not participating.

Elementary Report Cards:  Report cards were not released on 3/19/2020 as scheduled. We have some technical needs to address in order for this to happen remotely. We will be in touch with more information.  

Elementary Parent Conferences: The Elementary Parent Conferences scheduled for April 1 and 2 are postponed. 

CHS term dates: In the event of an extension of the school closure through the end of the year, the decision has been made to combine Term 3 and 4 to create a new Term 3. Thus, the transcript will show Term 1, Term 2 and Term 3. (Decisions about final exams will be forthcoming.) 

 

Will CHS courses still count?

The decision was made to go to credit/no credit for Term 3. This decision is in the best interest of students and aligns CHS with area schools. (The reconciliation of credit/no credit with grades from Term 1 and Term 2 will be determined.) 

 

What about AP classes?

The Advanced Placement Exam is optional for students in May 2020. Considering many factors, we are waiving our requirement to take the AP Exam for this school year. This decision is in the best interest of students, considering the modifications of the exam, units covered, and the overall inequities that exist in the student experience. This decision aligns Canton with the schools in the area.

 

What about April vacation?  

The School Committee has voted that school will continue to be in session during the April break. Remote learning will be taking place on Tuesday, April 21-Friday, April 24. Monday, April 20 is Patriots’ Day and, therefore, there is no school on that day.

 

How will the closure impact the end of the school year?

We have adjusted the end of the school year, with the addition of 4/21-4/24 as remote learning days. The current last day of school for grades 1-11 will be Tuesday, June 23, 2020. The last day of school for PreK and Kindergarten will be Tuesday, June 16, 2020. Details regarding the end of the school year schedule for CHS Seniors will be determined as we learn more about the length of the school closure. 

 

What about MCAS? 

The MA Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) has applied for a waiver of MCAS requirements for this year. Legislation has also been filed to give the Commissioner the authority to approve changes in testing requirements at the state level. We are awaiting additional information with specifics.  

 

What about CHS Spring Sports?

The MIAA has informed districts that spring sports will not begin until May 4, 2020. Our Athletic Director, Danny Erickson, will keep students and coaches updated as we learn more. 

 

What if my child needs technology support?

Parents and students who need help with technology can email cpstechhelp@cantonma.org. This email will be monitored during school hours and you can expect a response within 24 hours.  

 

What if my child needs other types of help?

Parents with questions or specific needs are encouraged to reach out to the Home/School Interventionist or Principal.  

Elementary Home/School Interventionist:  Katie Doherty

GMS Home/School Interventionist:  Cathy DeMassi

CHS Home/School Interventionist:  Norma Hollenbach

 

What if my child needs lunch?

Meals will be distributed at Canton High School on Mondays and Wednesdays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.  Any child who needs a breakfast or lunch is welcome.  On Monday, we will distribute 2 breakfasts and 2 lunches.  On Wednesday, we will distribute 3 breakfasts and 3 lunches.  

We have added one new stop to the meal delivery schedule.  The Canton Bulldog Van will be out delivering meals on Mondays and Wednesdays according to the schedule below: 

• Pequit Street, halfway between Washington Street and Sherman Street - 11:15 a.m.
• Canton Estate Apartments, Neponset Street, in the parking lot – 11:30 a.m.
• Waterfall Apartments, Waterfall Drive, in front of the tennis courts – 11:45 a.m.
• Arboretum/Woodfield Commons, in front of the leasing office – 12:10 p.m.
• Blue Hills Village Apartments, Randolph Street, in the circle by the pool – 12:30 p.m.
• Prynne Hills Apartments, Bay Drive, 12:45pm

The Bulldog Van will be at each location for approximately 5 minutes, so please come by and pick up breakfast and lunch.

 

What is the plan for Special Education and Student Services?

Consistent with federal and state guidance to provide students with accommodations and services in his/her IEP, and in order to best ensure that staff can review, reinforce, apply, and deepen skills already taught this school year, Student Service Coordinators will be contacting parents to discuss the development of an Individualized Remote Learning Plan (IRLP) for students on IEPs. The plan will include the supports, resources, instruction and services provided to students during the school closure period. These plans will also include those things that are reasonably possible to support student’s access to the learning opportunities available through remote learning offerings by teachers and related service providers. 

While the district remains obligated to protect students’ confidentiality and privacy, remote learning does not allow the district to control who is viewing/hearing a lesson, and therefore parents and students should be aware that there is no expectation of privacy. The district’s Acceptable Use Policy, Bullying Prevention Policy (including prohibiting, cyberbullying) remain in effect, as well as student code of conduct and disciplinary rules. Some teachers may decide to record themselves and provide the recording to their students. Parents and students, however, may not record lessons. If you would like a recorded lesson to review with your child, you should request a recording from the teachers/providers.

 

Letter from Director of Student Services

Dear Parents and Guardians:

I hope that this letter finds you and your family safe and well during this unprecedented health crisis. Although this crisis has created significant disruption to our daily lives and educational system, it is providing us with a unique opportunity to offer educational programming and support, albeit remotely, to our students. 

As you may know, Governor Baker’s most recent Order extended school closures through the month of April, and prohibits in-person instruction in order to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus. 

Your child is entitled to receive accommodations and services outlined in his/her IEP consistent with the need to protect the health and safety of students, educators, and service providers. How the district provides special education and related services to your child will look different during this unprecedented period of national and state public health emergency. The district will make every effort to use creative strategies to provide special education instruction and services to the extent feasible. 

Consistent with federal and state guidance to provide your child with accommodations and services in his/her IEP, and in order to best ensure that our staff can review, reinforce, apply, and deepen skills already taught this school year, we will be contacting you to discuss the development of an Individualized Remote Learning Plan (IRLP) for your child. The plan will include the supports, resources, instruction and services provided to your child during the school closure period. These plans will also include those things that are reasonably possible to support your child’s access to the learning opportunities available through remote learning offerings by your child’s teacher and related service providers. 

While the district remains obligated to protect students’ confidentiality and privacy, remote learning does not allow the district to control who is viewing/hearing a lesson, and therefore parents and students should be aware that there is no expectation of privacy. The district’s Acceptable Use Policy, Bullying Prevention Policy (including prohibiting, cyberbullying) remain in effect, as well as student code of conduct and disciplinary rules. Some teachers may decide to record themselves and provide the recording to their students. Parents and students, however, may not record lessons. If you would like a recorded lesson to review with your child, you should request a recording from the teachers/providers.

Again, I wish the best of health and safety to you and your families. Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions and concerns you have as we enter this second phase of school closure from April 7, 2020 through May 4, 2020. 

Sincerely,

Debra Bromfield
Director of Student Services