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5/7/2021
Dear North Smithfield Families, I am pleased to report that we have had minimal COVID cases since our return from April Vacation. With people remaining cautious, testing, and with vaccinations available to students 16 and older, I am again optimistic that we will finish this school year strong. Below are a couple of updates for the next school year: 21-22 Calendar We have posted the District School Calendar for the 21-22 school year at https://drive.google.com/drive/u/1/folders/0B4pXf2-eHXpCNVh3bHhHQXNheGs. Our first day of school for students will be August 31st and the last day of school will be June 14th. This calendar is different in that it contains four Rhode Island Department of Education professional days. These four days will be asynchronous days in that students will have assignments to work on during teacher professional development. Our district professional development days, which were usually listed as “No School Days” for students, have been rolled into a new Common Planning Time detailed later in this email. 21-22 Schedule During this current school year, we ran a slightly shortened version of the usual student day to make room for additional preparation and work required by the mix of in-person, hybrid, and at-home learning. For the 21-22 school year we are returning to something closer to normal as we fully expect and are planning a return to five days a week, all in-person instruction. There will however be a slight shift in the school start times so we can accommodate a new Common Planning Time for staff. NSMS/NSHS: Student Start 7:55 Student End 2:20 NSES: Student Start 8:45 Student End 3:10 More information will become available around bus times, and student drop-off and pick-up by school. What is the Common Planning Time requirement and why it is important? One of the accreditation requirements from the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) is that high schools provide teachers with Common Planning Time. Common Planning Time is also required by the Rhode Island Council on Elementary and Secondary Education. With an already packed student instructional schedule, this has proved very difficult to implement. Many districts have found a solution by implementing a Wednesday early release for students in order to hold Common Planning Time for teachers in the afternoon. Our solution is much more far-reaching, consistent, and not limited to just the high school. Instead of dismissing students early one day a week, our teachers will report for Common Planning each day of the week 45 minutes before the student school day begins. This morning Common Planning Time can/will be used for:
We are piloting this model on a one-year trial basis, followed by a review and decision for continuation. No district in the state has been able to implement this model with their high schools, let alone including all grade levels PK-12. Even with the addition of Common Planning Time, our schools are still exceeding the daily student instructional time defined in the Rhode Island Basic Education Plan. Thank you all for your support and have a great weekend. Michael St. Jean, Superintendent
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4/14/2021
Dear North Smithfield Families and Staff, I wish I could be sharing better news with everyone. Since Easter, and as of yesterday, we have 9 positive COVID cases in our schools and 173 students and staff on quarantine. We are currently seeing the largest COVID surge in our schools ever. More concerning is that since we returned from the Easter weekend our school nurses have had to send home 32 students who came to school with COVID-like symptoms and these 32 students were just those who were brought to our attention. When students come to school with symptoms they potentially compromise their friends, classmates, teachers, and teammates. COVID cases are on the rise across Rhode Island with the more virulent UK variant taking hold. Young people are having the highest rates of infection. Among young people, student-athletes have the highest concentration. I am very concerned about what we will face after the April Vacation with so many having travel plans. I am concerned that the week we return from break, we start the spring sports season with 10 teams in play. With the trajectory we are on, I am concerned about maintaining spring sports and other spring events such as proms and graduation. While many districts are planning to end hybrid instruction after the April Vacation, we have already done that. In an earlier update, I expressed optimism that as we discontinued the remaining Hybrid grade levels we could end the year strong and together. Now I am concerned that as excitement builds for a “return to normal” our surging cases brought on by the new variants and COVID fatigue will force us backward. Family Travel During April Vacation Vaccinated individuals are exempt from the requirement to test or quarantine upon returning to Rhode Island after out-of-state travel. Unfortunately, none of our children are currently vaccinated so community spread is a very real and continuing concern. If you must travel during the April vacation, please refer to updated regulations from the Rhode Island Department of Health at https://covid.ri.gov/covid-19-prevention/travel-tofrom-ri. Below is a summary as of this writing:
