Plymouth Public Schools Administration Offices 11 Lincoln Street Plymouth, MA 02360
Telephone: 508-830-4300 Fax: 508-746-1873 Web: www.plymouth.k12.ma.us
GARY E. MAESTAS, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools
CHRISTOPHER S. CAMPBELL, Ed.D.
Assistant Superintendent Administration and Instruction PATRICIA C. FRY
Assistant Superintendent Human Resources GARY L. COSTIN, R.S.B.A.
School Business Administrator
March 11, 2020 Dear Members of the Plymouth Educational Community,
Yesterday Governor Baker declared a state of emergency for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. This correspondence is intended to provide information that translates to public education in Massachusetts and how we are advised to proceed here in Plymouth. The information shared by Governor Baker specific to education referenced school operations, and this letter is intended to provide clarification specific to the Plymouth Public Schools. Keep in mind that schools in Massachusetts receive guidance from several agencies and we rely on that guidance to formulate our direction.
The past few weeks have been filled with information that has created a great deal of uncertainty and speculation on how schools operate, particularly given the current state of health internationally. Here in Massachusetts, we have been working with the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (MDESE), Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH), and the Plymouth Department of Public Health (PDPH). These organizations rely on information from the Center for Disease Control (CDC) to assist in the decision-making process.
Governor Baker made the following key points, and I have included language on how the Plymouth Public Schools will address those issues;
· Domestic travel: The governor has asked that all domestic travel be canceled. As of this morning, all domestic competitions and field trips have been canceled. Our trip sponsors will be working with students and parents to determine how we move forward with specific details of each trip. · Out-of-district interstate and out-of-state travel: All PPS trips and opportunities out of state will be placed on hold until further notice. · Student attendance: Students mandated to be in self-isolation or self-quarantine will work with the school district on attendance adjustments. · Large group gatherings: The guidance provided today is that people identified as having vulnerable health conditions are strongly encouraged not to attend these events. We will be reviewing all opportunities planned for the future. Please look for correspondence from your child’s particular school for guidance on this issue.
In addition, there are students that travel internationally on a frequent basis. I am asking that you please help us by informing us if your child has traveled or will be traveling internationally so that
The Plymouth Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, homelessness, genetic information, ancestry, status as a veteran or U.S. uniformed military service member, disability, or age in admission to, treatment in, or employment in its services, programs, and activities. Español: Este es un documento importante. Por favor hágalo traducir. Póngase en contado con la escuela de su niño si usted necesita ayuda. Gracias. Português: Isto é um documento importante. Por favor mande-o traduzir. Contate a escola da sua criança se você precisar de ajuda. Obrigado.
Members of the Plymouth Educational Community March 11, 2020 Page Two
we can establish appropriate reentry parameters upon their return. Please be advised that we may ask your child to be self-isolated for a specific period of time as directed by the CDC.
As we monitor this situation, we will continue to employ our increased cycled disinfecting of schools as a proactive measure. This is being done on all shifts with our custodial staff cleaning and disinfecting touchable surfaces, handrails, door knobs, etc. throughout the day and evening shifts. In closing, these measures are being implemented to help contain the spread of the COVID-19 virus. As the situation evolves each day, we receive additional information that guides our decisionmaking process. Together as a community, we can all do our part to help stop the spread of the COVID-19 virus. I have created a section of the district website that provides informational resources. Please visit this information by clicking this link. Sincerely,
Gary E. Maestas, Ed.D. Superintendent of Schools