HomeMy WebLinkAboutSchool Comm. 05/11/2021approved 6-8-21
Mansfield School Committee
Return to Learning Subcommittee
Minutes for May 11, 2021
A meeting of the Mansfield School Committee Return to Learning subcommittee was opened and called to order
at 8:05 am.
Attendees: Lauren Scher, Linda Fernando, Teresa Murphy, Michael Connelly a
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• Return to in -person learning. — s4 ' 1
o K-8. Mike spoke with principals. Everyone is settling in and happy to be back. CO C-)
• Robinson — staff feel positive. This is a busy time for support staff normally. They are
collecting the Chrome books with a schedule for each grade to bring the Chrome books
into class. If a student were to go to quarantine, they could get the chrome book back.
• JJ — John met with Jenn recently. There has been one positive COVID case recently.
They are starting to think about the end of the year step up event, including an outdoor
event on June 15.
• QMS: Starting to see typical student interaction issues. They are working to remind
students about peer -to -peer student expectations. They are conducting 504 meetings —
Students appear to be doing better now that they are back in school. The in -person group
seems to be moving faster in the curriculum.
• MHS: There's a more normal school feel. There has been a lot of testing going on and
changes in the schedule. They are making sure students are clearly communicated to re:
scheduling. The election is taking place today — which has impacted programming.
• JJ/QMS: Working on plans for MCAS testing for the virtual remote cohort. Have
roughly 1 I I remote at JJ and 90 at QMS. Have to run 3 browsers (camera, email, and
test nav site). Want us to use the cameras to simulate the classroom to watch them test.
But if there are connectivity issues — can't shut down the camera. Any students in Gr 3-8
who require a paper -based test would be required to come in to take the test in person.
• We continue to review health numbers. Currently, the community is in the "green." Not
seeing in -school transmission.
• End of the year at MHS: Keeping an eye on the number of students who may not have
the credits to graduate on the regular grad date. Keeping an eye on these numbers and
helping students get over the last hurdle..
• Linda: Do you have any sense of how many students have received a first dose of
vaccine?
• Mike: We are not collecting this information systematically right now. Vaccines
are voluntary.
• Linda: Should students bring in a copy of the vaccine card?
• Teresa: Christine had mentioned that they would be sending out information on
this in the future.
• Lauren: Any chance for a clinic now that vaccinations are opening up for
younger ages?
o Not at this time.
• Plans for Summer Programming
• Elementary/MS: Programming will occur from July 12-Aug 6. This includes five, half -days per
week for four weeks. QMS — received a grant. We also applied for state grant linked to SOA for
JJ, but we didn't get that grant. But we will continue to move forward with programming. This
includes recruiting teachers and teacher assistants, counselor, and EL support. The goal is to have
a robust program. We are doing okay with the QMS staffing including nine teachers (usually have
had 2).
• High school: Still working on their planned programming and are awaiting summer school
guidance from DESE. Have used Edgenuity in the past and likely will do the same this year.
• There will be invitations for students identified through the RTI process, through looking at the
data in terms of their curriculum based assessments. Also considering inclusion of EL students,
students of color, and economically disadvantaged. A lot of subgroups overlap.
• We will not be holding summer institutes. It was a hard decision to make, but it makes sense for
this year.
• How are students "invited" to attend? In the past Patty Coyne would have a parent night for
elementary age and discuss the importance of it and sell it as an enjoyable, engaging experience.
For middle and high school — if students are failing or in danger of failing, then it is motivating
for families. Having watched over the years — the students who need it are there. Often the
challenge is transportation. This year, the program will accommodate transportation. Families of
students invited will not be surprised given that schools have been working with these families
throughout the year. Coordinators follow-up with families if there are issues with student
attendance. The half day is a big sell as it is not as overwhelming. Also, since there will not be a
summer institute, there is no competing programming through the schools. The JJ program uses
project -based learning. The fifth graders (rising 6'h graders) will participate in programming at
QMS. Second graders will have their summer programming at JJ.
Planning for 2021-22 School year
• Can do virtual visits for those stepping up to the next grade.
• It is too early to say what open house might look like.
• The hope is that it will be full, in -person. Suggested looking at students who are medically
fragile. Pre -pandemic — one student has an MOA which included a tool that records and
livestreams. Have a special education teacher who goes to the house and works with her after
howl. Will have 7 courses for her for next year. Would be difficult to do for all students. The
goal is to have as many come back to full in person as possible.
• For teachers: if there is someone with a medical request — it would go through Jocelyn
(personnel).
Other - Any items not anticipated by the Chairperson 48 Hours prior to this meeting.
Meeting closed at 9:OOam
Next meeting June 8, 2021