WRENTHAM — Superintendent Paul Zinni is pleased to announce that the King Philip Regional School District successfully resumed remote learning for the start of the 2020-21 school year.
Prior to the start of the school year, all King Philip faculty and staff participated in 10 professional development days to prepare for the modified school year due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
On Wednesday, Sept. 16, students returned to school remotely and participated in the district’s abbreviated learning day schedule that occurs every Wednesday. During this time students had the opportunity to meet with their new teachers and familiarize themselves with the technology they will be using during remote learning.
“Our staff and faculty were very eager and excited to start the new school year, and I’m pleased to say the first week went extremely well thanks to our staff, students and families working together and being well-prepared for the beginning of the year,” Superintendent Zinni said. “We remain confident that our remote learning courses over the coming weeks are going to be highly engaging and will provide a quality education for our students. Any additional resources our students need can also be accessed at this time by reaching out to their building administrators or guidance department.”
On Thursday, Sept. 17 and Friday, Sept. 18 students participated in full remote learning days. The district is expected to participate in remote learning for the first three and a half weeks of school with the exception of the district’s specialized programs. If public health metrics permit it, the district will transition into its hybrid model after Columbus Day.
While students participate in remote learning, the district will have numerous school-related resources available to students and their families to assist them with whatever they may need.
Grab N’ Go Meal Program
Students are encouraged to take part in the district’s Grab N’ Go meal program. The program provides free breakfast and lunch meals for all students seven days a week.
To receive these meals, parents/guardians should pick up the meals at the King Philip Regional High School bus loop, door #6, on Mondays or Thursdays between the times of 11 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Students do not need to be present at the time of the meal pick up.
No advance sign up is necessary and the free meals will be available to all until Dec. 31 or until the USDA funding is depleted.
Social-Emotional Resources
Students and their families will have access to the districts’ Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBA), School Adjustment Counselors, School Psychologist and School Counselors for any behavior or social/emotional support they may need throughout remote learning. Additionally, health classes will address wellness topics in its curriculum.
Individual counseling and parent training/support will be available in-person and/or remotely. Parents will also have access to a list of community resources and agencies available on the district’s website.
Any students experiencing heightened levels of stress or anxiety are encouraged to reach out to their school’s guidance department or administrators to receive assistance.
COVID-19 Information
Any parent or guardian looking for COVID-19 information or updates may find them on the district’s website under the “COVID Information” tab on the homepage.
Information includes the district’s school reopening plan, state and local guidance, and Department of Elementary and Secondary Education guidance.
Athletics and Extracurriculars
Extracurricular clubs will be conducted virtually for students to participate in while remotely learning. Information regarding each club can be found on the district’s 2020-21 school year calendar when you click on their name.
At this time, the district’s scheduled start to the fall athletic season and band program on Monday, Sept. 21 will be delayed as the district awaits the next weekly public health report from the state regarding COVID-19 cases in the district’s communities on Wednesday, Sept. 23.
The district’s decision to postpone follows the joint guidance issued by the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA) and Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) on Aug. 18 due to COVID-19 concerns.
Dependent on the public health status of the communities of Wrentham, Norfolk and Plainville, the district will decide to either move forward with the fall sports season and the band program on Thursday, Sept. 24 or prolong the postponement.
“The first week of school was a trial period for us all and as we embark on the coming weeks I believe we will continue to get better and better with each day,” Superintendent Zinni said. “I would like to thank all of our students, staff and administrators for their exceptional work. While we expect a few hiccups along the way as we grow accustomed to our new normal, I am pleased to see everyone giving their best efforts. As always, we are here to support our students and families with whatever they may need to be successful throughout the year.”
Anyone with additional questions or concerns should reach out to their building administrators. Anyone with any technical issues or questions should reach out to the technology department at studenttechhelp@kingphilip.org.
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