Natick Public Schools: Weekly District Update: February 18, 2022

Press release from Natick Public Schools:

02/18/2022

Translation Support: Visit our   page for assistance. Non-Discrimination Statement: Natick Public Schools does not discriminate in employment nor in its educational programs, services, and activities on the basis of race, creed, color, age, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, physical and intellectual differences, immigration status, homeless status, or any other basis prohibited by law. Federal and State Legislation Addressing Discrimination in Educational Institutions You will find links to the contacts for each of the following statutes below. Title I: Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990Title II Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990Title VI Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964Title IX Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 MGL, Ch.76, Section 5: Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 76, Section 5

February 18, 2022

District Calendar

February

• Feb. 1-28: Black History Month
• Feb. 21-25: February Break (Schools Closed)
• Feb. 21: Presidents Day (Central Office Closed)
• February 21-25: Public Schools Week

Please also refer to your school calendar for school-based activities & information.

Superintendent Memo

Dear Natick Community:

Have an excellent February Break; it's here not a moment too soon! This was a very challenging week but I see the shards of sunshine seeping in - less infection, less darkness, less cold - and hopefully fewer pandemic restrictions in short order.

I'd like to give a personal shout out to our partners, SPARK Kindness, who sent all of our administrators a little care package of positive notes this week. What a morale booster for our team! Thank you! Some of notes were anonymous so we cannot reach out directly but we appreciated every word!

School Calendar, School Work and Religious Holidays
The School Committee is assessing many of its policies and traditions to foster increased inclusion and belonging in our ever-changing and evolving community. The superintendent will hold a listening session with members of the School Committee on our School Calendar, School Work and Religious Holidays. We'd love to hear from you. Please join us for this virtual meeting on Tuesday, April 5 at 7pm.

Masking Update
Currently, we are in a holding pattern for masking updates. I recommended a March 7 removal of mask mandate/implementation of a flex mask culture for our district pending the results of our two antigen testing dates (Sunday, February 27 and Wednesday, March 2).

The Board of Health Meeting went in a different direction.

I firmly believe that due to our high rates of vaccination and participation in antigen testing, and the reduction in the surge that the time to lift the masks is upon us.

To this end, I am having an additional meeting with the Natick Board of Health on March 4 at noon, so we can assess post-vacation data on infection rates, absences, and testing results, and then we will determine if we can move to the flex masking culture.

I will share the details of both our expected flex mask culture and further updates at the February 28 School Committee meeting and in subsequent updates to you. The School Committee policy sub-committee has voted to recommend the lifting of masks to their colleagues at the February 28 meeting. At that meeting, we will also share our budget recommendations (we have balanced the budget with the town) and affirm our desire for attractive staff contracts for our staff.

I encourage you to read the core values of flex masking culture (DRAFT) and think about how you will guide your family and children as we head into this next phase of pandemic living. All choices are valued and supported. Because we talk daily, I do believe the Department of Public Health will strongly recommend that preschoolers remain masked as they are not eligible for vaccination, and any visitors to the program as well.

We will now transition to new pandemic conditions and unmasking/flex mask/mask optional culture is a huge step toward normalcy. (Do I even dare say that out loud?) Students will have anxiety about the transition, parents and staff too!

I just experienced this with my own daughter at her high school where they have been unmasked since November (re-masked after December break and then unmasked this week) and there are ebbs and flows within the culture as we all adapt and make choices. School is compulsory, so we must make sure that all student/family choices are respected in this next phase. Our principals, especially at younger grades, have been approaching the conversation about changes with students and helping to train students around the return to normalcy. For example, with an eventual loosening of assigned seating, how does a second grader (who has never had to do this) choose a seat at lunch? These are the social trainings of just being in school and those have been hampered by restrictions. So we teach, teach teach. Expect there to be bumps and worries but we are here to support you and the students.

PLEASE NOTE: Attendance at school the week after vacation is one of the metrics used to decide about masking. Sick people need to stay home but if you are pondering extending your vacation, I encourage you to get the kids back to school.

Antigen Testing
Reminder to those in our antigen testing program to test Sunday, February 27 with your test and again on Wednesday, March 2. This data and our infection rates will be shared with BOH on Friday, March 4 with the hope we can unmask by the 7th. Stay tuned.

