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All of the information you need to successfully start the 2021-22 school year can be found here.
Please keep in mind that some information, such as bus routes, is updated throughout the summer and may not be available until closer to the start of the school year. If you have any questions, please contact your child's campus.We look forward to seeing students on the first day of school!
Back to School 2021-2022 FAQS
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Where is the 2021-2022 District Calendar?
A printable version of the District Calendar is located under the Students & Families dropdown menu.
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How can I watch the School Committee meeting?
School Committee Meetings take place in person. A broadcast email with the agenda is emailed 3-5 business days prior to each meeting.
A copy of the agendas can be found here.
If you are unable to attend a meeting in person, you can tune in on Comcast Channel 14 or PACTV's Titan TV YouTube Channel for live coverage.
Questions can be submitted prior to each meeting at scinfo@pembrokek12.org
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How can I stay up-to-date with the most current information?
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Download our Mobile App
For all this information right at your fingertips, download our Mobile App which is available for iOS and Android devices.
- Access the iOS App (iOS App Store
- Access the Android App (Google Play Store)
- Or, you can search for "Pembroke Public Schools" and make sure you pick the app with our logo from the selections. Title: Pembroke Schools, MA
- More information on our Mobile App is available at: https://ma02202207.schoolwires.net/Page/109
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How do I register for transportation?
RETURNING STUDENTS: ONLINE REGISTRATION INSTRUCTIONS
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IMPORTANT: You will need the "Snapcode" for each child before completing the packet for returning students. Snapcodes are emailed to the primary parent/guardian for each student. Check your email for this year's Snapcode for each of your children. The Snapcode is a secure way for you to access the registration information for each of your children.
Step 1: Complete the Online Registration Forms:
- You will need to enter the "Snapcode" for this child that was emailed to you in July. Check your email to retrieve your Snapcode(s). The Snapcode email is sent from "noreplyregistration@powerschool.com".
- Click here to open the Admission and Registration Screen and select Returning Student Registration. You will be able to return to this tab to view the instructions.
- Enter the username and password you used to create your account or click Forgot Password if you do not remember your password. If this is the first time you are using the system, click Create Account. Follow the on-screen prompts to enter your name, contact information, create a password, and add security questions. This account will be used during the registration process so that you can save your progress, and then log back in later to complete the registration packet if needed. If you do not have an email address, there are links on this screen to assist you with creating a free Google or Yahoo email account.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the packet. Be sure to use proper spelling and capitalization when entering information. Click Next at the bottom of each form to move to the next screen.
- Once all forms and the signature page have been completed, you will have the opportunity to review all data you entered. If you missed a required field, you will see a red box that says "Required". Complete any missing data to proceed.
- If you are requesting bus transportation for your child and are required to pay the transportation fee, you will see the payment amount due and will have the opportunity to pay the fee online. You can opt to pay your transportation fee by check. See step 2 below if you wish to pay by check.
- Once all fields are complete and accurate, you must click the Green "Submit" button in order to submit your forms to the school and complete the process.
- If you have other students to register, when you reach the "Next Steps" screen, click the link to "Complete a New Student Registration for Another Student".
- Athletics: After you have registered all students if you would like to register a child for athletics, click the Athletics Registration link on the "Next Steps" screen.
- If at any time you need to save your progress and log out, click on your initials at the top right of the screen and click Save and Logout. You can return later and log in with the account you created in the steps above.
If you have any questions about the registration process or if you have difficulty with the online forms, please contact your child's school.
Step 2: Mailing checks for transportation or athletics:
- The amount due will appear on the "Payment" screen after completing your online packets.
- Your child(ren)'s name(s) and your primary phone number must be written on the check.
- Checks for transportation fees must be mailed Attn: Lori Jacobs, 72 Pilgrim Rd, Pembroke, MA 02359.
- Checks for athletics user fees must be mailed Attn: Katie Eakins, 80 Learning Ln, Pembroke, MA 02359.
- Checks must be postmarked no later than August 15 to receive the discounted Early Bird transportation rate.
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How much is the transportation fee?
Transportation Cost 2021-2022
Grades K-6:
There is no fee charged for elementary school students, but a bus pass application needs to be completed.
Grades 7-12:
There is a fee for middle school and high school students as outlined below. Bus pass applications also need to be completed for middle and high school students.
