6:30 PM PCMS Parent Night: Transitioning to the Middle School
To ensure student achievement through excellence in teaching and learning.
The Spring Return to Learn Plan was presented to the School Committee on February 9th, 2021.
For a copy of the plan click here.
For a copy of the Return to Learn Update presented on February 23rd click here.
The entire district will continue to operate with the Remote Monday schedule through March 29, 2021.
Beginning Monday, April 5, we will be using a 5-day, 100% in-person learning schedule Kindergarten through Grade 12.
There are no changes to the Cohort D Full Remote Model at this time.
This model will stay intact through the remainder of the 2020-2021 school year.
Our students in PreK, kindergarten, and grade 1 are already in person for four days.
April 5, we will welcome back Kindergarten, and Grade 1 for 5 days of in-person instruction.
The Preschool operates on a different model.
All of the school committee meetings are recorded and posted under the minutes section of our website linked here.
The approved calendar is posted under the Calendars section of our website linked here.
Elementary Level
The process for the elementary level remains the same. If an elementary classroom has a person who is a confirmed positive who was in the classroom during their infectious period, the entire classroom would be deemed a close contact.
In that case, the entire class would move to a remote format and virtual instruction, similar to what a virtual learning day schedule was under the hybrid model.
If an elementary student must quarantine due to an outside exposure and/or travel and was not in school while infectious that student would quarantine at home and receive asynchronous work with opportunities to check in with a teacher.
Secondary Level
At the secondary level seating charts are used to identify and notify close contacts.
Students who are under quarantine would continue to receive asynchronous instruction through Google Classroom with a support schedule and check-ins. They will also have access to classroom teachers during office hours and/or titan time.
At this time we still recommend that students transport any classroom materials back and forth on a daily basis. This applies to elementary students also.
While some teachers may allow for students to keep pencils and or other supplies in their classrooms, any instructional materials should be transported back and forth daily by the student.
This process is necessary in case a student and or/class has to quarantine for any reason they would still have their instructional materials with them.
ALL BREAKFAST, LUNCH, AND PICK-UP MEALS ARE FREE UNTIL END OF THIS SCHOOL YEAR!
*purchasing extra or a la carte items while at school will still require payment.
Elementary
Students will eat their lunch at a student desk versus a traditional table. Lunch either takes place in the classroom or a designated space within the school. As the weather gets nicer the tents will also return to each building.
Secondary
The tables at PCMS will be replaced with student desks for the increase in students. PHS will continue to use student desks in the cafeteria and will be identifying additional areas for lunchroom space. As the weather gets nicer, the tens will also return to each building.
Anytime a student is unmasked to eat they are six feet apart.
Six feet is measured from the center student chair to the center of student chair.
Transportation:
Our current local and student health data is trending in a positive direction. If local and student health data changes (i.e., a dramatic increase in the number of positive student cases following February break), the School Committee will be reevaluating whether or not to move forward with the plan.
To view the PPS Covid-19 Dashboard Click Here.
All students, educators, and staff are required to wear a mask/face covering over their nose and mouth, except for during designated breaks, which should occur throughout the day. Neck gaiters and bandanas are not approved face coverings.
Breaks should occur when students can be six feet apart and ideally outside or at least with the windows open.
Masks/face coverings must be worn by everyone during school bus transportation. Teachers and parents should reinforce mask-wearing.
Masks/face coverings should be provided by the student/family, but schools should make available face masks for students who need them.
Exceptions to mask/face covering requirements must be made for those for whom it is not possible due to medical conditions, disability impact, or other health or safety factors. Face shields may be an option for students with medical or behavioral challenges who are unable to wear masks/face coverings.
When students take a mask break they are 6 feet apart. The measurement between a desk is measured 6 feet from seat to seat. Students also take mask breaks outside with a 6-foot distance between them.
All students Prek-12 have 2 ten minute designated mask breaks per day.
Each of our schools will be offering school-specific Q&A opportunities for families the week of 3/8.
BES Return to Learning: Overview
Any adjustments made to the plan below would be made based on an analysis of local health metrics.
Decisions are made on a district-level by the school committee.
2 Phases
Note: 4 days of in-person instruction-remote Mondays continue until at least 4/12.
BES Return to Learning Schedule: Student Movement
Changes to Student Movement:
BES Return to Learning: PPE and Air Circulation
Staff, like students, must wear face masks, except when eating (or during teacher announced mask breaks). Students should bring masks from home but the school will provide masks to students, as needed (e.g. lost/broken). Each classroom has a univent that continually brings in the fresh air. Windows will remain open as is feasible. Classroom doors remain closed, as this allows for optimal functioning.
BES Return to Learning: PPE
Plexiglass barriers are in place for staff who will be working closely 1:1 with students (SLT, social workers, guidance, Kindergarten, and special education teachers). Teachers have plexiglass barriers as requested. There are sanitizing wipes in each room that are used by students to disinfect their desks and chair at the end of each class and as needed. Each custodian has an atomizer, for disinfecting large areas (e.g., after student lunches, nightly after classrooms are cleaned and swept). Also, each building has a UV wand that can be used to disinfect other areas, as needed.
