>> Letter to Families from Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, April 9, 2020
>> Family Resource Toolbox for Families with Children with Disabilities
School Closure Information- March 19, 2020 Dear Parent/Guardians of Students with Disabilities,
As you are aware, on March 15th Governor Baker issued an Executive Order indicating public and private elementary and secondary (K-12) schools must close through Monday, April 6, 2020. We understand that school closures will have a significant impact on our students and that you may have questions on how to remain working as a team during this time.
The district administrators and staff are in the process of ensuring all students are provided access to educational resources during this closure, and we are hopeful this will allow us to remain connected both academically and socially with students. We appreciate your patience as we work through these unimaginable times.
We are working closely with the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education as they are providing updated guidance for school districts in accordance with local and nationwide requirements for students with disabilities. The following list includes information from DESE that may answers some questions you have right now:
Upon return to school, it is our plan that all students will begin accessing Individualized Education Program (IEP) services immediately and the Team process will be back in place for students and families. We do not anticipate compensatory services will be required as a result of the closure but we plan to assess the need for additional individual services if need be.
For immediate crisis related services and/or counseling, INTERFACE Referral services continue to be available. The William James INTERFACE Referral Service is a mental health and wellness referral Helpline available Monday through Friday, 9 am-5 pm, at 888-244-6843 (toll free).
Please reference the following documents for further information and guidance: Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) Q & As Governor Baker's order dated March 15, 2020 Massachusetts Department and Elementary Secondary Education Information and Resources
Thank you again for your patience, understanding, and teamwork during these unimaginable times. Please contact me if you have any questions and continue to look for district and building specific information.
Take Care,
Meg Camire Director of Student Services |