Gov. Baker Extends Statewide School Buildings Closure Through End of School Year
HOLLISTON — Superintendent Brad Jackson announces that, in accordance with a new order from Gov. Charlie Baker and the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, the Holliston Public Schools shall continue remote learning through the end of the 2019-2020 academic year while school buildings remain closed as a precaution against the COVID-19 pandemic.
The statewide implementation of remote learning and closure of school buildings, 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 Holliston is scheduled to be Thursday, June 18 for kindergarten through 11th grader. The last day for Holliston High School seniors will be Friday, May 29.
The extended closure of school buildings 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 remote learning continues, the district’s food pick-up service for students and families will continue. As a reminder, food pick-up is available at Miller Elementary School cafeteria loop Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 11 a.m. to 12:30 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.
Decisions about events like graduation, prom and academic awards ceremonies will be discussed in the coming days and weeks and further information will be shared as it becomes available.
“While nothing can replace face-to-face learning in the classroom, I’m incredibly proud of our team for designing, innovating and implementing our remote learning program,” Superintendent Jackson said. “We’re disappointed to hear that students will not be returning to their school buildings for this academic year, but we will continue to keep them engaged in their learning until the last day of school.”
Remote Learning
Remote learning will continue through the end of the school year, June 18, 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 and an announcement will be made about any changes to the current remote learning plan.
Teachers and administrators have worked since the initial transition to remote learning to support students’ connections to their school community and classwork.
During remote learning, 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 year.
Members of the community are invited to review the district’s Remote Learning Plan in full by clicking here.
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