If you must travel, please continue to follow established procedures and precautions and monitor for any potential symptoms. In all cases, please monitor your child for symptoms for a full 14 days after returning from travel. If your child does exhibit symptoms, he or she must stay home, isolate and be tested (PCR). Likewise, if any member of the family is exhibiting symptoms or received a positive test result, the student must also isolate and have a full PCR test. Mondays We have received inquiries about our plans regarding the Monday Distance Learning Days. We fully understand and appreciate the desire to return to in-person instruction on Monday. Our teachers want nothing more than for everyone to return to full in-person instruction. We are keenly aware of the struggles of some of our families to arrange coverage for children at home and we know the fatigue many feel supervising their children during Distance Learning. Last night I reluctantly made the recommendation to continue with Distance Learning Mondays, which was likewise reluctantly approved by the School Committee. Below are the reasons I shared:
I recognize the disappointment and anger some will feel with this recommendation and decision. We wish we could go back to five days a week in-person instruction, including our at-home learners. While some may feel otherwise, NSPS re-opened our schools faster, and remained consistently open, more so than many districts across the state. Despite the concerns I expressed above, all of us are truly hoping that, with everyone’s cooperation, we can get a handle on this surge and will indeed finish the year strong and together. Everyone, please have a restful April Vacation, and keep safe and healthy. Michael St. Jean - Superintendent  Dear North Smithfield Families,
As we have been closing out hybrid instruction and expanding in-person instruction, we have been reminding families that the intent of Distance Learning was to accommodate continuous instruction for full-time at-home students, students on the hybrid schedule, and students who have to quarantine. Unfortunately, we have received multiple reports of students falling back on Distance Learning because they:
In these cases, Distance Learning was used as a convenience and not for its original intent. Our reminder was intended to end this behavior, and not to deny instruction to those with medical reasons and who may need to temporarily isolate at home Quarantine, Illness, and Allergies As you know, families are required to fill out a daily wellness screening before sending their children to school. Now that we have more than 80% of our students in the school buildings four days a week, this is especially important. We ask that you please be diligent about completing this daily screening. Children who are supposed to be learning in person are expected to be in school, and they are not permitted to participate in classes virtually when absent. However, if your child must be in isolation or quarantine, then participation in virtual instruction is permitted. Please follow these guidelines to help us support your child appropriately:
While we all eagerly anticipate a return to normal, please remember that for us COVID is still very much our daily reality, especially as more students return to in-person instruction and the numbers of positive cases are again on the rise across the state. We want to continue to expand in-person instruction, and continue moving forward without risking a backslide. As always, feel free to reach out to your school staff or school nurse with any questions.
Dear North Smithfield Families,
Friday, March 12th will be a Distance Learning Day as our district employees, bus drivers and monitors, kitchen workers, coaches, and everyone that works with our children, has the opportunity to receive vaccinations at the joint North Smithfield/Woonsocket vaccination clinic this Friday. Friday will be a synchronous day of instruction, meaning classes will still take place online. Teachers receiving their vaccination on Friday will arrange alternate assignments during the period their vaccination appointment is scheduled. Ending Hybrid Instruction starting with Grade 7: We will be returning our remaining hybrid grade levels (7, 8, 10, 11) to four days a week in-person instruction beginning with Grade 7 which will return to four days a week instruction starting Tuesday March 16th. We will shortly announce a schedule for grades 8, 10, and 11 to end Hybrid scheduling. In order to do this, we will need everyone’s help and cooperation. For the remainder of this school year, we have to carefully manage our spacing and transportation. Buses are currently limited to 50% capacity, up to 36 students. At NSES, with so many students returning from at-home instruction, several of our buses have reached the 36 student limit. We will continue to monitor and may have to adjust a few routes. For the MS/HS buses, we have some space on the buses to begin phasing out the hybrid schedule. We can’t do it all at once, but can ease into it and monitor our counts and make adjustments as needed. There is also a strong possibility that in the coming weeks the CDC and RIDOH will be issuing new bus guidance and raise the limits allowable on the bus. What expanding in-person learning will mean (as of this writing)
