DANVERS — Superintendent Heidi Riccio reports that the administrative team, bus service employees and cafeteria staff at Essex North Shore Agricultural and Technical School partnered this week to deliver food to students while the school is closed as a precaution against COVID-19.
Cafeteria staff at Essex Tech filled bags with food items including pasta, sauce, beans, cereal and granola bars earlier this week for students in need. Bus drivers and administrators distributed approximately 380 bags to families in all 55 communities the school serves on Wednesday and Thursday, also allowing administrators to check in with students should they need additional support while the school’s facility is closed.
Buses delivered food directly to families’ doorsteps.
“I’m proud of what our school staff and bus drivers have been able to accomplish for our students,” said Superintendent Riccio. “This is a challenging time for us all, and continuing to provide the support our students need is essential even while our facility remains temporarily closed.”
In addition to food, Essex Tech staff delivered a letter to families outlining other services available to them in their communities. The district is additionally exploring other supports that families can be connected to while the school remains closed until Tuesday, April 7.
Essex Tech additionally initiated its continuity of learning plan on Wednesday, and will continue to work with families to ensure they have the support they need.
“We’re working on what comes next,” Riccio said. “We will do what it takes to make sure our students have their needs met.”
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