All COVID infections during break and those detected on the 27th should be share with your school nurse. Their emails are here: https://www.natickps.org/departments/health_services

Parent homework: please consider doing our Panorama survey which was emailed to the address listed in your PowerSchool account. This year, unlike prior years, we have changed the setting so you can fill out one for each of your children, recognizing the feedback that your children may experience our district differently thus you have differing feedback for us.

Natick Human Resources Department

Upcoming searches:

• Director of Social Emotional Learning & Equity
• Director of Security and Safety
• Natick High School Principal. (INFO BELOW)

Info on all searches coming soon.

Enjoy your weekend,
Anna

ANTIGEN TESTING PROCEDURE DURING FEBRUARY BREAK
Please administer test 2/27 before returning to school on 2/28

Families who have opted in for at-home antigen testing will receive their next set of tests on Thursday, February 17 or Friday, February 18. Please administer the first of these tests on Sunday, February 27, prior to returning to school from February break. This will ensure all students are healthy and safe to return to school. We are asking the same of our staff. The second test should be used on Wednesday, March 2.

The next set of tests will be sent home on Tuesday, March 8 to be used on Wednesday, March 9.

MEMORIAL PRINCIPAL UPDATE
Evening Forum with Community Set for March 3

We have three strong candidates who have been selected as finalists for the Memorial Elementary School principal: Katie Charner-Laird, Jordan Hoffman, and Troy Holding. The candidates will each visit the Memorial School during the school day on one of the following dates: February 28, March 1, or March 2. The visit includes a combination of informal meeting times with the candidates, as well as opportunities for the candidates to interact with staff and students. While staff members will have an opportunity to meet with the candidates and ask questions, it’s also an opportunity for the candidates to learn more about Memorial and why the school would be a great place to work! At the end of each visit, staff may provide feedback on the strengths of each candidate to help with the selection process.

All three candidates will attend an evening forum on Thursday, March 3. During this time, families/caregivers, staff, and community members are welcome to meet with the candidates. The candidates have 1-2 minutes for an opening statement, 30 minutes of questions from the audience, and 1-2 minutes for a closing statement. Attendees may provide feedback on the strengths of each candidate to help with the selection process.

Daytime School Visits
Monday, February 28: Katie Charner-Laird
Tuesday, March 1: Jordan Hoffman
Wednesday, March 2: Troy Holding

Evening Forum - Thursday, March 3
6:30- 7:05 p.m.: Katie Charner- Laird  
7:15 - 7:50 p.m.: Troy Holding        
8:00 - 8:35 p.m.: Jordan Hoffman

CLICK HERE TO VIEW BIOS ON ALL THREE CANDIDATES

PANORAMA SCHOOL SURVEY SENT OUT
Please Complete the Survey ASAP

Natick Public Schools has partnered with Panorama Education to survey families about experiences and perceptions at your child’s school. These surveys arrived via email on February 9. Please note that this year, you are able to complete a survey for each child in your household. Responses remain completely confidential, which means no one at the school sees your individual responses. The results of this survey help school administrators better understand the perceptions of families at each school. Survey data will be used by administrators to identify strengths and areas for growth.

NHS BAND PERFORMS NATIONAL ANTHEM AT UMASS LOWELL
Watch Video Below of Band's Performance at Hockey Game

NHS PRINCIPAL SEARCH
Timeline Available Online Now

Natick Public Schools seeks a dynamic and innovative leader to guide teaching and learning at Natick High School, beginning July 2022. The Principal fosters a culture of respect, equity, inclusiveness, and academic excellence for all students. We challenge our students to work hard, to engage deeply, to build authentic relationships, and to thrive in all aspects of high school. You can review more information on the NHS Principal search, including our timeline of interviews and meetings with staff and the community, on our website.

Panel Discussion: IEP Transition Process

The Chris Walsh Center for Educators and Families of MetroWest is hosting a panel presentation to explain the process that students with an IEP go through from the age of 14 until they graduate from High School or turn 22. This event is designed to give parents the information they need to support their children through this process.
 

The free, virtual Panel Presentation: Understanding the Transition Process takes place on Wednesday, February 16 from 7:00 – 8:30 pm. 

