Travel Testing

If you have traveled outside the country, you are required to provide a negative test result for your student before they can return to school. Children 10 and under do not need to test, as long as their accompanying adults have a negative test, or are exempt from testing because they are either fully vaccinated or within 90 days of a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19.  Due to testing inconsistencies with the rapid antigen tests, we are requesting that families supply a negative PCR test result.

Domestic Travel:

If you have traveled out of state we request that you schedule a COVID-19 test. Children 10 and under do not need to test, as long as their accompanying adults have a negative test, or are exempt from testing because they are either fully vaccinated or within 90 days of a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19. Testing is no longer mandatory, according to the governor’s revised travel advisory, but is highly recommended.

As always, if you or your child are experiencing any symptoms of illness, even if very mild, please stay home and contact your school nurse. Please continue to remain vigilant - wear a mask in public, avoid large gatherings, wash your hands often, maintain 6-foot distancing whenever possible and get a vaccine if you qualify.

Effective  4/26, after a series of published studies and updated guidance from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, the CDC, and multiple medical advisory boards, and supported by our own case data and quarantine data for the entire school year, students seated in the classroom and on the bus, when wearing masks, who are at least 3 feet apart, will no longer have to quarantine if exposed to COVID-19 in the classroom.

In all classrooms PreK-12, student desks are spaced at greater than 3 feet apart.

This means at our elementary level, we will no longer be quarantining entire classrooms when a positive case is reported.  Moving forward we will be notifying families of classroom cases, but there is no quarantine requirement.  The exceptions to this would be our preschool program as well as our district-wide special education programs.  In these classes, due to the nature of the educational environment and movement around the classrooms, there may be a need for identification of close contacts.  These instances will be handled on a case-by-case basis through consultation with our school nurses, classroom staff, and families.

At the secondary level, we will be informing families if their students were in proximity of a positive case, but there is no quarantine requirement as no students are seated less than three feet apart.

 This updated guidance does not apply to exposures related to household members, social activities, extracurricular activities, or sports.

Also, note that:

• Individuals who are fully vaccinated do not have to quarantine or test for 90 days as long as they are not showing any symptoms.
• Individuals who had confirmed COVID-19 (diagnosed by a positive PCR test) do not have to quarantine or test for 90 days if they are fully recovered and remain without symptoms.
• Students may be seated at less than three feet from one another on the school bus so contact tracing resulting in quarantine is still possible from a school bus exposure.

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.

Phase 1:

The week of 3/15, students will return in grades 2,3,8,11 & 12 to four days of in-person learning, Tuesday - Friday.

Phase 2: The week of 3/29, students will return in grades 4,5,6,7,9 & 10 to four days of in-person learning, Tuesday - Friday.

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. 

In an effort to manage community questions, we have set up the following email address:   schoolcommittee@pembrokek12.org

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:

• Cohort A students currently riding the bus on Tuesdays and Thursdays will be allowed to ride the bus on Wednesdays and Fridays.
• Cohort B students currently riding the bus on Wednesdays and Fridays will be allowed to ride the bus on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
• Cohort C students that are now riding the bus for four days will continue to do so.

New Transportation Plan/Secondary Students:

• Bus capacity for secondary students has increased to two students per seat in communities with a high prevalence rate or red designation on the stoplight metrics. 
• Bus restrictions for secondary students have been lifted for communities with a low prevalence rate or yellow or green designation on the stoplight metrics.
• Pembroke will increase bus capacity to accommodate two secondary students per seat.

Thank you for completing the Return to Learn Transportation Request Form.

Those families with students in elementary school that currently have bus passes and requested to increase from 2 to 4 days are all set. 

Those families that requested transportation for the first time this year, their students will come home with their bus pass the week prior to starting the bus.  

Elementary Students 4 day schedule:

March 16, 2021  grades 2, 3

March 30, 2021 grades 4, 5, 6

(Students currently attending 4 days continue to do so) 

PCMS/PHS Students

Those families currently taking the bus need to be current with payments. 

Those families requesting bussing for the first time this year must submit payment to receive a valid pass and to be placed on the bus route. 

PCMS/PHS Students

March 16, 2021  grades 8, 11, 12

March 30, 2021 grades  7, 9, 10

Students have assigned seats using a seating chart.  Some windows are also open on the bus to increase airflow. 

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.

Classroom Spacing:

Bringing additional students back in Phase 1 & Phase 2 requires decreasing the spacing between student desks in some classrooms to between 4.5 and 6 ft of space. In our current model, all student desks are 6 feet apart.

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.

