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superintendent's updates

Superintendent Update 12/9/2020

12/9/2020

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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

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Superintendent Update 11/19/20

11/19/2020

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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.
 
  • NSHS - 4 In-person students, 1 full distance learning student, 0 staff
  • NSMS - 0 In-person students, 1 full distance learning student, 1 staff
  • NSES - 0 In-person students, 2 full distance learning students, 2 staff

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:

  • Like every district across the state, our overall enrollment numbers have declined due to COVID-realted reasons, primarily parents delaying enrollment in PK and K programs by a year, or seeking 5 day a week daycare options. We have also had an increase in homeschooling applications with many parents citing COVID-related concerns. We anticipate a return of the majority of these students with a vaccine and a new year. 
  • While our overall enrollment declined slightly, the number of new students entering into the district increased. If not for COVID, we would have an overall enrollment increase this year. 
  • The number of tuition paying students to or CTE programs at NSHS increased from 4 last year to 7 (with one pending) this year. 
  • The number of out-of-district special education students decreased from 17 last year to 14 this year, as we work to bring even our most fragile students back and keep them closer to home. 
  • The number of North Smithfield students transferring to private, charter, and parochial schools has, so far, decreased this year. 
  • Additionally we have seen an increase in students returning to North Smithfield Public Schools from private and charter schools. 
  • We take this as a positive recognition of the strength of our schools, programs, and instruction. From a budgetary standpoint, the more students we attract and/or retain means the more funds we have available to invest in our own schools, students, and programs.

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:
  • Excessive anger or sadness
  • Lashing out at others
  • Having behavior problems at school
  • Having severe worries
  • Hurting himself/herself or others

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
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Superintendent Update 11/6/2020

11/6/2020

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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
  • School Return Timetable to Date
    • Week of 09/21: School Begins Hybrid K-12. PK and Life Skills students 4 days a week.
    • Week of 10/05: Return Kindergarten
    • Week of 10/12: Return Grade 1
    • Week of 10/19: Return Grade 5 and all students with IEP's 
    • Week of 10/28: Return Grade 4 and all students with 504 Plans
    • Week of 11/02: Return Grades 2 and 3. 
    • Week of 11/17: Return Grades 6 and 9
  • With the return of students in Grades PK-5, North Smithfield Schools have met the Department of Education and State’s requirements to prioritize the return of students in grades PK-5. Adding Grades 6 and 9 means we are now exceeding the Department of Education and State priorities as we continue to find means to bring students back under current restrictions.  
  • Mr. McGee led a very frank discussion of the challenges of bringing back the 9th grade as well as the overwhelming need to make this happen. https://youtu.be/Hcj2e-v_GKQ?t=2377

Cautions
  • Positive cases so far: 4 students and 3 adults. 
  • Systems Working: Coming out of the summer and beginning the school year, many of us (Including myself) anticipated we may have had to shut down by now due to community spread within our walls.  That has not happened.  This shows to me that we made the right preparations of our facilities, including early investments in our heating and ventilation systems, and that our COVID-mitigation processes and procedures have been effective.
  • Staff Coverage: Maintaining consistent staff coverage due to the Department of Health's mandatory quarantines plus general illnesses (which require testing, and 48-hour return) have been an ongoing challenge. We need to keep schools open and instruction continuous. We have designed our instructional delivery to be able to rapidly move between at-home and in-person instruction whether it is a student or students, teacher or teachers, an entire classroom, grade level, or an entire school.   
  • Contact Tracing: The slow pace of the Department of Health contact tracing and notifications has been a challenge. We have raised our concerns directly in state-level meetings and are pushing for greater efficiency and speed with student/parent notifications. 
  • We are closely monitoring statewide increases in cases and the effect on the community and our schools