BES Return to Learning: Handwashing
Each classroom has a sink, soap, and paper towels as well hand-sanitizer.
Students wash their hands at the end of every experience
After snacks, specialists, lunch, recess, etc
Additionally, hand sanitizer is easily accessible everywhere throughout the building, outside the building, and contains the recommended level (60% isopropyl) of alcohol for disinfecting
BES Return to Learning: Late arrivals & early dismissals
Parents can call the main office or should check in from the front of the building/building speaker.
Early dismissal procedures or late drop-off are similar to our previous practice with the exception that parents wait outside the main doors for their children or can call from their car.
Administrators will complete the information needed for the dismissal book (time & reason).
BES Return to Learning: Health room
Nurse Haley has conducted multiple training on monitoring and reporting on student or staff health concerns.
Health triage area:
BES Return to Learning: Student bathroom procedures
The past practice remains--with social distancing in place
BES Return to Learning: class-based procedures
Student's desks are placed:
Classrooms only contain student desks & chairs (in rows), 1 teacher desk, LCD cart & 1 file cabinet.
Students may use a sanitizing wipe to clean & disinfect their desk and chair.
BES Return to Learning: Homeroom Changes
Letters have been sent home regarding any changes to students’ homerooms.
Changes made to homerooms are based on the following criteria:
Student lunch procedures:
At the start of the day, students place their cafeteria lunch order with their teacher. Breakfast must be eaten in the cafeteria at 6 feet apart. Breakfast is 10 minutes (must conclude by 8:15 AM). Lunch and snacks are pre-packaged. Lunches are grade-based and occur in the cafeteria, outside, or in an extra classroom. Always at least 6 feet apart. Students may remove masks and eat while seated at least 6 feet apart.
BES Return to Learning: Outdoor use
Teachers may go outside to teach or take a mask break with their classes anytime they want. Indoor mask break areas are also available.
Courtyards are especially reserved for these mask break times.
Students have 2 scheduled mask breaks in addition to recess and lunch.
Students may have more scheduled breaks.
The 20’ x 30’ tent in the courtyard for outdoor classroom use will return as we move towards Spring.
Additional Outdoor areas are also scheduled
BES Return to Learning: Recess
2-3 classes are at recess at one time, but in separate areas so as not to mix cohorts.
No shared equipment (i.e. basketball), but can play kickball or other activities which don’t require sharing materials.
No balls or other recess equipment should be brought from home
Playground equipment is sterilized after every use
Future Meeting Dates/Events
Parent/Teacher Conferences-will be virtual on April 8th and 15th from 4:30 PM-8:30 PM
MCAS Test Dates-there will be future communications regarding this.
School Pictures-scheduled tentatively for April 27th and 28th
We are anxiously awaiting the return of our second and third-grade learners to four full days of in-person learning beginning next week. I have had an opportunity to meet with each class over the past two school days and have let them know what to expect to change upon their return. An important piece for parents/caregivers to be aware of concerns our parent pick-up procedures. I have that information listed below.
Our hybrid learners in grades four through six can expect their updated homeroom lists during the week of March 15, as we anticipate their return to four days of in-person instruction during the week of 3/29. We thank you for your cooperation and understanding during this time of transition.
We wrapped up our two Q& A sessions for families earlier this week. If you have any questions about what to expect, please email me or give me a call next week. I can be reached via email at michael.murphy@pembrokek12.org
Revised Parent Pick-Up Procedure
In an effort to maintain a safe, orderly, and socially distant dismissal process, we have had to alter our parent pick-up procedures a bit to accommodate the increase of parents transporting students home from school each day. Below you will find a diagram that illustrates two separate parent pickup locations.
Please note, there will be no change to the parent drop-off procedures at this point.
The new parent pick-up procedures will be effective on Tuesday, March 16.
Location B= PHS Parking lot with pick-up in the front courtyard.
*Please arrive no earlier than 2:40 for dismissal as there will also be an increased traffic flow in Learning Lane due to the return of our secondary students. PHS dismissal is at 2:20 and generally takes approximately twenty minutes to clear out.
**Please note that there are additional spots in the lower high school parking lot for parents that wish to use this area to park for either location.
*** If there are any individuals that have any physical limitations (do not need handicapped plate), please use the multiple parking spots in the front of the school, on the right side of the main entrance. The left side is reserved for specialized student transportation. Thank you!
We are excited to welcome our students back under the Return to Learn plan.
For a copy of the NPES Family Q&A Presentation Click Here.
Here are some important NPES Return to Learn Logistical Changes.