Here’s to looking at the light at the end of the tunnel and finishing this year strong and together. Michael St. Jean, Superintendent Dear North Smithfield Families and Staff,
I want to start off by wishing everyone a safe February Vacation and share a few updates. Facilities: Last Friday, we had to switch our middle school and high school to Distance Learning due to an exterior leak in the underground propane system that fed the middle school ovens and science labs. Despite the dramatic flames, people may have seen in the bus loop overnight and early in the morning, this was a controlled burn to empty the propane tank to begin repairs. I need to emphasize that at no point were our schools, students, or staff in danger. Not only did we have the leak repaired, but we also used this opportunity to implement other modifications and safety upgrades. The new systems have been fully inspected and will be back online shortly. February Vacation and Travel: In previous years, our nurses always welcomed the February vacation as a firewall against the spread of the seasonal flu. We hope everyone will continue to practice caution during this week. We need to remind people that if you are traveling during this time, travel warnings and quarantine restrictions still apply: https://covid.ri.gov/covid-19-prevention/travel-tofrom-ri Student Returns: Up until Thanksgiving, we opened grades PK-6, grade 9, and any student with an IEP and/or a 504 Plan to four days a week in-person. We were on a roll. The period of spikes between Thanksgiving and the New Year greatly slowed our progress, especially where entire grade levels were concerned. During this “pause” we did, however, prioritize additional students who were either on full-time Distance Learning, or in one of the hybrid grades, and offered families four days a week in-person instruction. Thirty students either switched from full Distance Learning to in-person learning or opted to increase their in-person days. Grade 12 is next. We are currently surveying seniors and their parents about their choice to expand instruction to four days a week or remain on full-time distance learning. This survey will help us to better assess capacity. Depending on the family and students’ responses, we may need to reschedule some students into alternate classes or sections to balance class sizes, find alternative locations for classes with larger enrollments in order to create more space for social distancing, and/or make adjustments to transportation, cafeteria assignments, and movement within the school. Going Forward: November and December were difficult months with contact tracing and the sheer numbers of staff and students who had to quarantine. Staffing classrooms on a daily basis was and is an on-going challenge. Thank you to all our teachers, instructional assistants, and administrators for your hard work and flexibility in keeping our schools open. The Distance Learning week after the Winter Vacation was a welcome health break. We had comparatively few positive cases when we returned. Unfortunately, it has not stayed this way. At the end of last week, for example, we had 7 students and 3 staff who had tested positive with an additional 53 students and 19 staff under quarantine. Despite this mini-outbreak, we hold that our protocols and procedures are effective as to date, transmissions of the virus appear to have all occurred outside of school and not from within our walls. Our goal remains to have all students returning to full in-person instruction. We will be expanding our in-school BinaxNOW asymptomatic screenings. As the weather gets warmer, as more staff and people in the community receive vaccinations, and as guidance from the CDC and RI Department of Health is updated (with hopefully more relaxed restrictions), we will continue to evaluate the remaining Hybrid grades along with eliminating the Monday Distance Learning day. For the time being, we are still under restrictions that guide social distancing, classroom, and school layout and limit bus ridership capacity, cafeteria seating, and gathering sizes and locations. Community Support We need everyone’s help maintaining a consistent schedule with the students. This is particularly true with the older students. Originally we required a quarter by a quarter commitment to full Distance Learning. After school reopened and based on numerous family requests, we relaxed this commitment and allowed students to move in and out of Distance Learning. Unfortunately, we are now seeing Distance Learning being used by some as a convenience and not as a health or medical necessity. For example, on days students are supposed to be in school, we have seen some instead attend classes online because they overslept. We have some student-athletes who have switched to Distance Learning and later learned that they did so because they did not want to increase their chances of being quarantined and missing a portion of the season. With this in mind, and based on phone calls, emails, and conversations with parents, students, and staff, I’d like to make the following observation: The changes and cancellations brought by COVID are difficult on our students. As adults, no matter the pressures we feel, the weight of our responsibilities, or how tired we are, we need to remember to remain positive and consistent and not unintentionally contribute to their disappointment, anxiety, or uncertainty. For our children and students, we need to project positivity, engage their interests, and continue to nurture their natural curiosity and creativity. During a pandemic, in the cold and grey of winter, it is easy to forget to just let go and play and laugh with the kids. Everyone, please have a happy and safe February Vacation. Play, laugh, and anticipate the warmer and better days ahead. Michael St. Jean, Superintendent Calendar update for the week of December 21st
