By Layla Burke Hastings
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SPRINGFIELD, Vt. — Springfield Schools Superintendent Zach McLaughlin issued a press release to the district on Sunday providing guidance on the temporary shutdown of the school district while Gov. Phil Scott ordered all schools closed until Monday, April 6.
“This afternoon, Governor Phil Scott announced that a statewide school closure would occur no later than Wednesday, March 18, 2020. In light of that, I want to make sure that I clarify the steps the district will take as it relates to Governor Scott’s School Closure announcement.” McLaughlin said.
According to sources, the Springfield School District will rely on one of three online classroom sources; Google Classrooms, Google Hangout or Zoom.
Surveys went out over the weekend asking teachers how familiar they are with each of the three online classroom options.
“The district currently finds itself in uncharted territory. The situation is rapidly evolving and ever changing,” McLaughlin said. “Through it all, we have been supported by the Vermont Department of Health, the Vermont Agency of Education, and the governor’s office. We are grateful for the help those partners have been providing us.”
He continued to explain the breakfast and lunch food service plan for the district.
“The governor has tasked us with important work. As a district, our intent is to quickly finalize plans that allow meals to be provided to our free and reduced lunch population, work to assist healthcare workers with childcare, and develop systems for the maintenance and continuity of education. That planning can move at its quickest pace if we cancel student attendance tomorrow.”
McLaughlin said a small amount of staff has access to the buildings while another source said most key cards have been deactivated temporarily, meaning teachers and students have equipment in the building that is not accessible.
“Tomorrow, we will only have a portion of our staff report to work. Leadership Team members, central office, front office staff, and maintenance employees should report. After a multi-day planning period, our aim is to have the rest of the staff return later in the week. We will have more information on that in the coming days,” he said.
McLaughlin hopes to have a remote learning plan in place by early next week.
“Our team will work with our staff to plan for the support of our students and families during this closure period. As a district, we are determined to keep our focus on the well-being of our students, families, and staff,” McLaughlin said. ”We hope to have a remote learning process in place by early next week. We also hope to start providing meals to our free and reduced lunch by the middle of the week.”
The school system is organizing to steady the hands and guide families to reach through the change, according to McLaughlin.
“These are challenging times. I can assure you that your school team is working hard to be thoughtful about the path forward. You can also count on regular communication from me as we try to navigate this challenge.”
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