Other Updates
  • Curriculum: Our Assistant Superintendent, Mrs. Arnold shared information around our review of the frequency and types of student assignments, our grading policies and procedures, and further honing our focus on critical standards. https://youtu.be/Hcj2e-v_GKQ?t=1898
  • Communications:  Please keep checking our district and school websites, along with Facebook for information. Our district Facebook Page at https://www.facebook.com/northsmithfieldschools has 1900 followers. It is amazing to see the community helping to get the word out by sending out Shares like watch beacons.  
    • If you are not receiving School Messenger notifications, please check the Parent Portal (https://nspsri.infinitecampus.org/campus/portal/nsmithfield.jsp) or contact your school (https://www.nsps.us/schools.html) to verify or update your telephone number or email.
    • We will be scheduling regular “Town Hall” type forums with each of our schools where we welcome staff, parents, and students to ask questions and exchange ideas.  
  • Calendar Update: Tuesday, November 24th is changed from an in-person school day to a Distance Learning day ((Mon -Tues = DL. Wed - Fri = Vacation). 
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Superintendent Update 10/23/2020

10/23/2020

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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: 
  • Week of 09/21: Hybrid K-12. PK and Life Skills students (Tues-Fri)
  • Week of 10/05: Return Kindergarten. (Tues-Fri)
  • Week of 10/12: Return Grade 1. (Tues-Fri)
  • Week of 10/19: Return Grade 5 students, as well as all students with IEPs (Tues-Fri)
  • Week of 10/28: Return Grade 4 students, as well as all students with 504 Plans (Tues-Fri)
  • Week of 11/02: Return of students in Grades 2 and 3. (Tues-Fri)
  • Additional Returns: Under Review

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
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NSPS District Goals 20-21

10/21/2020

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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.
  • Approach COVID-induced changes as an opportunity to improve teaching and learning:
    • Expand and refine online resources and technology access in support of anywhere, anytime, and anyplace learning.  
    • Integrate and improve synchronous and asynchronous modalities to engage and support in-person and at-home learners. 
    • Plan for assessing students’ learning progress and loss due to Spring 2020/Covid 19 and develop a district-wide framework for instruction for 2020 focusing on critical standards.
  • Implement new Middle School and High School English Language Arts instructional programs. 
  • Implement new Middle School and High School mathematics instructional programs. 
  • Update yearly frameworks for Middle School and High School English Language Arts and Mathematics. 
  • Implement district-wide professional development focused on culturally responsive teaching.
  • Develop a district Literacy Plan.
  • Expand and refine online/self-paced professional development opportunities (virtual PD catalog.) 

2. Safe and Supportive Schools All students will learn in environments that embody a culture and climate of excellence, mutual respect, and safety.
  • Implement district-wide Culturally Responsive Teaching/Social-Emotional Health professional development series.
  • Devise and implement reopening plans that are in alignment with the RIDE guidance and template documents to ensure the health and safety of their school community.
    • Follow CDC and RIDOH guidelines regarding face coverings, social distancing, and hand washing.
    • Ensure the availability of personal protective equipment, adequate cleaning supplies, and cleaning protocols.
    • Develop and implement systems and structure, in accordance with RIDOH guidelines for screening students and staff for Covid-19 symptoms and managing response when someone tests positive.
    • Conduct audits of the mechanical systems, air filtration and ventilation, and space availability to provide the information needed to identify gaps, remedies, and opportunities to make spaces safer for students, teachers, and staff for reopening
    • Update HVAC systems to meet or exceed Rhode Island Department of Health Guidelines.
3. Quality Staff: All students will benefit when staff has ongoing access to quality professional development, professional learning networks, and time to work, meet, and plan collaboratively.
  • Create additional opportunities in teacher schedules for additional academic planning, student supports, and student and parent communication
  • Hire and assign adequate building-based substitute teachers, tutors, and/or assign staff to support classroom teachers to best meet the needs of in-person and at-home learners. 
4. Communication and Community Engagement: All students will benefit from increased family and community engagement that builds resources and opportunities for their success.
  • Expand community outreach and support.
  • Regular/scheduled communications from Superintendent and schools to School Committee and community.  
5. Effective, Efficient, Responsive Operations and Facilities: All students will benefit from school and district operations, practices, systems, and facilities that are aligned to supporting quality learning and work environments.
  • Channel COVID-related expenses into purchases and/or initiatives that remain viable post-COVID.
  • Continue in-house renovations and modernization at all schools. 
  • Complete NSHS Locker Room renovations and begin NSHS window replacements
  • Upgrade wireless access in all schools. 
  • Continue responsive, student-centered budgeting, cost savings, and efficiencies.
  • (continuation from 19-20) Review and update School Committee Policies for new Policy Handbook.
  • (continuation from 19-20) New Employee Handbook.
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Reopening Update: Transportation Needs

