Good Evening Caregivers & Students,
Our teachers returned to school this week! We are delighted to have our building bustling with activity after so many months of quiet. Over the next two weeks, we will continue professional learning and planning, as we prepare for your child to begin our Hybrid Learning Model on Wednesday, September 16th.
We understand that for some students their transition back to school will take some time to get adjusted and to feel safe again. Most importantly, students can make new connections with their teachers as they transition between being their on-campus day and remote learning the following day.
Please know, we are here to support your child in the important work of creating a culture of academic and technical excellence for them through relationship building, high-quality instruction, and purposeful engagement in our new hybrid environment.
Schedules
Grade 10-12 student schedules will be available through Aspen on Tuesday, September 15th. Grade 9 students will receive their schedules at New Student Orientation on September 15th. Given the complexity of scheduling students throughout the school while following 6-ft social distancing guidelines, we will not be making changes to student schedules until October.
Virtual Learning Plan
We have updated our Virtual Learning Program for students and caregivers, based on caregiver feedback, for those considering a full opt-out option rather than participating in our Hybrid Learning Model. Please see new information on Honors-level and Advanced Placement coursework.
Chromebook Distribution & Set-Up for New Students
Please review the following memo from Mr. Marino, our Director of Technology, for important information regarding the distribution and set-up of Chromebooks to our new students.
Freshman & New Student Orientation
We are excited to welcome our new students to the Essex Tech family! On Tuesday, September 15, 2020, all new students will come in person to school for a formal orientation! An email about orientation was sent on Monday, August 24, 2020. If you have specific questions regarding New Student Orientation please email Ms. Jennifer Skane at [email protected].
Face Covering/Mask Update
As a reminder, all students and staff will be required to wear face coverings/masks while on campus and on buses. We will not allow masks with vents or bandanas, as they do not meet CDC recommendations. Thank you for your cooperation.
Remote Day Lunch Pick Up
Our Food Service Department will provide lunch to your child if they need lunch on the days that they are learning remotely. If you would like to sign your child up for remote lunch pick up, please email Food Service Director, Grace Clarke at [email protected]. Lunches will be prepared the day before and will be available for students to pick up before they leave.
No Visitors
Due to COVID-19, we will be limiting visitors to the building this year. Automotive Technology, Automotive Collision, Cosmetology, the Grooming lab, the Maple Street Bistro and Bakery will not be open to the public at this time. When caregivers need to pick up their child during the school day, we ask that you call the main line (1.978.304.4700) and press 0 to speak to Mrs. Kelly, at the front desk. Your child will be sent out to you.
Updated Calendar
We have adjusted the school calendar for the 20-21 school year. This change reflects the 10 teacher professional development days at the start of the year as required this year by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. Given this, our first day of school for students will be Wednesday, September 16, 2020.
Calendars for Hybrid Learning
In order to make it easier for families to know when their child is scheduled for remote learning and when they are scheduled for on-campus learning we have created grade level calendars to help identify each day. Please note that the regular school calendar, posted above, will still contain important information and should still be used as a resource.
Athletics Update
We have been working with our Athletic Director, Ms. Lalli to review new guidance released by the MIAA and hope to share a decision about Fall athletics with you next week. Thank you for your patience.
Driver’s Education
We have received several requests for information about Driver’s Education. Tanner City will be holding their classes online this fall with several options for classes. The information has been posted to our website, please use the following link to review the information: Drivers Ed Info.
Work Permits
As many students are preparing to enter the world of work, we would like to provide you with the link for a work permit. This is handled through our Guidance Department and Ms. Larivee. https://essexnorthshore.org/
Labor Day
We hope that you all have a restful Labor Day weekend where we recognize the contributions of the workforce to the achievements of our country. 🇺🇸
Sincerely,
Heidi T. Riccio, Ed.D., Superintendent-Director
Shannon Donnelly, M.A.T., Principal
Thomas O’Toole, Ed.D., Assistant Superintendent
