Gov. Baker Extends Statewide School Closure Through End of School Year
MEDWAY — Superintendent Armand Pires announces that, in accordance with a new order from Gov. Charlie Baker and the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, the Medway 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 Medway is scheduled to be June 19.
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 are closed, the district is offering families the opportunity to have continued access to school meals through daily “grab and go” breakfast and lunch options. Pick up is at the Medway Middle School main entrance from 7 to 9 a.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
Additionally, families may pick up a week’s worth of food at the Medway Village Church Food Pantry on Saturday mornings from 9 to 10 a.m. or by scheduling an appointment time with the Food Pantry Director. Questions about food resources can be directed to Director of Wellness Ryan Sherman at [email protected] or 508-321-4714.
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 take place in the coming days and weeks and further information will be shared as it becomes available.
“We are saddened that our teachers and students will not be able to return to school this year, though this is a decision we have anticipated and we know that it is in the best interest of the health and safety of our students, staff and their families,” Superintendent Pires said. “We would like to reassure our district families that we will continue to work to create as much of a routine and connection as we can for our students through remote learning, and we thank parents for their continued support over these last several weeks.”
Remote Learning
Remote learning will continue through the end of the school year, June 19.
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.medwayschools.org/.
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