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Page 2 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – Friday, April 3, 2020 School Committee members express optimism about remote learning F our School Committee members said they are pleased with the “remote learning” guidelines issued this week by the state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. School Committee Chair Thomas Whittredge “I have zero concerns. They are operating with every kid in mind.” “I am extremely proud of the way Dr. DeRuosi and his Administrative team have stepped up during an unprecedented time. The first thing they did was make sure the families in need of food were able to be fed via grab and go lunch, courtesy of Whitsons, Healthy Student Healthy Saugus, and SPS. They have set up the state mandated enrichment site for kids and parents to work together. Most recently, Dr. DeRuosi was handing out Chromebooks to families that have no other means to gain access to remote learning. Once the Chromebooks are distributed, parents can access the remote learning site for students to ‘interact’ with their teachers.” Whittredge off ers some other ideas for measures he thinks could be taken: “It’s important to remember, this has never happened before in our lifetime. I know a lot of parents are frustrated and concerned. This is not a problem unique to Saugus, this is happening to the entire world. We are all learning as we go and are doing so with the Kids, Faculty and staff ’s health and wellbeing in mind. We will get through this by supporting each other.” School Committee Vice Chair Ryan Fisher “Every district has diff erent resources and needs. A lot of private schools under one roof have a much easier time getting started. Saugus has to attend to special education requirements, make sure students have adequate nutrition if they rely on the district for that need, and make sure there’s suitable technology in every home to accommodate remote learning. “As things stand right now, with us about to come online, I’m encouraged and appreciative of the hard work from everyone in the district. We’ll see how the next week goes and we’ll make adjustments as needed. We’re not alone here. We’re meeting the state requirements and from what I’m hearing there’s recognition that this is not an ideal environment for students, or any of us. I’ll have more feedback on this over the coming week.” School Committee Member Joseph “Dennis” Gould “The only concern I have is any potential hacking into learning tools.” Gould offers some other ideas for measures he thinks could be taken: “I believe guardians/parents/grandparents and even older sisters and brothers could be a great help by engaging in learning, reading, math and accessing the many stay at home free programs on FB to keep the student’s minds active.” School Committee Member Arthur Grabowski “The only complaint I have is the lack of information that the School Committee has been getting on this from the superintendent. I can get information better from other districts than my own district. I’d like to see more details. “The enrichment is over. It’s time to get back to learning. Come Monday, we have to get back to replicating what’s happening in the classroom so we don’t fall behind. We want these students to stay safe.” Lawrence A. Simeone Jr. It’s back to school – at home Attorney-at-Law ~ Since 1989 ~ * Corporate Litigation * Criminal/Civil * MCAD * Zoning/Land Court * Wetlands Litigation * Workmen’s Compensation * Landlord/Tenant Litigation * Real Estate Law * Construction Litigation * Tax Lein * Personal Injury * Bankruptcy * Wrongful Death * Zoning/Permitting Litigation 300 Broadway, Suite 1, Revere * 781-286-1560 Lsimeonejr@simeonelaw.net S Saugus Public School students begin remote learning early next week while schools remain closed By Mark E. Vogler augus Public Schools – like most districts throughout the state – have been waiting for three weeks now for students to get back to a semblance of learning. The town’s public education We Now Offer For Your Eating Pleasure “UBER EATS” Convenient Delivery Service Bianchi’s Pizza and Renzo’s Full Menu To Go Open for Takeout for Bianchi’s Pizza and Renzo’s Food 381 Revere Beach Blvd., Revere 781-284-5600 system of about 2,600 students came to a standstill on Friday the 13th last month when Superintendent Dr. David DeRuosi, Jr. announced that the schools would be closed for at least two weeks because of growing concerns about the outbreak of COVID-19, the pandemic killer virus that was spreading across America and through Massachusetts. A few days later, Gov. Charlie Baker declared that all schools would be closed at least through April 7. Recently, Baker extended the closure until May 4. A number of Saugus teachers reached out to help the students. But there was no mandatory plan in place for student learning. Parents and students were in the dark about their education. That will change as early as Monday when students reconnect with their teachers and return to the classroom – but in their own homes instead in the schools, which will remain closed. Emails from each of the district’s school principals went out Wednesday to students, family and staff related to the school district’s plans for remote learning – an educational concept that will use technology to put teachers back in touch with their students and allow students to resume learning in an eff ort to salvage the school year. “Everyone is anxious, nervous, stressed out, and isolated. Given our current global situation, these are normal feelings,” Belmonte Middle School Principal Myra Monto wrote in her email. “As a district and school, we are working to keep the learning alive and instruction moving forward in a way that does not add to your stress. “As a school, your students are our primary concern. Their health and safety are the highest priority. Please continue to follow the protocols of hand washing, social distancing, and staying at home whenever possible. Stay positive, stay healthy, and take care.” Monto’s message, similar to emails sent by other principals, advised the parents of a new model of instruction that will begin early next week. It will provide optional resources for learning on the District website using computers and technology. “As we move forward with the school closure, through at least May 4th, we will be transitioning to a remote learning model with activities for specifi c grades and courses,” Monto wrote. “Our staff have set up Google Classroom for all of their classes and either have or will be sending Google Invites for your students to join these classes,” she said. Dr. DeRuosi and School Committee members had gotten the green light for the new way of learning last week when Commissioner Jeffrey C. Riley of the state Department of Secondary and Elementary Education issued guidelines titled “Guiding Principles: Supporting Student Teaching and Holistic Needs.” The fourpage document was crafted and signed by representatives of the American Federation of Teachers, the Massachusetts Association of School Committees, the Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents, the Massachusetts Charter Public School Association, the Massachusetts Parent Teachers Association and the Massachusetts Teachers Association. “Remote learning cannot replace students’ experiences in school communities with their teachers, administrators, and support staff,” Commissioner Riley wrote in a cover letter to superintendents, charter school leaders, assistant superintendents, principals and teachers unions. “All of the students and educators with whom I have spoken this week sorely miss learning in person as part of a community. That said, we must all pull together – parents and caregivers, students, the community, and of course, our educators and staff – to help students continue their learning over this extended period,” he said. SCHOOL | SEE PAGE 13

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