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superintendent's updates

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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SUPERINTENDENT UPDATE - REOPENING PLANNING 7/22/2020

7/22/2020

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Dear North Smithfield Families and Staff, 

Before I share some details of our plan, I want to thank all of our families, students, and staff for their quick and amazing pivot to distance learning last year.  The dedication, innovation, and patience exhibited by all was truly remarkable.  North Smithfield accepted the challenge and met it. 

We have another challenge before us: To reopen schools safely in the fall. 

The Governor’s Office and Rhode Island Department of Education have tasked school districts to develop reopening plans to cover a spectrum of possibilities. 

  • Full In-Person
  • Partial In-Person  
  • Limited In-Person 

We have worked within our own committees and neighboring school districts and attempted to follow the current Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE) and the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) guidance.  Thank you to all the parents who responded to our school reopening family survey. Our committees read your reopening concerns and suggestions.  Our principals and assistant principals read your individual concerns about your child or children.  

I wish I could address all your questions and worries with certainty, but as you will see, there are still so many unknowns. 

Although we submitted three DRAFT plans, they are not set in stone. Many questions, issues, and unknowns remain and as a result, details are likely to change: 

  • Our Full and Partial In-Person plans are contingent on social distancing guidelines allowed in classrooms along with the maximum number of students allowed on a bus. 
  • The concept of keeping students and teachers in “stable groups” or “pods” is contingent upon the state of community spread of the virus. Ultimately, the virus will determine what we can and cannot do safely.
  • COVID-19 - related changes to physical spaces, transportation, additional cleaning, and personnel coverage all come with increased costs. While we do not have any indication of what reductions in State Aid to Education we may experience, we cannot shortchange the safety and security of our students and staff and are proceeding with what is available to us. 
  • We do not know if, after developing and submitting plans, a statewide model will be chosen for all of us.   

Reopening Plans Guiding Principles
To support all stakeholders in reopening schools, RIDE and NSPS will follow five (5) guiding principles for the planning, decision-making, and execution of returning to school:
  1. We will put safety first.  We will leverage science, data, and public health leadership to inform the choices we make.
  2.  We will be transparent.  We will share what we know and what we do not know.  We will be clear about what we can control and what is outside of our control.
  3. We will be equitable.  We will center decisions on what is best for all students, families, and educators, especially those most impacted by educational inequities and COVID-19.  We will remember that equitable does not mean equal, and we will strive to give students, families, educators, and communities what they need.
  4. We will listen.  We will bring together diverse stakeholders and experts to understand the realities on the ground in order to develop and share creative solutions.
  5. We will be decisive.  Given the size and scope of the challenge, we must move deliberately and make tough choices.  We will need to be flexible and nimble, and we will adapt quickly as variables on the ground change.

Common Elements to All Plans
Cleaning, Social Distancing, Facial Coverings
  • Social distancing will be implemented as much as possible.  Under the hybrid models below, in-class social distancing will be possible.
  • According to current guidance from RIDOH and RIDE, face coverings are strongly recommended as a general health and safety practice.  Masks are required when social distancing is not possible such as when riding the bus, school arrival/departure, and passing in hallways. 
  • Increased classroom cleaning and school-wide disinfecting protocols will be in place.  New handwashing stations will be distributed throughout the school.   
  • Classroom and public spaces will be reorganized to accommodate social distancing, ease of cleaning, and to minimize the use of shared materials. 
  • PK-8 students will remain in stable groups or “pods” throughout the day, with an increased frequency of breaks and use of outdoor spaces.

Transportation
  • Depending on RIDOH guidance, seating capacity on buses will be limited, to what degree we do not know. 
    • For both the Full and Partial in-person plans, ride-shares and other means of getting to and from school will become necessary. 

Distance Learning
  • Monday Distance Learning Day: We understand the potential conflicts with some family schedules depending on the age of the student, but under all plans, the district will require additional time for cleaning and disinfecting as well as planning and individualizing instruction to support our students’ rapidly changing mix of in-person and distance learning needs. Additionally, the new Statewide School Calendar reserves 15 Mondays as either a holiday or professional development day. 
  • Distance Learning Due to Illness: Distance learning will be utilized for individual students with underlying health issues, and for classes, groups of students, or individual students who must be home due to quarantine.
  • Distance Learning as a Choice: In a survey to our families, 33% indicated they would choose a 100% distance learning option for their student if offered. As of this writing, the Department of Education and State has not indicated if this is permissible.