All Rates Below are Subject to Change
Early Bird Rates Available through August 15th Only:
Early Bird Individual Student: $195
Early Bird Family Cap: $295Transportation Rates August 16th and Later:
Regular Rate Individual Student: $225
Regular Rate Family Cap: $325*Free or Reduced Transportation Rates Available Only to Those Who Qualify:
Families that are eligible for food stamps, or meet federal income guidelines for free or reduced meals may qualify for a waiver or reduction in fees as shown below. Financial or other personal circumstances will be treated with confidentiality. Students confirmed for free or reduced fees in the current school year will maintain the same eligibility until/unless family circumstances change once the annual Application for Free or Reduced Meals is processed at the beginning of each school year.
*Reduced Early Bird Rates Available through August 15th Only:
Reduced Early Bird Individual Student: $12
Reduced Early Bird Family Cap: $24*Reduced Transportation Rates August 16th and Later:
Reduced Individual Student: $42
Reduced Family Cap: $54*Reduced Rates Available to Only Those Who Qualify
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How will I know where my bus stop is?
Bus schedules are now available on our Transportation Page.
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What school supplies does my child need?
Please note that the high school does not issue a formal supply list. Teachers will meet with students during the first week of classes and go over class expectations and supplies. Please bring a pen/pencil and a notebook on the first day for notes.
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Are meals free again this year?
Breakfast and lunch will be provided to all students in 2021-22 at no charge through special funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
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How will I know what is for lunch?
ELEMENTARY and SECONDARY lunch menus are available on our website under Food and Nutrition.
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What are the open house dates?
Each building hosts an open house in September. These dates are posted on the website and district calendar.
Bryantville- 9/22
Hobomock- 9/9
North- 9/22
PCMS- 9/30
PHS- 9/23
Additional information will be emailed to families at the start of the school year.
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Will PCMS host building tours?
PCMS students, families, and friends are welcome to tour the school on the dates listed below:Wednesday, August 25Morning tours: 9:30 AM or 10:00 AMAfternoon tours: 12:30 PM or 1:00 PMThursday, August 26Morning tours: 9:30 AM or 10:00 AMAfternoon tours: 12:30 or 1Tuesday, August 31Morning tours: 9:30 AM or 10:00 AM Afternoon tours 12:30 PM or 1:00 PMStudents should bring their schedules, so they can see where their specific classes are located. Tours will be run by guidance counselors (Ms. Danielle McLean- G7, & Mrs. Erin Goitia- G8) and administrators (Mrs. Donna McGarrigle- Principal & Mr. Tom Walsh- Assistant Principal). -
When is freshman orientation at PHS?
PHS Freshman Orientation and Parent University are scheduled for Thursday, August 26, 2021.
1.) Freshman Orientation - After a one-year COVID-19 hiatus, we are so excited to bring back our in-person Freshman Orientation for all of our incoming 9th graders on Thursday, Aug. 26 from 8:00-11:30 a.m. While attendance is naturally optional, we encourage all of our freshmen to attend this fun-filled morning, as it is packed with activities, led by our Student Leaders from grades 11 and 12, designed to give your child a sense of comfort and familiarity as he or she transitions to high school life. Among other things, they will:- get their schedules for the 2021-22 school year
- meet in small groups with their guidance counselors and school administrators
- participate in small-group Q&A sessions with our Student Leaders and receive great advice and helpful hints about starting high school on the right foot
- take a tour of our building, including learning where their lockers and classes are located
- participate in a mini "Pep Rally" similar to the one we hold during Spirit Week in October, complete with fun activities and games.
During this indoor event, we will be following all COVID-19 protocols established by the state of Massachusetts, the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, and Pembroke Public Schools. Masks are optional for all and strongly encouraged for unvaccinated participants. We hope to see all of our incoming Freshman Class at this event.2.) Parent University - Later that same day, from 6:30-7:30 p.m., parents and caregivers are invited to attend this informational presentation, which will be led by assistant principals Dave Rix and Kristen Kelley, and me. We offered this presentation virtually in the spring, but we are offering it again for those preferring an in-person introduction to PHS or for those that could not attend this past June.Parent University is designed for parents and caregivers to learn everything they may want to know about life at Pembroke High School, including:- basic, day-to-day operations (drop off/pick up, bell schedules, who's who at PHS, etc)
- important student learning expectations and other items found in the PHS Student Handbook, focusing specifically on those expectations that may differ from PCMS.
- support services available to our students
- a general overview of a 4-year program of study for our students
- any other questions that our parents and caregivers may have
We are incredibly eager to welcome members of the Class of 2025 and their families to this next chapter in their lives, and we hope to see so many of you at these two events on Thursday, August 26. -
Where can I find summer reading requirements?
Covid Related FAQs
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If a student or staff member is sick and experiencing symptoms, such as fever, cough, runny nose, what should they do?