New Resource Page on Special Education from DESE

The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education has a new resource page on special education referral, evaluation, and eligibility. Although we practice this guidance here in Natick as written, DESE has put this into a very user-friendly format that may come in handy for your reference. 

ASAP/ Early Risers & New Family Registration

Between March 14 and April 8, 2022, new families may register online for ASAP and Early Risers 2022-23.

For more information about our programs, go to www.natickps.org/programs/asap.

For details about the registration process, see the Registration tab on our web page or click here. If applications exceed the space available, placement will be determined by lottery. All registrations received between March 14 and midnight on April 8 will be entered into the lottery. 

Please note:

• ASAP (after school) is offered at all five elementary and middle schools in Natick Public Schools.
• Early Risers (before school) is offered at elementary schools only.

Questions? Check out our general information, frequently asked questions, family handbook, and activity calendars on our web page. Still no luck? Email us at asap@natickps.org. Thanks!

Johnson Transition Grade Level Community Meetings

We have been meeting with Johnson incoming K, K, and Grade 1 Meetings and have met with approximately 68 families. To give families the chance to talk together, now that their individualized conferences have occurred, the following parent facilitated meetings will be held. Reminder to families who are considering a transition this year, we need to know this by March 6th.

VIEW THE MOST RECENT TRANSITION MEETING & PRESENTATION HERE

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COVID UPDATES

DAILY COVID Symptom Screening (Checklist)

Students and staff who are SICK should STAY HOME.

Please monitor for symptoms each morning before school by reviewing the COVID Symptom Checklist (link).

Updated COVID-19 Testing Procedure

As you may be aware, the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education has provided new guidance for testing for all K-12 schools. We wanted to provide you with an update on how these changes affect your child and how Natick Public Schools plans to conduct COVID-19 testing moving forward.

WHAT’S CHANGING?
Natick Public Schools is no longer pool testing. We have implemented at-home weekly rapid antigen tests. The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education is providing antigen (rapid) COVID-19 tests for students to use at home with the expectation students test at home once a week. 

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE INFORMATION ON THE NEW TESTING PROCEDURE

CLICK HERE TO FILL OUT THE OPT-IN FORM FOR THE NEW TESTING PROCEDURE

How to Administer the At-Home COVID Test

The test being sent home is the iHealth Labs COVID-19 rapid antigen test kits. The tests can be completed in 15 minutes without the need to send a sample to a laboratory. Mobile phones or computers are not needed for any part of the test.

VIEW SELF-TEST AT-HOME INSTRUCTIONS HERE (MULTIPLE TRANSLATIONS)

WATCH THE HOW-TO VIDEO HERE

2/18/22
COVID Cases (See Below) - Click on Image to Enlarge

Chart Terminology: CC's = Close Contacts

Not seeing the School Newsletters or Community Updates section?
At the bottom of this email, click on "View Entire Message" to see the full Engage newsletter.

WEEKLY SCHOOL NEWSLETTERS

Please click on the school name below to read the newsletter for this week.

NATICK PRESCHOOL

JOHNSON SCHOOL

KENNEDY

ADDITIONAL INFO FOR FAMILIES

VIRTUAL COFFEE HOURS
with the Natick School Committee

The Natick School Committee welcomes families and community members to attend Virtual Coffee Hours with us in the coming months! Each session has a topic aligned to the district strategic plan. We look forward to hearing your feedback and questions and sharing from our purview.  
 
Wednesday, March 16, 12:00 - 12:45 p.m. - Communication and Engagement 
Thursday, April 14, 6:00 - 6:45 p.m. - Profile of a Graduate
Tuesday, May 17, 8:30 -9:15 a.m. -  Dismantling Systemic Barriers for Equitable Access to Opportunity
Wednesday, June 15, TBD - Social Emotional Learning and Healthy Living

Zoom Link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86724275279?pwd=aUYzNHpYY3V5UWVaSjNsOVZyeVllZz09

Meeting ID: 867 2427 5279
Passcode: 013880
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Find your local number: https://us06web.zoom.us/u/kmSsV0H2N

Reminders & Resources

Inclement Weather Procedures for Winter 2021/22

Our most current School Cancellation and Delay procedures that will be used in the event of inclement weather is accessible on our website at https://www.NatickPS.Org/About/Cancellations_Delays.

