NPS News: Facilities, COVID, Tech, HS/MS


Dear NPS Families,

As we conclude our first full week of learning in the Newton Public Schools, I would like to provide you with an update on school operations. In this email, you will find information on the following topics:
  • Modifications to the facilities maintenance plan
  • COVID-19 case communication protocol
  • Technology device delivery update
  • Middle and high school dismissal time modification
  • Next steps on high school model discussion
  • Newton Community Education
  • Modifications to the Facilities Maintenance Plan

On Monday, Sept. 21, we shared a memo and presentation with the School Committee on revisions to our plan for maintenance, repair, and modification to the ventilation systems in our buildings. You can find the memo and presentation here: NPS Ventilation Plan to SC 9.21.20 and NPS SC Ventilation Presentation 9.21.20. 

Given the critical nature of ensuring all components of our HVAC systems are functioning at full capacity, the district, in partnership with the City of Newton Public Buildings Department, has developed a multi-pronged strategy to address the repair, maintenance, and modifications to our mechanical ventilation systems. This week, we engaged the following professionals to assist us with this work:
  • Mechanical engineering firm
  • HVAC contractor(s) (in addition to our current Boston Mechanical HVAC vendor)
  • Air testing and balancing firm(s)
The purpose of this work is to ensure that all components of our ventilation systems are operating at full capacity and meet or exceed professional standards. A timeline for this work will be shared with you as soon as it is finalized. All testing results, reports, and maintenance actions taken will be shared and posted to the NPS website. 

While this work is being completed, we are comfortable with students continuing in-person learning given the action steps we have taken to increase the introduction of fresh air into the building and the decreased number of students and staff in our spaces.

COVID-19 Case Communication Protocol

We know in this uncertain time, families want to receive timely information about COVID-19 infections in our school community. It is our commitment to be as transparent as possible, while also abiding by privacy regulations. In this linked document, you will find more specific information about our communication process and public health definitions. In addition, the Newton Department of Health and Human Services will maintain a data dashboard on their website to document positive COVID-19 cases in the Newton Public School community. This will include students and staff in all school models (hybrid, remote, and the Distance Learning Academy) and will be updated every Thursday.

Technology Device Delivery Update

We are committed to a 1:1 model for all students so that students in all learning models can access their academic programs with a district-issued device. We are waiting on the arrival of 2,300 iPads and 2,800 Chromebooks. While deliveries of devices have been delayed across the country, we expect the following:

Grades K-2: The iPad order shipped at the end of last week. We expect it to arrive this week.
Grades 4-5: Our Chromebook order, originally slated to ship in early September, is now expected to ship this week. 
DLA or Middle School - More than 1,000 devices have been distributed to students participating in fully remote learning without an alternative device at home. It is our intention to provide all students with an NPS device once the devices are delivered (see note above). Current distribution plans include families picking the devices up directly from their middle school or, in the case of DLA, the student’s home school.
When devices are ready for distribution, we will reach out with additional details.

Middle and High School Dismissal Time Modification

We are making the following change to the middle and high school dismissal time, beginning Oct. 7.

Wednesdays - 1:55 pm dismissal - Middle school
Wednesdays - 3:15 pm dismissal - High school
Next Steps on High School Model Discussion

We have received several questions about the high school distance learning model and our plans for updates and modifications. You can find answers to your questions here and learn more about next steps in our planning process.

Newton Community Education

Newton Community Education (NCE) is a branch of the Newton Public Schools that provides after-school enrichment opportunities for younger students as well as classes for teens and adults. Visit newtoncommunityed.org to see the complete course offerings. If you have questions, please email staff@newtoncommunityed.org. 

We look forward to next week as we settle into a rhythm for the 2020-21 school year.

Sincerely,

David Fleishman

Superintendent of Schools
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NPS Devices for Elementary Hybrid Students


Dear Elementary Families with Students in the Hybrid Model:

This letter is meant to provide you with an update on providing NPS devices to students for learning both remotely at home and in-person:

We are committed to providing a 1:1 model for all students so that devices can be used both in the classroom during in-person opportunities and at home for remote work. 

We are waiting on the arrival of 2300 iPads and 2800 Chromebooks. As stated previously, deliveries of devices are delayed across the country. 

Grades K-2: The good news is that the iPad order shipped at the end of last week. We expect it to arrive this week.

Grades 3-5: Our Chromebook order, originally slated to ship in early September, is now expected to ship this week. 