School Personnel:
If a staff member has any symptoms, they should call their supervisor and report the symptoms and stay home from school. Staff should follow up with their Health Care providers for further evaluation and testing. Staff who become ill while at school will be sent home immediately.
Students and Families:
Before coming to school or getting on the bus: Families should assess their child’s state of wellness. If the student has any symptoms of COVID-19, they should stay home from school.
The family should notify their school nurse that the child will be absent and the reason for the absence. The school nurse will follow up with the family regarding the child’s symptoms when the child was seen by a medical professional, and any testing that was done.
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COVID-19 PROTOCOLS FLOWCHART- AUGUST 2021
Protocol A: Individual Tests Positive for COVID-19
Protocol B: Asymptomatic Close Contacts
Protocol C: Symptomatic Individuals at School
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What happens if a student is considered a close contact of someone with Covid-19?
Refer to this Covid-19 Protocol Flowchart for more information.
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How are close contacts notified?
Identified school-based close contacts will receive notification directly from the school (school nurse).
If you have a question or concern regarding your student, you should contact the school nurse for additional information.
District COVID Reporting is done through our COVID Dashboard.
This has been the method of communication of cases for the past year. The dashboard reflects the most accurate information and is updated multiple times per day/week as new information is made available.
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Is anyone excempt from testing and quarantine response protocols?
The following close contacts are exempt from testing and quarantine response protocols:
- Asymptomatic, fully vaccinated close contacts: Individuals who are asymptomatic and fully vaccinated are exempt from testing and quarantine response protocols.
- Classroom close contacts: An individual who is exposed to a COVID-19 positive individual in the classroom while both individuals were masked, so long as the individuals were spaced at least 3 feet apart, is exempt from testing and quarantine response protocols.
- Bus close contacts: Individuals on buses must be masked according to federal requirements. As such, individuals who are masked on buses when windows are open are exempt from testing and quarantine response protocols.
- Close contacts who have had COVID-19 within the past 90 days: An individual who has been previously diagnosed with COVID-19 and then becomes a close contact of someone with COVID-19 is exempt from testing and quarantine response protocols if: o The exposure occurred within 90 days of the onset of their own illness AND o The exposed individual is recovered and remains without COVID-19 symptoms.
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What are the close contact determination and quarantine protocols?
Close Contact Determination and Quarantining Protocols
- Close Contacts are defined as any individual that has been within 6 feet of space of a COVID-19 positive case for more than 15 minutes cumulative in a 24-hour period.
- At three feet of spacing with masks, there would be no classroom-based contact tracing.
- Asymptomatic vaccinated close contacts do no need to quarantine or test but must monitor themselves for symptoms for at least 14 days.
- Asymptomatic unvaccinated close contacts do need to quarantine or test
- If not testing you must quarantine for 10 days and may return on day 11 as long as you remain asymptomatic
- If testing, you must test on day 5 or later, and if negative you may return after day 7
- These individuals may participate in the test to stay program (see slide 13)
- Symptomatic vaccinated & unvaccinated close contacts need to test and/or quarantine for the timelines outlined above before returning to school
- Students and staff not identified as close contact but exhibiting symptoms (see updated list) associated with COVID-19 must provide a negative test result before they can return to school
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What is the Test to Stay Protocol?
Unvaccinated individuals identified as a close contact may consent to participate in the Test to Stay Protocol.
What this entails:
- Individuals would be tested each morning for five school days following the known exposure, using the Bianex Now rapid antigen test (lower anterior nasal swab)
- Testing would be administered by our school health personnel
- Once the results are received (generally takes 10 minutes) students/staff would join their classroom for instruction
- Close contacts are advised to quarantine on weekends. By testing over a 5 day school day period, close contacts would be monitored for the full 7 days outlined in the quarantining guidelines
- Unvaccinated individuals that do not wish to consent would follow the regular quarantine/testing guidance.
*Per the CDC, vaccinated individuals do not need to test or quarantine.
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Are masks required in school this year?
On August 24, 2021, the Massachusetts Board of Elementary and Secondary Education voted to grant authority to Commissioner Jeffrey Riley to impose an indoor mask mandate for all Massachusetts K-12 public school districts for the month of September.
After October 1st, if a school district can prove a vaccination rate of 80% or higher for staff and eligible students, a waiver from DESE may be sought to allow vaccinated individuals to unmask. As of the 8/19 weekly state report, Pembroke's vaccination rate for individuals 16-19 years old was 77% and for individuals 12-15 52%. At the 8/31 meeting of the Pembroke School Committee I will be seeking permission to file for the waiver to allow for the unmasking of vaccinated individuals at Pembroke Community Middle School and Pembroke High School, should we reach or exceed the 80% target set by the state. We respect an individual’s right to privacy and their personal health decisions but please note, we would need to reach 80% for both groups because of the overlap in ages between the two schools.