During the week leading up to the Winter Recess, Tuesday and Wednesday will become Distance Learning Days. Monday, 12/21 - Distance Learning Day (standard) Tuesday, 12/22 - Distance Learning Day (new) Wednesday, 12/23 - Distance Learning Day (new) Thursday, 12/24 - Winter Recess begins We did this during the week leading up to Thanksgiving in order to give everyone time to isolate prior to the holiday and it makes sense to do the same leading up to the Winter Recess. Can we remain open? After Thanksgiving, many high schools, and even entire school districts, switched to full Distance Learning. This week some of our neighboring districts, along with many districts across the state, have begun announcing their transitions to Distance Learning starting this week with more to follow next week. We currently have five employees and five students who have tested positive for the coronavirus and we all wish them a speedy recovery back to full health. We have significantly more staff and students who are home ill, who are ill and waiting for test results, who are in isolation because they were in contact with someone who tested positive, including immediate family members, or….and this number is growing among our own staff...because their own children’s schools have switched to Distance Learning or their daycares have closed. Many of our teachers are persevering as they continue to provide remote instruction from home while under quarantine even when that quarantine means that they are caring for their own family members with the coronavirus. As more schools around us switch to Distance Learning, the strain on our staff to remain open becomes greater, but we all agree that students need to be in school. As of today, we have 6 days of in-person instruction remaining before the Winter Recess. During these days, North Smithfield fully intends to keep our schools open for in-person instruction. We will continue to closely monitor for situations beyond our control and respond accordingly. As always, I thank everyone for your hard work, dedication, patience, and continued support of our students. Michael St. Jean, Superintendent Dear North Smithfield Families and Staff,
I wanted to take a moment to wish everyone a happy and safe Thanksgiving and summarize my report at the 11/17/2020 School Committee Meeting. COVID, Quarantines, and Remaining Open Thank you to our teachers and students for maintaining the protocols and procedures we put in place to mitigate the risk of COVID spread. As cases continue to climb across the country and state, we will continuously monitor the conditions in North Smithfield and our schools. To date, what all of you are doing is working. Our numbers of positive cases are lower than most other school districts and so far all of our positive cases have been traced to exposure occurring outside of school.
Even though our positivity rates are very low compared to other districts, the number of students and staff the DOH is sending into quarantine is increasing dramatically. While this is a necessary precaution it does place a strain on our ability to adequately staff our classrooms and continue uninterrupted instruction to our students. With the COVID spike statewide, family members are testing positive, meaning that our staff members must quarantine by association. With the COVID spike statewide, schools and daycares have been switching between in-person and Distance Learning, meaning that some of our staff members, especially those with small children, must take FFCRA leave (federally available to all employees). Also when a staff member feels ill with probable COVID symptoms, they must isolate and get tested, and wait at least 48 hours for a negative PCR test during which time we must try and cover classes. Unfortunately with the current spike in cases across the state, the K-12 testing system is overburdened resulting in delays in testing appointments and results. The original 48 hour period is no longer in effect and is extended. We have established a system where we can pivot from in-person to at-home teaching and learning to ride out the various quarantines, and so far, with a tremendous effort from our teachers, we are making it work. At a statewide superintendent’s meeting this week, I heard from districts that are considering switching to full Distance Learning due to the high numbers of staff who are in quarantine. I heard from districts that suggested they may need to switch to full Distance Learning because of their increased COVID-related expenses and uncertainty in State Aid to Education which has them facing budget deficits. The coming weeks between Thanksgiving and the period after New Years will be a challenge for all of us. While we have protocols in place during the school day, we are affected by what happens after hours, during the weekends, and across the region and state. We have brought back students in PK-6, 9, as well as students with IEP’s and 504 Plans. While we do