Language Lessons with Global Child

Your journey into world languages and cultures begins with a global child.

Join their fun and academic in-person or virtual classes. Classes are available for one-on-one/private or group sessions. They now offer classes for adults & children in:

• Arabic
• ASL
• Chinese
• French
• Italian
• Portuguese
• Russia
• Spanish

Click here to more about Global Child and connect with them for lessons and information today!

Family Promise Metrowest
Walk to End Homelessness Set for May 13-15

Family Promise Metrowest, a Natick nonprofit that helps local families facing homelessness, is holding its 13th annual Walk to End Homelessness on May 13–15, 2022. 

We invite you to join over 1,000 people taking walks with family and friends throughout the Metrowest region to raise funds and awareness to support families in need. You choose when, where, and how, and walk 10 minutes or walk 10 miles. Every step you take will help FPM families! 

SIGN-UP TO JOIN THE WALK

Jeff’s Place Program Updates: Counseling and Support

We are so glad to continue offering our virtual Young Adult Support Group for individuals 18-25 years old who have experienced the death of an immediate family member. If you or someone you know is interested in joining, click apply here with this link.

Requests for Individual Counseling services have been increasing throughout the pandemic. They are pleased to announce that they are accepting new clients. Apply here with this link.

Season's Breathing: Jeff's Place Yoga

This month Jeff’s Place offered its first yoga class as part of the Coping with the Holidays workshop series. Yoga offers many benefits including supporting a grieving heart by helping us loosen the emotional and physical tightness in our bodies caused by grief.

This form of self-care isn’t about physical flexibility, it is a way to find peace and stability during a time when this is missing from our lives. It is a practice that allows you to show up as you are and can be a great companion for your overall health and healing.

For more information about yoga at Jeff’s Place, learn more by clicking this link.

Caring for Our Community

Our current landscape has been challenging, and the holidays can be hard for many on top of it all. To that end, we wanted to remind the community of two resources for counseling and emotional support. Both of these resources are free to you.

Interface Counseling Referral Services

The District is in partnership with William James College and shares these resources for your family if you need support.

Community Hub & Care Navigator
Provided by Behavioral Health Partners of MetroWest (BHPMW)

Our knowledgeable and compassionate Care Navigators are here to listen and then to match you to the best services for yourself, your family member, or—if you are a health care or other service provider—a person in your care. There is no charge for this service.

The Navigation Line supports the following languages: Arabic, English, French, Moroccan, Portuguese, Spanish

How to Request Services or Make a Referral
1-844-528-6800

Call our toll-free number Monday-Friday for a free consultation with one of our Care Navigators.

(a Care Navigator will return your call within 24 hours, Monday through Friday)

Or visit the Care Connection Referral website.

NATICK 180

Learn A Better Way Workshop

This program is intended for parents and caregivers who face substance use in their families and provides these individuals with communication tools and support that are helpful when a family experiences substance use challenges. More information is included in the flyer. This workshop series will begin on Wednesday, March 9, 2022 from 7-8:30PM ET and take place weekly for 5 weeks. 

Playful Parenting Workshop

The Playful Parenting Workship with Larry Cohen, Ph.D., (registration link) is a free and virtual workshop is for parents, guardians, and caregivers of children ages 0-12. Family members who help care for children, but are not parents/guardians, are more than welcome to attend.

Translating our Newsletter & Website

Translation Support:

Visit our Translation Help page for assistance.

Non-Discrimination Statement:
Natick Public Schools does not discriminate in employment nor in its educational programs, services, and activities on the basis of race, creed, color, age, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, physical and intellectual differences, immigration status, homeless status, or any other basis prohibited by law.

Federal and State Legislation Addressing Discrimination in Educational Institutions
You will find links to the contacts for each of the following statutes below.

• Title I: Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990Title II
• Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990Title VI
• Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964Title IX
• Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972
• MGL, Ch.76, Section 5: Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 76, Section 5

Title I: Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990Title II Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990Title VI Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964Title IX Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 MGL, Ch.76, Section 5: Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 76, Section 5

NATICK PUBLIC SCHOOLS
natickps.org

This press release was produced by Natick Public Schools. The views expressed here are the author’s own.