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

DRAFT Summary
  • Grades PK-12 
    • Monday is a distance learning day (deep-cleaning, planning, individualized instruction/academic assistance).
    • Tuesday - Friday are in-person instruction days. 
  • Notes
    • Providing sufficient bus transportation if seating is limited to 25 students per bus (as of this writing) is a major obstacle.
    • RIDE guidance for classroom desk spacing to maintain social distancing is 3-6 feet. There will be minimal social distancing within classrooms. 

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 also
  • Remaining groups begin with distance learning

DRAFT Summary
  • Grades PK-4 (5) 
    • Monday is a distance learning day for all students (schools deep-cleaned, individualized or small group instruction/academic assistance).
    • Tuesday - Friday are in-person instruction days. 
 
  • Grades (5) 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) - 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
  • Notes
    • RIDE prioritizes PK-5, or elementary schools, for in-person instruction but allows for hybrid A/B Cohort schedules at higher grade levels.  
    • Hybrid A/B Cohort model allows 6 feet of in-class social distancing for secondary grade levels, but only 3 feet for elementary classrooms. RIDOH Guidance suggests student desks are to be 3-6 feet apart.
    • In this model, bus transportation to and from NSES and possibly grade 5 is limited. 

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 also
  • Remaining groups begin with distance learning

DRAFT Summary
  • Grades PK-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) - 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
 
  • 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 by choice.  
    • Hybrid A/B Cohort model allows 6 feet of in-class social distancing at all elementary and secondary grade levels. RIDOH guidance suggests student desks are to be 3-6 feet apart.
    • All transportation issues alleviated.

As you can see, the logistics of reopening our schools, resuming a quality education, and ensuring the health and safety of our students, teachers, and staff is a daunting proposition while COVID-19 is still present within our community. 

I understand that this letter and the draft plan summary have probably created more questions than it answered so I have scheduled a virtual forum to discuss further. 

Topic: NSPS School Reopening Community Forum
Time: Thursday July 23, 2020 at 6:30 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
https://zoom.us/j/95621651719?pwd=MDlwS1VSRXFKK1J4VHY4alJrNXBhdz09
Dial by your location
        +1 646 558 8656 US (New York)
Meeting ID: 956 2165 1719
Password: 458291

To help us better manage the discussion of this important topic in an online community forum, we are asking that you enter your questions or comments beforehand. We will review and combine similar questions and provide as many answers as we can at the beginning of the forum.  

https://forms.gle/ZQuHMtXdKbGXg1A78

I mention at the beginning of this letter that I wish I could tell you with great certainty the plans RIDE wants us to submit will meet all needs and satisfies all concerns.  But I can’t. 

What I can do is assure you that all of us at the North Smithfield Public Schools are committed to the health, safety, and success of all our students and will do everything we can in response to whatever situation or condition our community finds itself in August and beyond. 

Sincerely, 


Michael St. Jean
Superintendent


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

7/21/2020 School Committee School Reopening Presentation Slides: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1tMBbW66jGLYIENGeuBUcWlGN9SI8jGe9/view

7/21/2020 School Committee School Reopening Presentation Video: 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qPYkWaUXMp4

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July 08th, 2020

7/8/2020

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Picture
Superintendent Update 7/8/2020 - School Reopening Information and Survey

North Smithfield Public Schools will be submitting to the Rhode Island Department of Education reopening plans to cover each of three specific scenarios:  

  • Limited In-Person  
  • Partial In-Person  
  • Full In-Person

We have committees working on:

  • Logistics, Transportation, Facilities, Operations
  • Health and Wellness
  • Curriculum, Instruction, and Technology
  • Human Resources, Finance, School Community

We are also collaborating with school districts in our region and across the state. Our Initial plans are due to the Department of Education by July 17th. The Department of Education has hired a consulting firm to review plans and provide feedback. Regionally, we will be sharing the best solutions and coordinating our efforts to bring our students back to school safely.  

Our Goal:

Our goal is to re-open with the “Full in-person for All” model. To that end we will be:

  • Adjusting classroom layouts and utilizing all interior and exterior spaces in order to maintain social distancing as much as possible.
  • Organize staff, students, and schedules to form “stable groups” or “pods” and minimize widespread person to person contact and interaction between groups.  
  • Expanding school and classroom cleaning and disinfection routines, minimize the use of shared materials.  
  • Conducting daily student and staff screenings, adding handwashing stations, and wearing face coverings in accordance with DOH guidelines. 
  • Accommodate through distance learning students who have prior health conditions or must quarantine.  