9/22/2020

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Dear North Smithfield Families, 

I want to commend the kids for the way they have committed to keeping their classmates and teachers safe by wearing their masks and adjusting to new routines. I also want to thank our teachers for juggling the diverse learning needs of students both at-home and in-person simultaneously. Finally, thank you parents for all of your patience as we get used to this new reality and make adjustments and improvements. 

I know extending our reopening beyond the Hybrid model is on everyone’s mind. Towards that goal we are assessing instruction, transportation, classroom space, movement of students, and general operations and protocols. In order to do this, we have some COVID-related capacity reductions and bottlenecks that we need to address, such as:

  • Transportation
  • Arrival/Dismissals
  • Maintaining social distancing within classrooms and other spaces
  • Cafeteria seating and breakfast and lunch services

Transportation Survey

As per the Rhode Island Department of Health regulations, school bus capacity will be restricted to 50% capacity or a maximum of 36 students. We need to know if we will exceed this limit and on which routes. 

Below is a transportation survey form for those who absolutely require AM and/or PM bus transportation and have no other means to get to or from school.

If you are able to individually, or by carpool, drop-off and/or pick-up students every day, both morning and afternoon, we thank you, and you do not need to fill out this form.

We understand there are some days when bus transportation is not used such as when students remain after school for seasonal athletics and activities. We still need you to indicate that PM transportation is required as athletic seasons change and there will be days when afterschool activities are be canceled, yet we still need to be sure that we do not exceed the new bus capacity limits.
 
NSPS Transportation Survey Form link: https://forms.gle/7Ee3MVurGNDRxNBz5

We will close the survey Sunday night on Sept. 27th.


Thank you, 

Michael St. Jean, Superintendent

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Reopening Update: Welcome Back!

9/11/2020

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Dear North Smithfield Families,

I wanted to take a moment to welcome everyone back to a most unusual and challenging of new school years and give you a few updates.

Transportation

  • Bus routes are now posted at https://www.dattcoschoolbus.com/my-childs-route/?did=6.
  • Most of our buses can seat 77 passengers, but we are limited to 36 maximum
  • Students must wear masks on buses and windows will be open.
  • Students can double up in a seat if they are from the same family.  
  • During our Hybrid “soft opening” we should be able to accommodate all riders. However, I have instructed the bus company that if they reach the 36 student maximum, and there are a few stops remaining along the route, they can temporarily exceed the cap. We will not leave students at the bus stop and will rebalance as needed.  
  • Busing restrictions are one of our major impediments to expanding beyond the Hybrid model. I will be posting a survey in order to identify those who absolutely need AM and/or PM bus service and who can rely on parent pickup/dropoff or rideshares. 

Instruction

  • Our teachers this year have a major challenge balancing at-home, in-person, and hybrid instruction. 
  • We have new systems, procedures, and methods to meet our diverse learner academic and social-emotional needs. 
  • Attached are two curriculum slide decks used during teacher orientation and training. 


Facilities

  • Over the summer we have updated, serviced, and tuned our HVAC systems and have passed inspection by the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH). 
  • RIDOH also reviewed and approved our cleaning procedures, PPE, supplies, isolation rooms, and procedures. 
  • Under the Hybrid, all classrooms can maintain 6 feet of social distancing between students.  