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What are the current mask guidlines?
The information below outlines the current mask guidelines. (September 2021.)
Masks should cover an individual’s nose and mouth.
Cloth masks can be made from a variety of fabrics, and many types of cloth masks are available.
Look for:
- Multiple layers of tightly-woven fabric.
- Nose Wire
- Mask should block light when held up to a bright light source
Do not wear
- Masks with exhalation valves or vents
- Single-layer or masks made of thin fabric that does not block light
Disposable face masks are widely available.
Look for:
- A description indicating multiple layers of non-woven material
- Nose wire
Do not wear
- Masks with gaps around the side of the face or nose
- If wet or dirty
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What would happen if we do not adhere to the DESE mask requirement?
The first step would be for the Commissioner of Education to refer any case of non-compliance to the Attorney General: (MGL Chapter 69 Section 1B)
- The board shall see to it that all school committees comply with all laws relating to the operation of the public schools and in the event of noncompliance the commissioner of education shall refer all such cases to the attorney general for appropriate action to obtain compliance.
Continued Non-Compliance would result in the loss of state and federal funds:
- The board may withhold state and federal funds from school committees which fail to comply with the provisions of law relative to the operation of the public schools or any regulation of said board authorized in this section.
Professional against staff:
- Suspension of Licensure
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Are masks required on school buses?
Yes, passengers and drivers must wear a mask on school buses, including on buses operated by public and private school systems, subject to the exclusions and exemptions in CDC’s Order. A mask is not required for the driver if the driver is the only person on the bus. (August 18, 2021)
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Can students have mask breaks?
Yes. Students can ask for individual mask breaks or teachers may give whole class mask breaks.
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Do students need to wear masks at sporting events or after school activities?
Yes/No. For any sport or activity that is hosted inside all persons must be masked. Any sport or activity that is hosted outside persons do not need to wear masks. (ie: volleyball, masks must be worn, soccer masks do not need to be worn)
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Can I get a religious exemption for my child?
No. There are no religious exemptions regarding the wearing of masks.
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What steps can I take to be granted a mask exemption for my children?
There is no exemption with the exception of a medical exemption from a doctor. For the medical exemption form click here.
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If a classroom allows for 6-feet of distancing between students do students/staff still need to wear masks?
Yes. Masks are required during any indoor instructional time.
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What heath and safety protocols will remain in place for the 2021-2022 school year?
Spacing
Students will maintain a distance of 3 feet or greater in all indoor settings. (e.g. student desks, classroom rug seating, cafeteria seating.)
Handwashing Protocols
Handwashing protocols will remain in place and be continually reinforced.
Sanitation and Disinfection Protocols
Sanitation and Disinfection Protocols will remain in place. This includes but is not limited to;
- Wiping down frequently touched surfaces multiple times per day
- Increased Disinfection of shared materials
- Continuation of full classroom disinfection at the end of the day
Air Quality
Continuation of Air Quality Monitoring and HVAC Functioning
- Ongoing Air Quality Testing
- Open windows wherever possible
- UV light sanitation at PHS
- Replacement of filters monthly (MERV11/13)
- Continuous repair and maintenance of units as needed
Attendance Policy
The leniency on attendance will remain effective. Students and staff are encouraged to remain home when experiencing any symptoms.
Classrooms
We will continue to utilize our outdoor spaces whenever possible.
Covid-19 Reporting
We will continue to update and maintain the COVID-19 Dashboard on the District Website.
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My child is immunocompromised and in-person learning does not feel safe to me. Is there a remote option this year?
Unfortunately, remote learning is no longer an option in the upcoming school year per the Commissioner of Education. Please refer to the DESE COVID-19 guidance issued on May 27, 2021, page 4.
Districts will no longer be able to offer remote learning as a standard learning model. As noted above, districts and schools will be required to be in-person, full-time, five days a week this fall. Pathways that existed prior to the pandemic for offering virtual learning to individual students in limited cases will remain available to districts and schools. These include home/hospital tutoring programs due to a documented medical condition, single district virtual schools, and other narrow circumstances.
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Will there be a full remote option for the 21/22 school year?
Currently, there is no fully remote option for students for the 2021/2022 school year.
