Remote Learning Update

April 2, 2020

Dear Parent/Guardian,

We are very excited about implementing the North Reading Public Schools remote learning schedule to provide students with a more directed learning experience designed, coordinated and facilitated by our incredibly talented and committed professionals.  Please understand, it is our goal to provide structure to student learning, but afford families flexibility with regards to when the work is completed each day.

As per the March 30, 2020 memorandum from the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education shared with you by Dr. Daly.  Our professionals have designed a learning experience in line with the recommendations that “schools support students to engage in meaningful and productive learning for approximately half the length of a regular school day. We expect this learning to take place via a combination of educator-directed learning and student self-directed learning.” 

The North Reading Public Schools remote learning schedule accounts for five days a week, Monday through Friday. The grade level formats will provide guided instruction and practice in all content areas: Reading, Writing, Math, Science, Social Studies, and Social-Emotional Learning.  Students will maintain their weekly specialist schedules and be provided with content/activities on the classroom specific dates designed by those professionals. In addition, there will be more information regarding coordinated special education services, related services, and remedial learning support. More direct communications will be coming for those specific service providers in the days to come.   

In this model, fourth and fifth-grade students will be provided instrumental lessons weekly, and the chorus will be provided opportunities to practice, sing, and maybe even perform during the school closure.

Teachers will be asking for students to submit work in a few different ways mostly via email, Seesaw and/or Google classroom.  At the elementary level, teachers will be working on a credit/no credit system for assignments. Teachers will provide individual feedback on assignments as needed to support student learning and progress. With a standard-based reporting, teachers will be able to monitor students’ performance and we believe the report card can be utilized effectively to document student learning.

As this is a developing shift in professional practice, we appreciate your help in setting up students to make sure they have access to the tools necessary to complete the work. Please communicate with teachers if there are issues with access and/or the ability to complete the assignments.  We are committed to supporting all students and families during the remote learning schedule.

Sincerely, 

Mr. Sean Killeen, L. D. Batchelder Elementary Principal 

Mrs. Christine Molle, E. Ethel Little School Principal

Dr. Glen McKay, J. Turner Hood School Principal