Concerns

These are potential issues I have shared with the School Committee during the past few meetings. Our goal is a Full Return, but in order to realize this we will have to address and weigh the following concerns:

  • With a 36 student limit on a 77 seat bus, we will not be able to transport all students and will have to rely heavily on family and rideshare transportation to and from school. 
  • To maintain 6 feet of social distancing within our classrooms, based on the average square footage of our classrooms, we are limited to 14-16 students per room. Under a Full Return model (minus the at-home learners), we will not be able to maintain the recommended 6 feet of social distance between student seats. While the RIDOH allows for as little as 3 feet of separation in a classroom, this is certainly not ideal. 
  • Under Full Return, maintaining social distancing during arrivals, dismissals, cafeteria/meal services, and during the general movement of students, becomes exceptionally challenging.
  • As I expressed at the school committee meetings, staffing is a concern in that we do not know who may have to go in and out of quarantine and there is a lack of substitute teacher coverage statewide. We will have to be very creative and flexible.
  • Our student and staff safety is paramount. We must emphasize full compliance with mask-wearing and hand sanitizing. This is crucial to mitigate risks and permit expanding to Full Return where 6 feet of classroom social distancing is no longer possible. 

The Hybrid start will allow us to assess conditions and further organize based on the new reality and not on conjecture. It will allow students and teachers time to acclimate to the new processes and procedures.  As I mentioned at the beginning of this email, while I am confident that North Smithfield is up to any challenge, this one will take a whole community effort.  


Michael St. Jean,
Superintendent

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School Reopening Update 8-26-2020

8/26/2020

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Dear North Smithfield Families and Staff, 

During the Tuesday, August 18th, School Committee Meeting (https://youtu.be/xDKkf7xOc3Y), I made a number of recommendations regarding school reopening.  I want to take this opportunity to reiterate and expand upon my recommendations. 

School Reopening Recommendations

Districts in the state have begun to announce a return to school under full Distance Learning as well as a variety of other models.  At this time, we firmly believe that some in-person learning is preferable to none.  At Tuesday’s School Committee Meeting, I recommended to the North Smithfield Schools that we conduct a “soft” reopening under the Hybrid Model for all students in PK-12. 

  • A full Distance Learning option will be available for students with pre-existing medical conditions and for families who choose it.
  • Students attend school on a Hybrid Schedule: 2 days in person, 3 days Distance Learning.
  • Monday is a Distance Learning day for all students with weekly planning and individualized or small group instruction/academic assistance.
    • Student Cohort 1 (A-L) - Tues/Wed in person, Thurs/Fri Distance Learning.
    • Student Cohort 2 (M-Z) - Tues/Wed Distance Learning, Thurs/Fri in-person.
    • Students with different last names within a household can be part of the same Cohort
  • Pre-Kindergarten special education/peer model students and students in self-contained special education classrooms may attend classes full-in person 4 days to week (even during the Hybrid Model phase-in) with a goal of attending 5 days per week.

With an anticipated 20% of our students choosing a full Distance Learning option and with 40% of our students in person between Tuesday - Friday we can:

  • Better ensure transportation to students who need to ride the bus as the bus capacity is capped at 36 students.
  • Maintain 6 feet of social distancing within classrooms.
  • Better manage breakfast and lunch services within reduced-occupancy cafeterias.
  • Better manage arrival and dismissals, passing times, bathroom breaks, and other group coordinated activities. 

Under a full reopening model, at this time, we cannot guarantee that everyone who needs a seat on the bus will have a seat. Under a full reopening model, we cannot maintain 6 feet of social distancing in classrooms, students will sit in rows with masks on, facing forward, with limited movement and conversation. 

We want the schools to be open and social, less restrictive and prison-like which will be difficult to achieve under a full reopening model. 