On July 30th, the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) and the Department of Public Health (DPH) released a joint memo on COVID-19 Guidance for Districts and Schools – Fall 2021. As outlined in the memo, all schools are required to be in-person, full time, five days a week for the 2021-22 school year, and all previously released DESE health and safety requirements are lifted. In addition to outlining recommendations for school and district policies on masking, the memo also previewed new COVID-19 testing and quarantine response protocols for schools.
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What if I want to homeschool my child?
Visit the Homeschooling Section of our website for the requirements and application process.
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Are there any social distancing requirements?
DESE has no requirements in place for distancing. Pembroke Public Schools protocol for distancing is:
- Students will maintain a distance of 3 feet or greater in all indoor settings. (e.g. student desks, classroom rug seating, cafeteria seating.)
- Continued use of outdoor spaces whenever possible.
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Will there be assigned seating this year in classrooms and lunch rooms?
Yes. Whenever possible, seats should be assigned, and we recommend keeping students in desks rather than tables for now. In some cases, it may be necessary to use tables. We must continue our contact tracing efforts, so assigned seating in classrooms remains important.
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Can students change classrooms/mix cohorts?
Yes.
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Will we have Back to School Nights and Open House?
Yes, each building will send out additional details.
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What are the current travel restrictions? Will I be able to travel out of state without a quarantine?
Massachusetts COVID-19 Travel Guidance suggests that if you are vaccinated there are no restrictions on domestic travel, and you can travel freely.
Here are the CDC’s recommendations for unvaccinated people, We ask all PPS families and staff to follow the State’s travel guidance.
Qualifying special conditions include serious family emergencies/illnesses, deaths, and custody arrangements. If you have questions, please contact your principal or school nurse.
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What PK-12 health and safety protocols are being recommended now by health experts and key decision-makers in light of the Delta variant of the virus?
Below is a summary of the most recent guidance issued by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and supported by the and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MA DPH) and elected and appointed State officials:
August 13, 2021: As a follow-up to the guidance released on July 30 and to the information released by DESE on the statewide COVID-19 testing program, the Commissioner of Education released DESE and DPH's testing and quarantine guidance for districts and schools for the fall.
- New Test and Stay program will allow asymptomatic close contacts to remain in school and participate in sports and extracurriculars so long as they take a rapid antigen test daily, wear a mask, and follow other guidelines as noted in the document.
- All school-wide distancing requirements are lifted.
- If districts do not have Test and Stay available, or an individual or family chooses not to participate, a close contact will need to quarantine at home for at least 7 days from the point of exposure.
- The list of close contacts who do not need to participate in testing and quarantine protocols has been updated to include individuals on school buses when students are masked with windows open, regardless of distancing. In addition, the following groups continue to be exempt from testing and quarantine: asymptomatic, vaccinated close contacts; classroom close contacts spaced at least three feet apart while students are masked; and individuals who have had COVID-19 in the past 90 days.
- The COVID-19 symptoms list has been updated (with more symptoms being identified as COVID-19 symptoms only when "in combination with other symptoms"), along with some points of differentiation in COVID-19 symptoms necessitating a PCR test for vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals. Individuals with COVID-19 symptoms should continue to stay home until symptoms resolve.
- Districts and schools may continue to test students with mild symptoms with BinaxNOW tests, if available. So long as these tests are negative, individuals with mild symptoms should remain in school.
- As noted last year, if a student tests positive or presents COVID-19 symptoms during the school day, they should be masked, and when feasible, be in a separate room with the door closed until they can be picked up.
As a reminder, all health and safety requirements issued by DESE from the previous school year have been lifted, and all schools are required to be in-person full-time, five days per week.
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What steps need to be taken to prove that your school is 80% vaccinated (includes staff AND students) on Oct 1st? Are we asking staff/students for proof of vaccination?
We are waiting on State guidance regarding procedures for collecting this documentation. More information will be forthcoming.
Back to School Quick Links
Back to School Presentations 2021-2022
District Updates
Massachusetts DESE Quick Links
- 08/16/21 - Commissioner's Weekly Update 8 16 21 - Protocols for Responding to COVID-19 Scenarios, COVID-19 Testing Program, Info for School Health Offices
- 08/09/21 - Commissioner's Weekly Update 8 9 21 - Learning Acceleration Workshops, COVID-19 Testing Program, Promoting Students' Wellbeing
- 08/02/21 - Commissioner's Weekly Update 8 2 21 - Fall Guidance, Onsite Vaccination Clinics, School Mental Health Systems PD, Low-Income Data Collection, and more
- Department of Elementary and Secondary Education Releases Fall 2021 COVID-19 Guidance for Districts and Schools