want all of our students to return, we must still operate under a number of restrictions and precautions. I have stated at several School Committee meetings that I want to bring back our 12th graders, but I cannot commit to a date, or even if it is a possibility, until we have data regarding the return of the 9th graders to NSHS. At the 11/17/2020 School Committee Meeting, Chair James Lombardi expressed concern for those students who are struggling. I was able to reply that I have already asked for a list of students in the Hybrid grade levels 7-8 and 10-12 who are struggling the most academically, emotionally, and psychologically to determine if we can offer their parents to bring them in additional days. Governor’s Press Conference on 11/19/2020 At her press conference on 11/19/2020, Governor Raimondo announced that as of November 30 until the Winter break, all high schools will shift to their limited in-person plans that were developed earlier this year. PreK-8 students will remain in-person with the exception of students currently enrolled in virtual learning. Our Limited Reopening Plan for the High School is the Hybrid plan we began the school year with. We have since expanded the plan to include four days a week in-person instruction for all students with IEP’s, 504 plans, 9th graders, whom we prioritized because 9th grade is an important transition year. Based on the effectiveness of our protocols, the very low positivity rate in our schools, and the need to have students in school, we intend to keep the high school status quo for the time being. We will continue to closely monitor for any changes at the High School, and all schools, and dial back accordingly if it becomes necessary. Enrollment Update I have posted the enrollment report I presented to the School Committee at their 11/17 meeting. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1AXvJuMvj-7X8KGe4ebox_pEEzax2xQiQ/view?usp=sharing Enrollment Summary:
Student and Family Supports During the 11/17/20 School Committee Meeting, Committee Member Paul Jones asked about supports that were available to parents. While our school counselors, school psychologists, and school social workers are here for our students and families, we also recommend: Mental Health/Suicide: KidsLinkRI- 1-855-543-5465 Available 24 hours a day/ 7 days a week. Call if your child is feeling:
BH Link (for 18 yrs old and over)-401-414-5465 Mental Health and Substance Abuse Samaritans of RI hotline-1-800-365-4044 24 hour crisis hotline/listening line National Suicide Prevention Lifeline- 1-800-273-8255. The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones. Community Care Alliance-401-235-7120 Mental Health/Addiction/Child & Family services. Alanon/Alateen-401-781-0044 Substance abuse meetings, information, and resources. www.riafg.org Food/Housing/Utility Support: Community Care Alliance - 401-235-7000. Housing support and Basic needs support (including heat and utilities) Basic Needs Assistance > Programs & Services Tri-Town Community Action Agency- 401-351-1913 11 Emanuel Street, North Providence, RI. Housing and food assistance Neighborhood Works- 401-762-0993 Housing assistance St. John’s Food Bank - 401-762-0946 63 Church Street, Slatersville, RI. Call to schedule a pantry appointment Manville Food Share Program- 401-757-0605 11 Winter Street, Manville, RI 02838 Open 9-11 on the 2nd & 4th Saturday of the month Clothes to Kids RI- 401-941-8050. https://clothestokidsri.org/ Clothes to Kids is a nonprofit providing school aged children in K through GED a full wardrobe of clothing - FREE OF CHARGE! Students can receive clothing twice a year. COVID Resources: TALKING TO CHILDREN ABOUT COVID-19 North Smithfield Schools Support Staff: Available during school hours: In the event of an emergency, please call 911 or utilize an emergency number listed above if you or your child are at risk. Michelle Halloran- School Social Worker, North Smithfield Middle & High School 401-597-6100. mhalloran@nsps.us Maria Corsini- School Psychologist, North Smithfield Middle & High School 401-766-2500. mcorsini@nsps.us Kim Cote-School Social Worker, North Smithfield Elementary School 401-356-4881. kcote@nsps.us Maggy Bell-School Psychologist, North Smithfield Elementary School 401-597-0363. mbell@nsps.us - Michael St. Jean, Superintendent Dear North Smithfield Families and Staff,
It is hard to believe that we have only been back to school for only seven weeks. I am sure it seems longer than that for most of us. I have to express my sincere thanks to everyone. Thank you to our teachers and support staff who have been giving 1000% to their students and colleagues. Thank you to our many students who have been amazingly resilient working under the constraints that COVID has imposed on them. We are very aware of the social-emotional burden, depression, and weariness felt by many of our students, which is driving so many of our efforts. And thank you to parents who have been patient, who are working with our teachers and encouraging their children to engage and succeed, despite the challenges. Thank you for sharing your thoughts, ideas, and suggestions. It was with all this in mind that we addressed the North Smithfield School Committee at a special meeting Thursday, November 5th. The video from the meeting can be viewed at https://youtu.be/Hcj2e-v_GKQ. An outline is included below. Progress
Cautions
Other Updates