We will need the first few weeks to get everyone used to new processes and routines and to tune and refine.  After a few weeks, we will assess the conditions in the schools, community, and the state, and  ideally move towards a fuller opening, remain on hybrid, or shift towards Distance Learning. 

I understand the need to reopen fully and, virus permitting, that is definitely our goal, especially for our elementary students and students with special needs. 

Staffing Concerns and Early Student Dismissal

At the School Committee Meeting, I expressed concerns about staffing due to the Department of Health requirements for all employers in all industries to permit employees to stay home if they are sick.  Across the state, superintendents are anticipating that with general illnesses, staff going in and out of quarantine, and the general lack of substitute teachers, we will have difficulty keeping our classrooms fully staffed. 

North Smithfield has an option that many schools do not have. We have one of the longest school days among public schools in the state. Our school day is closer in length to private, parochial, and some charter schools. 

The school day will be reduced for students by 45 minutes. This move will allow our teachers to provide class coverage during the day to offset the anticipated lack of substitute teacher availability and create time at the end of the day to better support the mix of student in-person and Distance Learning needs.


I do understand the disruption in family schedules that reducing the student school day by 45 minutes will create for some. We have not committed to this solution but are strongly considering it. We will know more when the Governor makes her school reopening announcement on August 31st. 

Distance Learning

Whether families choose full Distance Learning, or Distance Learning as part of the Hybrid Model, or Distance Learning is necessitated due to quarantine, it will look different than it did last year.  Our Distance Learning delivery will be:

  • More structured. 
  • More rigorous and focused on mastery of core standards,
  • More social and connected where teachers can work simultaneously with students at home and in-person. Students at home can join lessons from the classroom and work on activities among each other and with classmates in-school. 
  • Technologically has improved through the purchase of new Chromebooks for all students at NSMS and NSHS, reallocation of additional Chromebooks to NSES, along with licensing a set of core online academic services and learning platforms for access by all students. 

A separate email/form will be going out allowing parents who indicated they were interested in a Distance Learning option to reconsider as well as families who did not sign up for Distance Learning to add their student’s names. 

Facilities Update

In addition to general summer cleaning and maintenance, our Facilities Department is preparing for school reopening. 

Of note, the Rhode Island Departments of Education and Department of Health recommended at the beginning of the summer that schools install plexiglass student partitions in classrooms. Our focus instead was to tune, service, and upgrade our HVAC system controls and unit ventilators. Last week, new guidance to districts and schools advised not to spend money on plexiglas partitions and instead improve school and classroom ventilation. North Smithfield again was ahead of the game. 

Here is a brief list of some of our projects and purchases: 

  • All custodial and maintenance staff have been trained and certified for Covid-19 cleaning procedures
  • All high school, middle school and elementary school unit ventilators are operable and have been cleaned, serviced and filters changed (ongoing)
  • Every classroom will have hand sanitizer, disinfectant spray and a paper towel dispenser
  • Purchased 3 GenEon mist disinfectant sprayers
  • Purchased 1000 disposable children face masks and 1000 adult masks
  • Purchased 150 gallons of hand sanitizer
  • Purchased 225 disinfectant refillable spray bottles
  • Purchased 150 paper towel dispensers
  • Purchased 25 cases latex gloves
  • Purchased 100 teacher face shields
  • Proper signage (one way, 6 feet apart, hand washing, etc) will be installed before the opening of school
  • All classrooms and offices will go through another round of cleaning and disinfecting before opening of school
  • The new HVAC controls project for the elementary has begun and is expected to be completed by 9/14 or shortly after.
  • The unit vents are operable and will be operable for the 1st day of school.
  • The HVAC re-commissioning of the middle school began on 8/20 and will be completed by the end of September
  • All classrooms have operable windows 
  • An additional outdoor walking path has been installed at the elementary school for students to pass to the cafeteria and the gym to help ease crowding in halls
  • All classrooms in the elementary school have been painted, new ceiling tiles, new and renovated bookcases and new LED lighting throughout the entire building
  • All ceiling tiles in corridors have been replaced at the elementary school
  • New water bottle filler dispensers installed at the elementary, middle and high schools
  • High school kitchen has been renovated (paint and ceiling tiles) 
  • High school boys locker rooms are currently under renovation (completion by end of September)
  • High school girls locker room painted
  • High school window replacement phase to begin in September and completed by end of October