When the orders arrive, we will have some processing to do to prepare the devices for distribution. Once processed, the devices will be given to the schools to directly distribute to students. 

We understand that the unavailability of devices poses challenges for access. We are committed to getting the devices into student hands as soon as possible and are dependent on the arrival of these orders to do so. When devices are ready for distribution, we will be sending them directly to schools to give to students.

Thank you.

Steven Rattendi

Director of Information Technology and Library Services

Newton Public Schools
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Community Quilt


In June, the Burr teachers sent out construction paper squares for students to decorate for a Community Quilt project. We hope the students enjoyed working on them and look forward to sharing pictures of our completed quilt. 

Your child should bring his/her quilt square into school next week. If you are new to Burr, or have misplaced the square, please let your child's teacher know, and we will send a new one with directions for completion.
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Membership Toolkit Directory


We have updated our Online Family Directory with new cohorts, staff changes and other fields to help families stay connected. Please click below and login to update your information. 




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Message from Burr Distance Learning Academy Liaisons


Al Olszewski and Christine Dutt are the DLA liaisons for Burr students and families. Our role is to facilitate communication between Burr School and Burr PTO with the Burr families in the DLA. We will also help connect Burr students in the DLA with each other and with all Burr families. Please email Al and Christine at burrdla@gmail.com with your name and the name and grade of your student(s) so that we can begin to communicate with you and start pulling together class lists. We’re also here to help answer questions and support DLA families. 
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Boys & Girls Club


The John M. Barry Boys & Girls Club of Newton is currently accepting registrations for its full-coverage Out-of-School Time Program for elementary school students. This 5 day, small cohort program is priced at $10-$15 per hour and provides two half days of coverage and three full days of coverage followed by enriching activities during the after-school hours. Complete details are available at www.newtonbgc.com
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SURVEILLANCE VIRAL TESTING PILOT FOR NEWTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS 



SURVEILLANCE VIRAL TESTING PILOT FOR NEWTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS - PLEASE NOTE THAT SURVEY IS FOR NEWTON PARENTS ONLY

We are a group of scientists/physicians/parents who are engaged in the Safer Teachers, Safer Students: Back-to-School SARs-CoV-2 Testing Collaborative. This is a growing group of MA towns who are launching pilot programs to develop a comprehensive, coordinated infrastructure for surveillance (asymptomatic) viral testing of preK-12 staff/students to detect and reduce viral transmission and help our schools to open successfully and remain open.

We are seeking your input on a pilot viral testing program for Newton Public Schools.

This survey is completely anonymous and will remain open until Midnight on Thursday 09/24/2020.

To enable us to get accurate results, PLEASE submit ONLY ONE response per family. Thank you!

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LigerBots FIRST Lego League Opportunity


My name is Iris Yang and I go to Newton South High School. I am on the LigerBots (Newton’s high school robotics team) and I wanted to let you know the LigerBots are hosting an online Info Night on Wednesday, September 23rd at 7 pm to introduce parents to the FIRST Lego League (FLL). FLL is a robotics competition activity where kids in grades K-8 form teams of between 2-10 students, to learn how to build and program a LEGO robot to solve specific problems. The goal is to create a fun and friendly atmosphere for learning. If parents can’t make the info night or need more information, there are additional resources listed  below. 

The link to sign up below is:


Thank you, 

Iris Yang


Ligerbots, Team 2877

Additional Information: 

FIRST Mission Statement:


Game and Season Info: 



FIRST LEGO League is:

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Williams After School Club


Hello Burr Families,

The Williams After School Club, Inc. is opening our enrollment at the United Parish of Auburndale to other Elementary schools in Newton. 

Enrollment for our Auburndale Community Enrichment  located at the United Parish of Auburndale OPEN for 5-day enrollment!  Our full-day 8am-5pm program will support distance learning while promoting relationship building, social-emotional learning, and physical activity. There are options to send your child from 8:00am-12:30pm or 12:30pm to 6:00pm (no transportation provided). For additional information and rates please contact director@williamsafterschool.org.
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Reminder - Monday Zoom Sessions

 
Burr staff and  Principal Johal will share Burr's building level health and safety routines and procedures. This has been an important area of focus and they’ll be taking time this fall to teach and reinforce new practices with students.  They will also address pertinent questions to support the successful opening of the school. 

