On Thursday night, the Combined School Committees will address how to handle Spring Break.
In preparation, Superintendent Gregory Martineau is asking for input from students’ parents and teachers.
The Northborough and Southborough public schools’ break is currently scheduled for the week of April 20th. The last day of school had been communicated as no later than June 23rd. In today’s message, Martineau is asking parents to opine on whether or not to hold the break.
The survey offers only two choices: keeping the schedule (now described as ending on the 22nd) or cancelling break but ending school 6 days sooner. No option is given for cancelling the break and continuing school to the 22nd or for continuing school past the 22nd. (Though, there is a field for “other”.)
The survey respondents are asked to identify their district, but not their kids’ grade level. (Though, the administration will be able to differentiate K-8 vs high school.)
The message clarifies that while input is valuable, members of the Combined School Committees will make the decision.
Here is Martineau’s message issued this morning:
Dear Parent(s) and Guardian(s):
Over the past several days, I have received many questions about April Vacation and whether or not it makes sense to continue with Remote Learning through April 21-24 (April Vacation). On Thursday, April 9, 2020, the Northborough, Southborough, and Northborough-Southborough Regional School Committees will hold a Combined School Committee meeting to discuss April Vacation and whether to hold it or continue with NSBORO-CONNECT 2.0 through the planned vacation week.
In preparation for the Combined Meeting, I am seeking input from families and educators. If you’re interested in providing input, please complete the brief survey below. I will present the survey data to the school committees so they can make an informed decision. Ultimately it is the school committees’ decision to amend the 2019-2020 Student Calendar.
Options:
- Hold April Vacation: Our last day would be June 22, 2020.
- Conduct remote learning during April Vacation; our last day would be June 16, 2020.
The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE)* has not taken a position on whether to extend the school closure beyond May 4, 2020. I can assure families that the District is planning for two contingencies: Returning to school on Monday, May 4, or having an extended closure. My current thinking is that if there is a prolonged closure it will be announced within the next couple of weeks.
The last day of school, with an April Vacation, is scheduled for June 22, 2020. If NSBORO-CONNECT 2.0 continues April 21-24, then the last day of school shifts to June 16, 2020.
I appreciate your input, and I hope your family is safe and healthy.
The link above is for parents’ and guardians’ responses.