Our teachers and staff desperately want to reopen and welcome all students back, but given budgetary constraints, restrictions in busing and gatherings, taking extra health and safety precautions, accommodating the mix of in-person and Distance Learning needs, everything this year will be a balancing act like we have never seen before.  



Michael St. Jean,
Superintendent

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School Reopening Update 8-11-2020

8/12/2020

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Dear North Smithfield Families and Staff, 

We remain in a holding pattern as to the specifics of school reopening. Again I wish I could give you specific information, but I can’t. Many of you probably have heard by now that school opening in Rhode Island will be delayed. 

Message From Rhode Island’s Commissioner of Education: 
 
In addition to the standard educational preparation you do each year, there are a number of complex operational and logistical challenges we are all tackling this year. These include preparing our buildings for appropriate safety measures, developing and practicing all-new classroom practices for staff and students, pressure-testing our transportation plans, implementing COVID testing and response protocols, and more. In light of these challenges and after listening closely to your concerns, I am sharing the following 2020-21 school year calendar adjustments with you:
 
  • To ensure we are as ready as possible on day one, we are scheduling three days of professional development for our teachers from September 9-11.
  • We are adjusting the first day of classes for students to Monday, September 14.  We are adjusting the end of the school year to June 25, 2021, scheduling 177 days of instruction for students, while maintaining 180 school days for teachers. I am attaching a copy of the revised statewide calendar reflecting these changes.
  • As a result of these adjustments, our timeframe for making a decision on school reopening scenarios will move to the week of August 31.

Distance Learning

For those that filled out our Distance Learning Intent form, thank you. We know this decision depends on the timing, the state of infection, and the model under which we open. Everyone will be given the opportunity to add or remove students from the Distance Learning Intent List once we know what reopening will look like.

Here are the preliminary counts by grade:

KG - 15
01 - 16
02 - 31
03 - 29
04 - 36
05 - 24
06 - 39
07 - 29
08 - 42
09 - 26
10 - 21
11 - 33
12 - 18

For now we have an approximate count of students which will help immensely in shaping our instructional methods, busing, and the use of space in our schools and grounds. 

Last year, due to the suddenness of the change-over from in-person learning  to distance learning, we all experienced some inconsistencies and had to make adjustments. Our teachers have been reviewing their distance learning procedures from last year as well as taking input from students and parents and colleagues. 

For the coming year we are retooling our distance learning approach, making it more structured and rigorous, with a focus on teaching new content instead of skills reinforcement. We are approaching distance learning as a means to improve instruction for the long term and not as a temporary stop-gap measure. Now that we have these preliminary counts we can revise and prepare for publication our distance learning instructional plan.

This will be a delicate balancing act mixing in-person with distance learning, with many variations depending on the grade level, content area, and individual student needs. It is a challenge North Smithfield accepts and will rise to, but it will require a considerable amount of coordination and cooperation among all of us. 

PPE and Facilities

Our facilities department continues to improve our schools and classrooms and prepare for reopening and beyond:

  • We have purchased additional cleaning supplies, hand hygiene stations, masks, and more. We will be picking up additional supplies provided by the RI Emergency Management Agency. 
  • NSES: Work will  begin next week on the new HVAC control system upgrades. 
  • NSMS: Classroom and rooftop ventilators have been cleaned and serviced. We are receiving additional proposals to further assess and tune the control system.
  • NSHS: All classroom and rooftop ventilation units are scheduled to be cleaned and serviced. 
  • Our maintenance staff continues with classroom renovations at NSES, opening up floor space, painting walls, installing new ceiling tiles and high efficiency lighting.
  • We are assessing school grounds for use as outdoor instructional spaces. 