Pick-up/Drop off Procedures
To accommodate more traffic, pick-up will now be as follows:
All grade-level pick-up locations will remain the same. Students will be dismissed by their last name to the designated grade level locations (see diagram)
Reminders for drop-off/pick-up
○Left lane: Used for dropping off/picking up
○Right lane: Passing lane
Bus Students
Please be patient - Busses will be learning new routes
Pick up/drop off times may vary slightly
Class Lists / Spacing
Some updates to class lists
Changes made to accommodate different classroom dimensions
Grade 2 - @ 6 feet
Grade 3-6 @5.5 feet
Cohort D will remain intact
Schedule
Mondays Remain the same
Students will report to their homeroom teacher as governed by class lists starting on 3/15 for grades 2&3, and 3/29 for grades 4-6
Tuesday - Friday, students will attend school in person with their homeroom teacher as designated by the updated class lists sent out
Tech/Computer Issues
Quarantine after return to in-person learning
If students are required to quarantine after 4 day in-person learning has started:
If an entire class is forced to quarantine, they will switch to remote for the quarantine period with their homeroom teacher
Safety Guidelines
All safety guidelines remain the same
6 feet when unmasked (lunch, mask break)
Lunch
Recess - individual classes not mixing with others, maintaining 6 feet of space
School Calendar Updates
Schedule for hybrid students (cohorts A & B) to begin a 4-day in-school model (Tuesdays-Fridays):
Changes
Morning Arrivals
Spacing and Classroom locations
Lunchroom spacing and procedures
Morning Arrival
Students riding buses will be let into the grade-specific waiting areas starting at 7:10.
Grade 8: Gym Grade 7: Cafeteria Students getting dropped off should wait outside (starting on 3/16 for G8; 3/30 for G7).
All students can enter the building and go to homeroom at 7:15.
Classrooms: Team 7.1
Social Studies: Mrs. McDonough has moved her room next to Mrs. Whitehill. That’s where her most of her classes will meet.
Exception: Periods 4 & 7 will meet in Mrs. Dooley’s room.
Math: Most of Mrs. Jeffer’s math classes will meet in her current room.
Exception: Period 4 Accelerated Math will meet in Mrs. McDonough’s old room, next to Mrs. Leonard (that will be a double classroom).
ELA: All of Mrs. Leonard’s classes will meet in her current room. The wall in the back of the class will be opened, making a double classroom.
Classrooms: Team 7.2
Social Studies: Most of Ms. Haylon’s classes will be held in her current room.
Exception: Period 4 will meet in the library.
Art: The period 6 class will meet in room B123. That room is diagonal across from the art room.
Classrooms: Team 8.1
Social Studies: Ms. Leeper’s classes will be held in her current room. The wall in the back of the class will be opened, making a double classroom. ELA: Most of Mrs. Ruggiero’s classes will meet in her current room.
Exception: Period 6 Accelerated ELA will be in Mr. Newall’s room.
Spanish: Most of Mrs. Noguer’s classes will meet in her current room.
Exception: Periods 2 & 3 will meet in the library.
Art: The period 7 class will meet in room B123. That room is diagonal across from the art room.
Corwin’s Titan Time: That class will also meet in room B123.
Classrooms: Team 8.2
Social Studies: Mrs. Gearin’s period 6 class will meet in her current room.
Exception: Her period 3, 4 & 5 classes will meet in room B123. That room is diagonal across from the art room.
ELA: Some of Ms. Hayes’ classes will meet in her current room (periods 2 & 3)
Exception: Her periods 5, 6, 7 & Titan Study will meet in the library.
Math: Periods 3, 4 & 6 will be in Mrs. Frost’s current room
Exception: Her period 2 & 7 classes will meet in room B003 (next to Ms. Leeper- a double classroom).
Spanish: Most of Mrs. Noguer’s classes will meet in her current room.
Exception: Periods 2 & 3 will meet in the library.
Lunch
Lunchtimes will remain the same.
Cafeteria tables will be removed and replaced with rows of tablet desks, spaced 6 feet apart.
That seating change is in place for this week to allow students time to adjust before more students are in school.
Students will enter the lunchroom and take a seat.
The cafeteria workers will call up students (by rows/area) who have ordered lunch.
Students must wear a mask when moving around the cafeteria.
In nicer weather, there will be some seating available outside.
Safety Procedures
Hand washing/disinfecting:
During PE, Stem Lab, Science & lunch. Sanitizing wipes in each room for students to disinfect their desks and chair at the end of each class.
Custodian uses an atomizer for disinfecting large areas (e.g., several times throughout the day in halls and bathrooms; after student lunches).
Students should follow the established traffic patterns in hallways and staircases (left/right & one-ways).
Reminder: Main hallway stairs, for going down to lower level Stairs across from elevator for coming up to upper level We will be straddling passing times by teams if needed.
Univents in each classroom -closed air circulation units
Bathroom Procedures
There are team-based bathrooms: 7.1 in the 7.1 hallway 7.2 across from the cafeteria 8.1 next to elevator 8.2 near Stem Lab 8 2 students are allowed at a time in each bathroom.
Students will (again) have individual lanyards provided to them to use as bathroom passes.
We have ordered student IDs.
There are 2 hooks on each bathroom door.
The student should place his/her pass on one of the empty hooks.
If there are no empty hooks, the student will wait for an opening on the markers outside the bathrooms.
First few weeks...an adjustment
We anticipate that there will be an adjustment period when students return. We expect students to experience higher levels of fatigue. Teachers will be sensitive to this adjustment in how much at-home work is assigned Tuesdays-Fridays.
p: 781-293-8627
f: 781-294-0916