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| You're reading it right: Classical was a different building, and what's now the administration building opened as English High. |
The Worcester schools are closed. What now?
The schools have all been thoroughly cleaned since they were closed last week.
If you are staff, you can report to school today from 8-12 to retrieve anything you need, including class pets (!), plants, food, and your Chromebook.
If you are a student, you can report to school from 10-6 tomorrow to retrieve anything you need from school (and please take any food out of your lockers!).
If a student has medication at school, that can be picked up from the nurse from 8-12 today or from 10-6 tomorrow. Only parents can collect controlled substances, though students over 12 can get their epipens, insulin, and inhalers.
But aren't we supposed to be staying apart?
Yes, which is why we need all those coming to be FOCUSED: get in, get what you need, and get out. No stopping to catch up, as much as it is a temptation.
What if kids are sick? May they designate someone to do it for them?
Yes, please do!
What if I can't get my stuff?
The schools will be locked and it will be locked in a building with no one in it but the custodial staff.
Do I have to go?
No, if you don't need anything from school, you don't have to go. Packets will be mailed to students who don't come to their schools on Tuesday. If you don't need to come DO NOT COME! STAY HOME! PLEASE!
What then?
The schools again will be thoroughly cleaned, and then they will be closed to all but custodial staff.
I heard that...
Okay, hold up: Worcester gossips like a small town. Please let's be very careful about what we're hearing and from whom. The City is holding daily press briefings which are being streamed online, and every elected official I know is scrambling to get as much accurate information out as possible. Please, don't pass along "I heard that" stuff on social media. Check it.
Okay, what I heard is that the Worcester Public Schools have a person associated with the schools with a positive test.
No. We are still waiting for the results of the tests of those associated with North High and Chandler Magnet as of Monday morning.
UPDATE: as announced by City Manager Ed Augustus this afternoon, those three results are back and they are NEGATIVE
What if they come back positive?
First, we'd be the third or fourth district in Massachusetts to have a positive test. Second, it would trigger a tracing of all those with whom those who tested positive have been in contact, so YES, families would be informed and given further direction.
What about learning?
Excellent question!
First, please note that Massachusetts, as a state, has no statewide provision for remote learning. There is a small, now cancelled, pilot of remote learning, mostly in Franklin County around snow days. There are also two virtual schools. But K-12 public education in Massachusetts CANNOT simply move online.
Thus whatever is given are resources for learning, not assigned work. The WPS website has a section for this, and packets are being sent home to all students, as well, as we understand not all families have online access, and it shouldn't be a priority as all else is being dealt with.
What counts?
Yesterday, principals were told that any work assigned before March 12 will count. The quarter is scheduled to end April 3, which is still true.
Do we have to make up these days?
No. The state has said that schools must go through their scheduled 185th day; as Worcester has already used five snow days, June 17th remains our last day.
Are we going to go back on April 6?
We don't know. Told you'd I'd give you the best information I have. It's important to note that the superintendent--and most superintendents who announced closures!--said "at least" April 6, and if you look at the banner on our website, it says that as well.
Are we going to go back at all?
We don't know. The CDC has now said that closures of eight weeks or more may be most effective in mitigation.
What about MCAS?
We don't know yet. The federal government is allowing states to apply for a waiver for the testing requirement under ESSA. We do not know if Massachusetts has applied, and they're not saying. If Massachusetts does apply and is granted such a waiver, the Legislature would also need to act, because our requirement is written into state law.
As the superintendent noted in the paper, however, we aren't going to be in school on March 24 for the 10th grade ELA, so something will need to change.
What about SATs? APs?
We don't know yet. Many testing locations across Massachusetts were closed Saturday, cancelling SATs. The College Board has now cancelled the May 2 SAT.
On APs, the College Board so far has offered to extend the testing dates, but it's going to depend on how long schools are closed.
Are people being paid?
All full year, school year employees of the Worcester Public Schools are being paid. This includes hourly employees and long-term subs (and yes, even crossing guards!). Per administration, "The Worcester Public Schools intend to treat these days as if school is in session and will continue to pay employees as if days are worked. Given that these are paid days, you may be expected to conduct official work, be assigned to work onsite, or complete professional development on these days."
And yes, payroll will keep working, though they're moving to some of that to being remotely done. Also, note that those who pick up checks at DAB usually are now having them mailed to their homes.
What about feeding kids?
Yes, we are! All those under 18 in Worcester can show up at any of the following sites to get a weekday breakfast and lunch:
Have further questions? Comment, email, or call!
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