We will keep you informed as information comes in and plans are finalized. Until then your continued patience and understanding is appreciated. 



Michael St. Jean,
Superintendent


NSPS School Opening Website: 
https://www.nsps.us/reopening.html

Rhode Island School Reopening FAQ
https://www.ride.ri.gov/Portals/0/Uploads/Documents/COVID19/ReopeningFAQs.pdf?ver=2020-07-31-095926-290

Rhode Island Response Protocols Playbook: Pre-K to 12:
https://health.ri.gov/publications/presentations/Outbreak-Response-Protocols-PreK-12.pdf

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Superintendent update - School Reopening 8/4/2020

8/4/2020

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Dear North Smithfield Families, 

I wanted to update everyone on our very fluid reopening plans. Since my last letter to you, there have been several updates at the State level:

  1. Families can start the year with a Distance Learning option for all students, and not just for those with pre-existing medical conditions.  WE NEED TO KNOW HOW MANY FAMILIES ARE CHOOSING DISTANCE LEARNING TO BEGIN THE 20-21 SCHOOL YEAR. IF YOU ARE REQUESTING THIS OPTION, PLEASE INDICATE SO FOR EACH STUDENT IN YOUR HOUSEHOLD BY FILLING OUT THIS FORM    https://forms.gle/e3xiTsrFpdfaXij48
  2. Staff and students will be required to wear face coverings. https://www.ride.ri.gov/Portals/0/Uploads/Documents/COVID19/ReopeningFAQs.pdf?ver=2020-07-31-095926-290. We will try to achieve six feet of social distancing where possible and give opportunities for “mask breaks”
  3. The State has defined metrics that will determine the shape and scale of school reopening.  https://www.back2schoolri.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/7.29.20_SchoolMetricsSlide_FINAL.pdf. 
The Governor and Commissioner should be making their reopening decision on August 17th. Even with a decision, the models below are also subject to change. 

Distance Learning: Pre-Existing Medical, Quarantine, and Option

NSPS will offer a full Distance Learning option for students with pre-existing medical conditions and try to accommodate families who request the Distance Learning option. For this option, NSPS will require a Quarterly commitment to Distance Learning. Distance Learning will be provided to students who must temporarily quarantine. 

Grades K-5
  • Some teachers will be assigned to provide dedicated distance learning instruction.
  • Other teachers will support in-person students along with students who must temporarily quarantine. 

Grades 6-8
  • Some teachers may be assigned to provide distance learning instruction.
  • Some teachers may broadcast live lessons directly from the classroom while recording others for later playback. 

Grades 9-12
  • Some teachers may be assigned to provide distance learning instruction.
  • Some teachers may broadcast live lessons directly from the classroom while recording others for later playback. 
  • Some courses will be offered through the Edgenuity virtual curriculum platform. 
  • CTE and some elective courses may not be available under a distance learning option.  

Reopening Plan Revisions as 8/4/2020 

Splitting between in-person, full or partial models, accommodating distance learning for medical needs, or as an option, is going to seriously stretch our teachers and staff and resources, but we will do our best to accommodate the community’s needs and support our students as best as we can.  
Plan #1: Full In-Person
RIDE Definition:
  • Schools resume 100% in-person operations, with some social distancing protocols still required based on current health information
  • Distance learning is integrated with in-person programs & utilized as necessary

Summary
  • Grades PK-12 
    • A 100% Distance Learning option will be available for students with pre-existing medical conditions and to families who choose it.
    • In-person instruction will resume Monday - Friday.
 
  • Notes
    • Depending on DOH bus ridership restrictions and the number of students choosing Distance Learning, transportation could be a major obstacle.
    • Under this model, there will be limited capacity to socially distance in classrooms. 
    • The school day may be reduced for students by 45 minutes allowing teachers time to better support the mix of individual student in-person and distance learning needs and provide class coverage during the day to offset an anticipated lack of substitute teacher availability. 