This is just a small list. In order to reopen safely, the overall changes and restructuring will be extensive. We will try and minimize any disruptions and ensure a smooth transition to instruction regardless if conditions in August allow us to re-open fully, partially, or we have to return to an improved distance learning.   

Once RIDE has reviewed our plans and we have submitted modifications we will share the plan with the community. We anticipate RIDE will be releasing finalized plans around July 30th. We will continue to reach out to the community for input as we work through revisions and changing State, DOH, and CDC guidance as we get closer to school opening.  

As of this writing, we have no determination from the Interscholastic League regarding a resumption of school athletics.

Transportation and Family Survey:

Transportation is a major concern as the current guidance for buses limits ridership to one student per seat, or approximately 25 students per bus. No district in the state has the means to simply add more buses and drivers. 

Superintendents have requested raising the ridership to at least two students per seat (face coverings on, looking forward, disinfecting hands when getting on and off the bus). If this new limit is approved we will be able to transport most students who typically ride the bus. We will still have to pull together and help out with carpools and other means of getting to and from school. 

Please take a moment to complete this short survey for each student your family in order to give us a better sense of the changes we may have to consider in order to transport our students to and from school. Included is a (non-binding) question asking would you would consider a distance learning option, if available, rather than returning to school in-person? We also want to hear your own questions, comments, or suggestions regarding reopening in the fall. 

https://forms.gle/uxF7d5NqVTHzXD4N8

For Further Information: 

We have bundled and will continue to expand our school reopening plans, guides, and templates at https://www.nsps.us/reopening.html. This site currently contains the RIDE Statewide School Calendar, RIDE Reopening FAQ (mental, physical, and social-emotional health, protocols), and RIDE Reopening Plan Guidance and will continue to expand as our own plans develop and new guidance is added.  

Thank you, 

Michael St. Jean, Superintendent

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Superintendent Update 4/29/2020: May/June Planning

4/29/2020

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Superintendent Update 4/29/2020: May/June Planning

Dear North Smithfield Families, Staff, and Students,

Please review below updates and plans for May/June. Please keep in mind that situations and guidance may change and we may update or modify a few items along the way.

May/June Statewide School Calendar

May 06, Wednesday      Planning Day for Teachers
May 15, Friday          Vacation Day
May 20, Wednesday      Planning Day for Teachers
May 25, Monday      Memorial Day
June 01, Monday     Planning Day for Teachers
June 16, Tuesday      Last Day of School

Student pickup of personal items

Each school will be bagging up the contents of student desks and lockers, labeling the bags, and releasing a time/date schedule for curbside pickup of student personal contents. 

Student return of textbooks, chromebooks, and instruments

Students in grades K-11 can hold for the summer any textbooks, workbooks, chromebooks, musical instruments, or any school-owned property currently at home and bring it back on the first day of school in the fall. Graduating Seniors will be given a separate opportunity and time to return school-owned property.  Families who move out of North Smithfield during the summer or plan to attend a school out of district, please call your child’s school and arrange for a return. 

Grading and Exams

Due to the interruption of standard classes for extended Distance Learning, report card grades for K-8 students will be issued as Pass/Fail during the last semester/trimester. 

The report card grading for students in grades 9-12 will remain unchanged as their grades are connected with School and State graduation requirements, grade point averages, college admissions, and other considerations. 

For middle and high school students, there will be no scheduled final exams at the end of the school year. While teachers may give some form of assessment at the end of this semester, there will be no comprehensive final exams.  

Graduation and end of year activities and events 

I would like to send a special thank you to  everyone who sent in their ideas and offers of help to celebrate our graduating seniors. The School Committee has pledged its full support and we are still holding onto the original graduation date of Friday, June 5th and are currently working on multiple plans and options to align with the Governor’s and DOH’s guidance. We all want to do something special and memorable for our graduating seniors.

Our principals will send specific information to let you know how we will be handling events such as kindergarten registration, honors, graduation, etc.

​
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Superintendent Update 4/20/2020 NSHS Viewbook and Parent Survey

4/20/2020

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Dear North Smithfield Families and Staff, 

We anticipate the Governor will make an announcement this week regarding schools opening or remaining closed, and if so, for how long.  In the meantime, we are making plans, alternate plans, and backup to alternate plans on how we can handle honors, awards, and graduation. We want to make our students proud.  