Dear North Smithfield Families and Staff,
At Tuesday’s School Committee Meeting, I recommended the next phase of student returns. We are looking forward to seeing our students with 504 plans and our 4th graders next week. The following week is a big week with the scheduled return of Grades 2 and 3. Returns to date:
NSES Grades 2 and 3 have been a challenge with their return as they are both large classes and we are trying to maintain as much classroom spacing between students as possible. Our ELA and Math Specialists have come to the rescue and volunteered to switch their roles and become classroom teachers. This will enable us to open an additional classroom in Grades 2 and 3 as well as help permit greater social distancing in the classroom and better balance to meet the needs of both our in-person and at-home learners. More information will be coming from NSES as we coordinate the return. This is truly a wonderful solution for NSES. I thank our teachers and administrators at every school as they continue to brainstorm solutions. We are in the process of hiring more substitute teachers to provide additional coverage and supports at all schools, with a focus on NSES. Our admin team (including myself) has been taking turns to provide extra classroom coverage and supports at NSES. Working with the NSES students has been among the highlights of our week. We have a new drop-off procedure at NSES which appears to be very effective. Our transportation company is re-analyzing the bus routes with the return of new grade levels in mind. We will certainly notify everyone of any changes. Quarantine, Contact Tracing and Precautions As we move forward with our phased-in reopening plan, COVID cases across the state are increasing, and yes, we are seeing positive cases in our schools. By HIPAA law, we are limited in the amount and types of information we can share in order to assure privacy protections for families, students, and staff. When a positive case is made known to us, we are obligated to follow the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) procedures and directives around quarantining. We are aware of many of your concerns and frustrations around contact tracing timelines and notifications. Improving the speed of testing and tracing has been been a continued topic of discussion at state-level meetings between schools, RIDOH, the Department of Education, and the Governor’s office as we emphasize the need to improve speed, efficiency, and communication because of the confusion, stresses, and anxiety it creates within our communities. While we are doing what we can within our schools to mitigate risks and follow the guidelines and procedures defined by RIDOH, we are increasingly concerned about what is happening outside of school which may negatively impact our ability to remain open. To date, we are not aware of any positive cases connected to being in school and any spread seems to be coming from outside activities and interactions. When in school we want our kids to be with their friends and learn. During the evenings and weekends, we want our kids to be kids, to have birthday parties and sleepovers, and to play and have fun. We want to be able to travel again, but unfortunately, many locations are still considered “hotspots” and carry mandatory restrictions upon return. We all want to support one another and keep each other healthy. My hope is that we can collectively keep everyone well, both inside and outside school, by following all the recommended health and safety guidelines, precautions, and restrictions no matter how inconvenient. As a reminder please use the health screening forms (NSES Admit One Ticket and MS and HS students and district employees on the district website https://www.nsps.us/) every morning. Parents, if your child is exhibiting any of the symptoms as listed, he or she should remain home. If symptoms persist, or by recommendation of the school nurse or RIDOH, please use the free COVID testing services for K-12 provided by the State. Thank you everyone and have a healthy and safe weekend. - Michael St. Jean, Superintendent Testing Children and K-12 Testing Sites: https://health.ri.gov/covid/testing/children/ Back to School RI: https://www.back2schoolri.com/what-you-need-to-know/ RIDOH Outbreak Response Protocols https://reopeningri.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/2020-09-14_K-12-Playbook_edited_v2.pdf Alignment to the NSPS District Strategic Plan
The NSPS District Strategic Plan outlines the following Annual Assessment Process: “In September of each school year, the Superintendent will present the year’s upcoming focus areas, goals, priorities, and initiatives. All school and district focus areas and initiatives will directly connect to the Strategic Plan’s overarching Strategies, Priorities, and Goals.” 20-21 Superintendent Priorities and Goals 1. High Standards, Quality Instruction, Curricula, and Student Success: All students will achieve high standards, annual growth, and graduate college- and career-ready as independent, creative, and contributing members of society.
2. Safe and Supportive Schools All students will learn in environments that embody a culture and climate of excellence, mutual respect, and safety.
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AuthorMichael St. Jean, Archives
May 2021
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