Plan #2: Partial In-Person
RIDE Definition
  • Elementary and transition grades re-enter in-person (staggered entry preferred)
  • Prioritize in-person re-entry for vulnerable subpopulations
  • Remaining groups begin with Distance Learning

Summary

  • Grades PK-12 
    • A full Distance Learning option will be available for students with pre-existing medical conditions and for families who choose it.
 
  • Grades PK-5
    • Monday is a Distance Learning day for all students (individualized or small group instruction/academic assistance). 
    • Tuesday - Friday are in-person instruction days. 
    • Our goal will be to return to a 5-day in-person instructional schedule. 
 
  • Grades 6-12 
    • Students attend school on a Hybrid Schedule: 2 days in person, 3 days Distance Learning.
      • Monday is a Distance Learning day for all students (schools deep-cleaned, individualized or small group instruction/academic assistance).
      • Student Cohort 1 (A-L for example) - Tues/Wed in person, Thurs/Fri Distance Learning.
      • Student Cohort 2 (M-Z for example) - Tues/Wed Distance Learning, Thurs/Fri in-person.
      • Students with different last names within a household can be part of the same Cohort
  • Notes
    • RIDE prioritizes PK-5 students for in-person instruction but allows for hybrid A/B cohort schedules and Distance Learning at higher grade levels.  
    • The Hybrid A/B Cohort model will enable 6 feet of in-class social distancing for secondary grade levels. 
    • Under this model, depending on the number of families who choose a Distance Learning option, six feet of social distancing in K-5 classrooms may not be possible. 
    • 5th-grade students at the Middle School will be exposed to two cohorts of students. 
    • In this model bus transportation for NSES may be restricted. 
    • The school day may be reduced for students by 45 minutes allowing teachers time to better support the mix of individual student in-person and distance learning needs and provide class coverage during the day to offset an anticipated lack of substitute teacher availability. 

Plan #3: Limited In-Person
RIDE Definition
  • Elementary and transition grades re-enter in-person (staggered entry preferred)
  • Prioritize in-person re-entry for vulnerable subpopulations 
  • Remaining groups begin with Distance Learning

Summary
  • Grades PK-12 
    • A 100% Distance Learning option will be available for students with pre-existing medical conditions and families who choose it.
    • All students attend school on a Hybrid Schedule: 2 days in person, 3 days Distance Learning.
      • Monday is a Distance Learning day for all students (schools cleaned, individualized or small group instruction/academic assistance).
      • Student Cohort 1 (A-L, for example) - Tues/Wed in person, Thurs/Fri Distance Learning.
      • Student Cohort 2 (M-Z, for example) - Tues/Wed Distance Learning, Thurs/Fri in-person.
      • Students with different last names within a household can be part of the same Cohort
  • Notes
    • RIDE Limited In-Person guidance recommends that some grade levels will start the year and remain on 100% Distance Learning. NSPS believes that in-person interaction with teachers, even if limited, is preferable to 100% virtual and, unless community spread of the virus forces all schools into full Distance Learning, we will not put an entire grade level on Distance Learning.
    • Hybrid A/B Cohort model allows 6 feet of in-class social distancing at all elementary and secondary grade levels. 
    • Transportation issues alleviated.

As always, thank you all for your patience, understanding, and input as we try and pin down this moving target.



Michael St. Jean,
Superintendent

https://www.nsps.us/reopening.html
https://www.facebook.com/northsmithfieldschools/

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North Smithfield School Department
P.O. Box 72
​Slatersville, RI 02876 
P: (401) 769-5492      F: (401) 769-5493

Michael St. Jean, Superintendent
North Smithfield Middle School - ​Room 137
1850 Providence Pike
North Smithfield, RI  02896

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