North Smithfield High School Viewbook: 

It was my hope to have our NSHS Viewbook printed and distributed throughout the community as a celebration of North Smithfield High School, its students, faculty, and programs. For those who miss NSHS, or will be attending NSHS in the fall, or even if you live outside of North Smithfield and would like to attend NSHS through one of our Career and Technical Programs, below is a link to the North Smithfield High School Viewbook.  In this booklet, you will see students, staff, a school, and a community dedicated to excellence.

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1eKP4SyPXwcYf8KT0qeUtyZ25IDV9DTzG

Parent Distance Learning Survey 

I want to thank the parents who responded to our Parent Distance Learning Survey. As a reflection of the innovative work our teachers are doing with your children, the majority of you responded very positively to the survey questions. The feedback you provided on striking a work/home balance, organizing assignments, and providing clear expectations has been invaluable. Your responses to the questions regarding instructional, social, and technical supports will allow us to work even more closely with your children to help them be successful. 

We especially appreciated the many thoughtful and insightful comments you included. Each principal has taken the comments specific to his or her school and is reviewing them with their leadership teams and faculty. 

Since this survey was anonymous, we cannot follow-up with the few individuals to address your specific issues or concerns.  We can however encourage you to reach out to your teacher, case manager, school counselor, assistant principal or principal as we are all here to help.  

We are all working together in the current situation to accommodate all students' needs. Thank you for your assistance. 



Michael St. Jean,
Superintendent

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Superintendent Update 4/14/2020

4/14/2020

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Dear North Smithfield Families, 

Last we sent to our teachers and support personnel a summary of Instructional Guidelines for Distance Learning.  These Guidelines are based on parent and student feedback and best practices seen and suggested by North Smithfield’s teachers and administrators. 

We are sharing the guidelines with our families for review as well. Please take a look.  At the end we are including a link to a brief survey form for your direct input and feedback. 

General Considerations
  • Family Situations - We have to be considerate of the wide range of time, support, and pressures our families are facing during this period. Don’t overwhelm either them or yourself.  
  • Design for Independent Learning -  Not all students have parents to support their learning during the day and/or they may lack the confidence in their ability to learn independently. 
  • Allow Extra Time - Without the teacher present to immediately answer a student’s direct questions, it will take students longer to complete an assignment. 
  • Avoid Technology Overload - Be consistent with virtual meetings, web apps, and services to avoid technology overload.  Use Google Classroom to streamline information in one place for all the assignments, schedules, and expectations.  Leverage the consistent set of applications and capabilities of Google’s GSuite and other NSPS purchased and endorsed systems and services. 
  • Encourage Personal Connections - Working remotely does not mean working alone. Give assignments or projects that encourage students to work collaboratively. 
Grade Level and Content Areas
  • Organize -  Help students and families organize their time: 
    • Start the week with an agenda and framework for learning. This will help our students and families to better navigate their time and schedules. 
    • Give assignments at a consistent time (such as by 8am) or by intervals (such as every other day). Don’t drop assignments on students during the middle of the day.
    • Coordinate with your school, departments, and teams when you are scheduling virtual meetings to avoid overlapping. 
  • Record your virtual meetings, discussions, demonstrations, and direct lessons and post to Google Classroom for review and replay. Capturing recordings will help accommodate all students and families no matter their schedules or circumstances. 
Itinerants/Electives
  • De-emphasize written assignments - With Distance Learning, the content area teachers will have to focus more on reading and written assignments due to limited time for classroom discussion. 
  • Emphasize the creative and experiential - This is an opportunity for students to engage in creative exploration and enrichment. Students can work on daily and weekly fitness goals. They can build or fix something with/for a parent. Students can draw, model, or create using any media, they can visit virtual museums, watch great performances and record performances of their own. There are so many opportunities and resources out there for students to explore, experience, and be active and creative. Lend them your guidance and encouragement.
Specialists and Support 
  • Maintain connections and availability to students and families: Call, conference, check-in, connect students and families with local, state, and federal organizations and resources. Continue to do whatever it takes to ensure student physical and emotional  health, safety, and success. 

We welcome any further input by completing our brief survey: https://forms.gle/YdBAWPAfBfYcsT5c6


Michael St. Jean,
Superintendent

​
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Superintendent Update 3/31/2020

3/31/2020

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Dear North Smithfield Families and Staff,


Now that we know Distance Learning will continue for the month of April, we can expand our plans somewhat. I am including some general information below.   

