FYI from BSF, 9.4.20
Some things we have read through recently…
Heading into Labor Day, we wanted to use this space to honor the work and sacrifice of school leaders and school communities to prepare for an uncertain and unprecedented school-year. We are grateful to play a small role in supporting the big work they have taken on this summer.
For their effort, perseverance, and ingenuity, Boston’s families and children owe you many thanks for…
Making spaces ready & safe - Manning, Channing, Eliot
Planning for a new 6th grade class - Harvard Kent, Bradley
Zooms! - Neighborhood House, Mendell, Mildred Ave, Adams, Otis, New Mission
Documenting last year - Kenny
Team building (outside) - Academy of the Pacific Rim, Boston Collegiate
Doing regular important schoolwork (with masks) - O’Donnell, Murphy
Distributing materials for students & families - Boston Prep, MATCH, Hale
Welcoming students back - St Columbkille’s, BINCA, Mission Grammar, KiPP ACADEMY
School Reopening, Boston, MA, & Beyond
Boston released a summary of new reopening equity principles, and are holding some family information sessions on remote learning platforms. No new information on school reopening - start/attendance dates, remote learning expectations and schedules, child care, or transportation - was publicly released this week. Particularly concerning is services for high need students.
It is hard to overstate the impending disruption to school enrollment and funding. Almost 40% (40!) of families reported in a national survey have already disenrolled or plan to disenroll their children from their school last spring. Where are they going? The majority have joined an online program, followed by other public schools, and, last, private schools.
Any family member who feels taxed by remote learning requirements should read this profile for perspective.
Some well-known teachers are questioning state guidance to return to classrooms.
A broadening coalition released its vision for safely reopening schools. Some MA parents are upset that schools won’t reopen fully. Some MA parents are upset that the current reopening plan isn’t safe enough.
The Commonwealth’s requirement for students to receive flu vaccinations sparked a protest.
New York City pushed back its hybrid reopening by 10 days.
This is probably the best resource we have come across that addresses teaching strategies in remote learning.
Who’s paying for all these masks for school?
Wuhan, China returns to school.
Higher ed watch continues. Massachusetts colleges and universities (and their presidents) are under pressure. And, as data in April predicted, FAFSA completion is way down among Massachusetts high schools students. Makes you wonder - how will college guidance work this fall in a remote environment?