Monday:  Zoom Info Sessions:
Kindergarten Session ~ 5:00 - 6:00pm
Join Zoom Meeting
https://newton-k12-ma-us.zoom.us/j/98097197048

Meeting ID: 980 9719 7048
Passcode: Burrk

Grades 1-5 Session ~ 6:00-7:00pm:
Join Zoom Meeting
https://newton-k12-ma-us.zoom.us/j/98000698126
 
Meeting ID: 980 0069 8126
Passcode: Burr



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Call for Room Parents!


A unique opportunity for parent involvement underneath the umbrella of PTO activities is being a Room Parent. Each grade level classroom at Burr this year will have at least one parents/guardians assigned as Room Parents per cohort and DLA. These parents work in partnership with the classroom teacher to provide support and volunteer assistance, as well as to serve as a liaison between the teacher and the rest of the students’ parents from that classroom.

Each teacher will email with his or her Room Parents at the beginning of the year to discuss their needs. The tasks vary from teacher to teacher, but generally support is requested for assisting with communication to classroom parents, implementing special projects, organizing a few classroom community events a year and coordinating teacher appreciation initiatives.  Room Parents may also be called upon to help promote school-wide PTO programs and activities, as their personal relationships with other parents in the classroom help promote a sense of community within the school. 

At least one Room Parents are needed for each Cohort and DLA per grade.  No experience necessary!  This is a great way to get to know your child’s teacher, as well as other families in your child's classroom.

If you are interested or for more information, please contact Jenn Reale - jreale62808@gmail.com
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A Mentoring Opportunity from the Ligerbots!
Dear Burr PTO,

My name is Anika Bhawalkar and I go to Newton North High School. I am on the LigerBots (Newton’s high school robotics team) and I wanted to let you know the LigerBots have started an online mentor/tutoring program this fall. We believe this is an especially useful resource for parents (especially because it’s free!). In order to offer more support to elementary students--as well as provide teaching opportunities to high schoolers--we’ve created an online program in which we pair high school mentors with elementary kids over an online platform (Zoom, Google Hangouts, Facetime, etc.) Mentors could tutor, give homework help, or just play games and do crafts with younger students. We believe that this is an amazing opportunity for high school students to gain teaching experiences and help younger students through these trying times. We wanted to see if we could work in any way together or if you could help us get the word out to school parents!

We would like interested parents and mentors fill out these forms:
For interested parents/elementary students: https://forms.gle/GpuUN7eNRsXqhLRp9
For interested high school students: https://forms.gle/x7a39zEyCJF8fCJo6

Let us know if you are able to help us! Thank you so much.

Thank you,
Anika Bhawalkar
cso@ligerbots.com
Ligerbots, Team 2877




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Principal's Newsletter


September 12, 2020

Dear Burr Families,

I hope you all found it easy enough to log onto Aspen and see your child’s classroom teacher and assigned cohort. By now you have probably received your first communication from your child’s classroom teacher. This communication included a survey that will help the teacher prepare to meet your child and provide support to help ease the transition into school and a new classroom. Each teacher will also invite you to schedule a 10-minute conversation over the phone or Zoom next week. Please make sure you complete the survey before your meeting, as this will inform the conversation.

Yesterday, in Dr. Fleishman’s email, he shared that parents can begin to update settings in Aspen, indicating whether or not we have permission to publish your child’s name on a class list. Once school starts, teachers will be able to share class lists, including the names of children whose families have granted permission.

Every day we preparations continue for the opening of school. Our custodians, Dan Diaz and Thaddeus Romero, have been working hard rearranging furniture and cleaning the building. Ms. Albano, our executive assistant, has been learning ways to use the student management systems to support our transition to hybrid and distance learning models. Burr classroom teachers and support staff have been setting up classrooms and participating in professional learning to support this new way of schooling. We've all had moments of frustration and moments of celebration in our work together. Even though it’s been a lot of work, each time we complete a task or project, we feel more prepared. The thought of seeing the children next week provides us with energy and the commitment to get this right. We greatly appreciate the support and understanding we have received from the Burr community.

Next week is an exciting week. On Wednesday, classroom teachers will see all children virtually. On Thursday Cohort A will visit the school, and one Friday Cohort B will visit. Between now and the start of school, the teachers and I will be communicating regularly with you, sharing virtual school opening experiences and reminders about scheduling. We want to make the start of school fun and engaging for the children.

To get started, here is a fun video, The Masked Teacher, that you can watch with your child(ren) to get familiar with seeing us all in masks.

Enjoy,

Mindy




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