New Statewide April School Calendar:

  • Friday, April 3 and Friday, April 17 will be planning days for district staff. 
  • Thursday, April 9 and Friday, April 10 are vacation days for all schools and districts. 
  • No student Distance Learning is scheduled during these four days, 
  • We are confirming that meals will still be available at the “drive and go” meal pickup at NSHS. Assume they will be unless you are contacted otherwise. 

A few notes from the Commissioner and Governor

  • Distance learning for all schools will take place until Friday, May 1. School buildings will remain closed.
  • Governor Raimondo and Commissioner Infante-Green launched an April Reading Challenge  or students to read every day of the month https://www.ride.ri.gov/InsideRIDE/AdditionalInformation/AprilReadingChallenge.aspx 
  • Rhode Islanders with a smartphone cellular data plan can get UNLIMITED, FREE DATA through their phones through May 13th. https://www.ride.ri.gov/InsideRIDE/AdditionalInformation/COVID-19TechnologyInformation.aspx 
  • While our student social/emotional support staff is available and has been working with our students, Families can call Kids Link, a hotline that operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 1-855-543-5465 when their child is feeling excessive anger or sadness; lashing out at siblings, friends and adults; having severe worries; or hurting him or herself or others.  https://www.lifespan.org/centers-services/kids-link-ri 
  • Governor Raimondo has asked that Rhode Islanders stay home except for essential trips and avoid groups larger than 5 people.

A Note on Distance Learning and Privacy

In response to the COVID-19 health crisis, all Rhode Island Schools have been directed by the Rhode Island Department of Education to provide remote learning. In order to facilitate some of our remote learning classes, our District is utilizing various remote technology platforms. 

For the most part we are utilizing technology tools within the Google ecosystem. These have all been vetted for FERPA requirements regarding privacy concerns. However, the District may also utilize other platforms providing streaming video and schoolwork online through other systems, such as Screencastify, Video Chat tools, Zoom, etc.

All these products will have the ability to capture video and sound within range of the camera and microphone within your home or any place your child uses the technology. Such information may also be seen or heard by other students sharing the distance learning platform. Also, portions of classes may be recorded and maintained as an educational record, such as
music class performances.

For this reason, we are asking that you be mindful of your child’s use of these technologies and protect your family’s privacy while classes are in session.

Many of these technologies have provision to mute video and/or sound. Utilizing and logging on to these services will act as consent to your child’s use of the same.



Each of our principals will follow up with school-specific information. Stay safe and stay connected and engaged.   



Michael St. Jean,
Superintendent

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Superintendent Update 3/27/2020

3/27/2020

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Dear North Smithfield Families and Staff,

We are wrapping up our first week of Distance Learning with a second week coming up. We have been told the Governor will announce if there is to be a continuation of Distance Learning after next week. With the support of our teachers, partners, and the community, North Smithfield Public Schools (NSPS) is prepared to deliver whatever is required of us to best support our students and families of our community. 

Expanding Meals

With the assistance of our partners at Chartwells, NSPS this week expanded our free lunch and breakfast “drive and go” service to include any NSPS student whose family may need extra assistance, not just those who previously qualified for free or reduced lunch. 

We are further expanding this service to include with Friday’s drive and go pickup additional lunches and breakfasts to cover the weekend. 

We also realize that some families may have difficulty with transportation between the 11:30 - 12:30 pickup time so we have authorized Chartwells to distribute lunches to NS students regardless if they are in the car or not and/or if someone is picking up and delivering on behalf of another family. 

To help us determine how many meals to prepare, we ask that you fill out this confidential form at https://forms.gle/USmP7rgG7hJkGNnSA. Please register only if you intend on picking up a meal or can have someone get it for you, so nothing will go to waste.   

Technology

Our technology team continues to shine and keep NSPS on the forefront of Distance Learning. In addition to highlighting their work troubleshooting technology issues and supporting teachers, students, and parents, this week they also: 
 
  • Expanded already existing remote access capabilities to all school departments and offices.
  • Pressed into service an old appliance enabling all staff to retrieve internal network documents remotely and securely. 
  • Worked to add MyMath the district’s Single Sign On, meaning one less account name and password our students and teachers have to remember.
  • Of note: The AC unit motor in the district server room malfunctioned this week spiking the room’s temperature.  Our facilities director and electrician responded immediately and resolved the issue before any damage incurred. 
  • Distributed additional Chromebooks to students for pickup outside NS High School.  
  • Assisted NSES with preparing and distributing 50 Chromebooks for our youngest students who had no other way of online access.

