Gov. Baker Extends Statewide School Closure Through End of School Year
CANTON — Superintendent Dr. Jennifer Fischer-Mueller announces that, in accordance with a new order from Gov. Charlie Baker and the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, the Canton Public Schools shall remain closed through the end of the 2019-2020 academic year as a precaution against the COVID-19 pandemic.
The statewide closure of schools, originally set to end on April 7 and previously extended to May 4, has been further extended through the end of the school year.
The last day of school in Canton is scheduled to be June 23.
The extended closure of schools is an unprecedented step in limiting the potential spread of COVID-19 and continuing the practice of social distancing as more positive cases and deaths are announced in the state each day.
While schools remain closed, the district’s food pick-up service for students and families will continue. As a reminder, food pick-up is available at Canton High School Monday and Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
All athletic programs, events and after school activities will remain suspended and fields, playgrounds and play areas will remain closed until further notice.
Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education Jeffrey Riley canceled MCAS for the remainder of the 2019-2020 school year across grades 3-10. The Commissioner has not yet made a decision regarding competency determination for high school graduation.
Discussions about events like graduation, prom and academic awards ceremonies will be had in the coming days and weeks and further information will be shared as it becomes available.
“While we are saddened that the school year will end this way, we understand the importance of keeping the schools closed during this pandemic,” Superintendent Fischer-Mueller said. “Everyone has done a tremendous job working together and keeping kids engaged throughout the closure and we will continue to work hard for the remaining weeks until the last day of school.”
Remote Learning
Remote learning will continue through the end of the school year, June 23, and new content will continue to be introduced to students by their teachers.
Commissioner Riley will be releasing additional guidance and recommendations to school districts statewide within the coming days.
Teachers and administrators have worked since the initial school closure to support students’ connections to their school community and classwork.
During the school closure, teachers have remained vigilant and mindful of their individual students’ needs and have made adjustments according to those needs. Teachers will continue to reach out to students and families on a regular basis throughout the remainder of the school closure.
For more information, visit the district’s website at https://www.cantonma.org/.
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