CLICK HERE FOR DATES/TIMES

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

• Week of 3/15-Return of grades 2 and 3
• Week of 3/29-Return of grades 4-6

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:

• Grade level halls and classrooms remain mostly the same.
• Some classroom relocations to spacing.
• Library, LGI, Courtyards, Gymnasium, field space, and extra classrooms for mask and movement breaks
• Unidirectional outside hallways; bi-directional inside hallways

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: 

• Any student that goes to the nurse waits in this triage in a different area for a health assessment. 
• Students who have non-covid related sxs would be treated in the standard health room.
• Students who have potential covid related symptoms would be housed in a separate health room next to the science room. 
• Nurse Haley would contact the parents and facilitate pick up outside bus entrance doors in the rear of the building to minimize student’s movement within the building
• The bathroom closest to the new health room doors is being reserved for student(s) that may present with covid-related sxs.
• Disinfecting routines will be implemented after each student use.

BES Return to Learning: Student bathroom procedures

The past practice remains--with social distancing in place

• There are 2 students allowed at a time in each bathroom.
• Students have individual bathroom passes provided to them.
• Teachers have established a sign-in/sign-out room procedure
• There are two hooks on each bathroom door. The student places his/her pass on one of the empty hooks.
• If there are no empty hooks, the student waits for an opening on a social distancing marker.

BES Return to Learning: class-based procedures

Student's desks are placed:

• Grades K-2--6 feet apart
• Grade 3-6--no less than 5 feet apart

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:

• Maintaining staff and students’ safety--maximizing space
• Students’ educational needs and the ability to provide special services as is required by law for some students.

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.

1. Students with the last names A-L will assemble in the gym where they will remain socially distanced until they are called for dismissal. They will be dismissed by the side door (near the playground) where we currently have the students exit the building at parent pick-up (See Diagram).
2. Students with the last names M-Z will assemble in the cafeteria where they will remain socially distanced until they are called for dismissal.  They will be dismissed by the cafeteria entrance in the front of the school near the courtyard (See Diagram).
3. Parents will still use the QR code as they do each day at parent pick-up to register that they have arrived.  There will be one additional question listed on the Google Form beginning on Tuesday that indicates your current pick-up location (A or B)
4. Location A= Side parking lot by the playground.

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

• Drop off procedures will remain the same
• ***Pick-up procedures updated***

To accommodate more traffic, pick-up will now be as follows:

•   Families with last name A-K will pick up at 3:10 pm
•   Families with last name L-Z will pick up at 3:20 pm

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

• Please do not enter the bus loop during drop off/pick up times
• Please be mindful of your speed when traveling around the building
• Please full up as far as possible at your location as to minimize traffic build up
• Please drop off and pick up in a timely manner as to not hold up the line
• Be mindful of the two lanes that travel one way around the building

○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

• Mailed out 2/26 for Grades 2 & 3
• Mailed out 3/5 for Grades 4-6

Changes made to accommodate different classroom dimensions

Grade 2 - @ 6 feet

Grade 3-6 @5.5 feet

Cohort D will remain intact

• Anyone requesting to move in from Cohort D should contact the principal directly
• There’s a chance some grade levels will be at capacity and students will need to be put on a waitlist

Schedule

Mondays Remain the same

• A.M. specialist opportunities (optional)
• P.M. instruction w/homeroom teacher (mandatory)

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

• All help requests must be logged

○support@pembrokek12.org

• The help desk will notify of the next steps

Quarantine after return to in-person learning

If students are required to quarantine after 4 day in-person learning has started:

• Asynchronous work provided by the teacher
• Opportunities for check-in throughout the quarantine period

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)

• Outdoor locations designated when the weather allows
• Indoor locations for inclement weather

Lunch

• Outdoor whenever possible
• Cafeteria when inclement weather - desks @6ft
• Hand washing regularly
• Sanitizing/atomizing occurring daily

Recess - individual classes not mixing with others, maintaining 6 feet of space

School Calendar Updates

• The updated calendar on the website
• Please note 3/17 is not an early release day
• The tentative last day of school is 6/21

Schedule for hybrid students (cohorts A & B) to begin a 4-day in-school model (Tuesdays-Fridays):

• Grade 8: Week of March 15
• Grade 7: Week of March 29
• As of now, Mondays will remain virtual, with online classes from 9:15 am-2:17 pm

Changes

Morning Arrivals

Spacing and Classroom locations

•  Students desks will be spaced between 5-6 feet apart

 Lunchroom spacing and procedures

• Not changing: Importance of/adherence to current safety 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. 

• There’ll be a tent outside in the G8 waiting area.

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.