This is a truncated list of all they did this week, so a big shoutout to our Technology Team on behalf of all NSPS employees, students, and families. 

Maintaining a Community
One of the challenges with Distance Learning and working remotely is maintaining a sense of community. Our classrooms and hallways are now dark and empty of movement from teachers and students passing, building, and creating and our schools are silent of conversation, laughter, and song. 

Yes the school buildings are closed and we are physically separated from one another, but social distancing does not mean we cannot still be social and maintain our community connections. To that end we all have enjoyed Mrs. Daigneault’s daily morning announcements and Mrs. Salvatore’s stories and all the other posts and comments on Facebook. We have also laughed at some of the creative and joyful posts on NSMS’ Instagram site during their virtual Spirit Week this week. 

Just as our students have their Google Classrooms, there is a Google Classroom for teachers. In the teacher’s Classroom, there are videos they have posted sharing with their colleagues and friends their experiences from the day of Distance Learning. These videos range from extremely funny to insightful and informative. Not only are our teachers working to support their students and families, but they are also working to support each other. 

Whether through the use of social media, email, video conferencing, or direct calls and conversations from our social workers, psychologists, school guidance counselors, teachers, special educators, interventionists, and instructional assistants, we are holding onto our sense of community with our students and families. 

We have also received so many much appreciated positive, encouraging and supportive emails from families. It is these connections between school and home and each other that epitomizes North Smithfield and North Smithfield Public Schools as a community dedicated to excellence.  

Soon we should have an idea of how long Distance Learning is anticipated to continue. No matter the length of time, we have been discussing and planning for any possibility and minimizing any impact on student learning, recognition, graduation, and opportunities.     


Michael St. Jean,
Superintendent

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Superintendent Update 3/22/2020

3/22/2020

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Dear North Smithfield Families and Staff,

As we go into the final day of “April Vacation” and start Distance Learning on Monday, I want to extend to the community several assurances: 

Meals

North Smithfield is expanding its "grab and go" school lunch offering beyond students who are eligible for free or reduced lunch. We will now include any North Smithfield student whose family can use extra assistance. 

To help us determine how many lunches to make, please fill in the linked form at https://forms.gle/Bra3dB5MvjDnKQXY7. All information will be kept confidential. The form also includes pickup times and alternate locations.  

Academic

Our Distance Learning Page is at http://nsps.us/dl and it contains learning resources, information, and technical support. We will continue to add to the resources and information on this page.  

Distance Learning will be a new experience for many of us, at least to this extent. However, North Smithfield teachers and students are in a good position to make this transition. After the initial adjustment and practice period, I fully anticipate some creative and amazingly cool teaching and learning to happen. 

We do understand that flexibility is required and we are not expecting students to be placed in front of a computer for 7 hours straight plus homework. We understand that parents may also be working from home, older students may be caring for younger brothers and sisters, and many of our students may not even be in their own homes during the day as grandparents, aunts and uncles, friends and neighbors are called on for childcare. We get this, especially as many of our teachers will also be working from home and assisting their own children with Distance Learning while they work with your children. This is a unique situation for everyone and collectively we will make it work.   

Social/Emotional 

While I am not as concerned about delivering instruction via Distance Learning (because our teachers and students will be brilliant), I am concerned about supporting our student’s social/emotional well being. To that end, we have asked our School Counselors, Social Workers, and Psychologists to monitor our students, to be in constant contact with our teachers, to reach out and support, and be available to any student who needs assistance. 

During distance learning, we are going to try and maintain our community connections. Some students may feel socially or emotionally isolated while they are maintaining physical distance.  Fortunately we have good people who are available to talk, to email, or to conference with our students. On our Distance Learning Page at http://www.nsps.us/dl we have posted a social/emotional support letter from our specialists with additional contacts and resources for families.  

Special Needs

While our special educators will be working collaboratively with our grade level and content area teachers, our case managers and instructional assistants will be reaching out to students and families to offer support and academic assistance. Please be advised that service delivery will look very different during Distance Learning, but our ultimate goal is the same; to have our students continue to meet with success. We will have to be very creative, but I am confident that we will work out the means to continue support and services. 

Finally, I’d like to ask for everyone’s patience, understanding, and cooperation in the coming weeks, but I also firmly believe that we are going to have some great educational experiences. 


Michael St. Jean,
Superintendent
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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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