Fall Planning Update: July 13, 2020

Fall Planning Update: July 13, 2020
Posted on 07/13/2020

Dear CPS Community:

CPS is continuing its planning for the upcoming unpredictable and unprecedented school year. As required by the state we are planning for three scenarios for the start of school: fully in-person, hybrid (a mix of in-person and remote/at-home experiences) and fully remote. In every scenario, CPS will also offer families a fully-remote option.

In this update:

  • Family Survey Reminder
  • Family Fall Options Form
  • Superintendent Town Hall
  • Taskforce and Working Groups
  • School Start Date
  • CPS Staff Updates
  • Looking Ahead: Key Dates
  • Reminder: Summer Opportunities on Find It Cambridge

Reopening

We know there are lots of unanswered questions. Below are some key updates on our planning efforts and some things to look for soon:

1. Family Survey:
Over 2,600 families have already submitted their thoughts on the reopening school survey shared last week. Don’t forget to share your thoughts before this Saturday, July 1. If you are having trouble taking the survey, contact [email protected] or call 617.349.6494.

2. Family Fall Options Form: After the School Committee votes to approve the re-opening models on July 21, families will be required to submit a form to determine whether their students will attend in-person or select the fully remote option. This will allow us to continue planning for the fully in-person, hybrid, or fully remote scenarios.

3. Superintendent Town Hall: I will be hosting the first of several “town hall” sessions this Thursday, July 16 at 6PM. While this session will be held virtually, we are beginning planning for additional in-person and virtual sessions throughout the summer in collaboration with partners. Submit questions here. Look for a special message tomorrow with viewing instructions. We will post and distribute a recording of the session and a written version of the Q&A.

4. Taskforce and Working Groups: Thank you to all of the members of the community who are participating in our Taskforces and Working Groups. Additional information, including additional confirmed participants, will be added in the coming days, as many working groups are launching this week.

5. School start date: We have received many questions about the school year start date. We are continuing to plan for school starting on Tuesday, September 8, according to the School Year 2020-21 calendar approved date. It is possible that the state may make some changes to the school calendar. We will keep you posted.

6. CPS Staff Updates: Look for a message tomorrow, Tuesday July 13, with additional staff-specific updates.

7. Other Key Dates:


Targeted milestones:

  • July 21: School Committee votes to approve safety protocols & adopt re-opening models
  • July 22 - July 31: Families form: return-to-school; remote alternative
  • July 24: Draft school / educator expectations
  • July 31: CPS Plans due to DESE
  • By August 3: Staff and family plans known; schedules/staffing decisions
  • August 3: Educator Collaboratives kick-off
  • August 7: Finalize school / educator expectations
  • August 10: Notify staff of PD schedule for week of 8/24 and 9/1

School Committee Subcommittee meetings:

  • July 15 | 5 - 6:30PM: School Climate (Emerging plan for weekly individual check-ins)
  • July 17 | 12:30 - 2PM: Curriculum and Achievement
  • July 17 | 4 - 5:30PM (new date and time) - Special Education & Students Supports

8. Reminder: Summer Opportunities on Find It Cambridge: There are many summer programs available throughout Cambridge. Check out opportunities for Elementary age students and Middle school students. To find other opportunities, go to www.finditcambridge.org/Summer2020, call/text 617.686.2998, or email [email protected]. Programs are continuing to update their opportunities based on the recent state guidelines, so check back often!

Sincerely,

Kenneth N. Salim, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools

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