Family Update on April Vacation Cancellation

Dear District Families,

Here are a few updates.  The school committee listened to the vast majority of you who expressed an interest in continuing remote learning days during what would have been April vacation.  So, Monday, April 20 will be a break from school, as it is a holiday, but remote learning will return on April 21-24.  This means that the last day of school this year will now be June 12, whether in person or still remote learning.

We wanted you all to know that Gill Elementary Principal Conor Driscoll will be leaving us at the end of the school year to become an elementary principal in Hatfield, much closer to home and family.  We are very thankful for Conor’s outstanding leadership these last five years and we are going to miss him dearly.  Decisions about the search process for his successor will be made by early next week.

Just a friendly reminder from our teachers and staff, that we are up and running now, using Google Classroom, as a platform for remote learning across all grade levels.  So, parents please contact your students’ school if you have not been contacted by their teacher and we will figure out where the breakdown is.

I would like to say thank you to our families and our staff for your collective efforts this week.  Teachers have done a remarkable job reengaging with their students using new tools, in new circumstances. I have heard several stories of joyful face-face reconnections yesterday and today.  And parents/guardians, we know that supporting this new way of doing business has added extra stress to an already maximum stress situation.  Your efforts to help our students stay connected and engaged are much appreciated. 

Finally, even though we distributed about 100 Chromebooks by Wednesday, we will continue to work to supply one to any family that still needs one.  Please contact your school’s main office and leave a message if no one answers.  Staff will follow up with you. 

Please stay safe this weekend