The proverbial second shoe dropped on Tuesday when Gov. Charlie Baker announced that Bay State public and private schools would remain closed for the rest of the academic year in response to the Covid-19 pandemic.
“While the district has been discussing the likelihood of this decision during the past several weeks, we will now focus our attention on this new reality relative to its implications for remote learning, graduation, etc.,” wrote School Superintendent Jon Sills in a memo to families. “While parents are aware of how teachers are providing remote learning to their children, we have received questions about how we are operating as a district during this time. Please know that all of our efforts are being planned, coordinated, and evaluated on a regular basis via virtual meetings and daily interactions over email, Zoom, and the telephone.”
In a separate message to faculty and staff, the superintendent spoke of his pride in “the work that everyone in the district is doing during this crisis. Foodservice workers, counselors, custodians, teachers, technicians, nurses, librarians, administrative assistants, administrators, teaching assistants are all pitching in. I can tell you that the level of creativity and the manifest understanding of the critical importance of connection are both astounding!”
Bedford High School Principal Heather Galante sent her own message to parents. “We know that this news of school closure and the cancellation of the spring athletic season is heartbreaking for many students. We know that events will be canceled or, perhaps, reimagined in a new way. We appreciate your patience during this unprecedented time as we work to celebrate our seniors and help all students close out the year in a meaningful way.”
The principal noted that “none of us expected school to be closed for the rest of the year. Therefore, all schools will work on a plan that allows students, faculty, and staff to gain access to the building one last time. We will need to work with the Board of Health and our facilities department on maintaining social distancing norms and requirements. A plan detailing how and when this will happen will be shared in the upcoming weeks.”
Bedford’s other school principals shared similar thoughts in replying to an email request from The Bedford Citizen.
Middle School Principal Kevin Tracey acknowledged that “we have been preparing as if this was going to be the case since the beginning of the closure. Personally, I am heartbroken and I do not throw that term around lightly. I feel terrible for the families that have suffered losses and for those that are currently struggling.”
He added, “I somewhat feel that we are all stuck in a grieving process for what will be missed. I share in that from the point of view of my staff and students and also as a dad and a principal. From my vantage point as the principal of John Glenn Middle School, I am also struck, that in the context of such sadness, I also feel immense pride in the work we have done as schools, and as a town to support one another.”
Rob Ackerman, principal of Job Lane School agreed that, although not a surprise, the ruling still is painful. “In particular, our Grade 5 students are missing out on some traditions at our school- Talent Show, Challenge Day, and the chance to bring closure to their three years at Lane. I am hopeful we can be creative over the summer and schedule times for classes to come together one last time to say “goodbye.”
“We will do the best we can over the next two months and then get ready for the return in September. I can’t wait to see everyone on our first day back. I doubt I will sleep the night before.”
Davis School principal Beth Benoit added, “We all had a feeling that the news from the Governor that schools would remain closed for this school year was coming, but the sting of this announcement is very real. I greatly miss seeing the smiles on the children’s faces as they hop into school each day.”
“We know that this is really stressful for our families and that the children really want to be in school playing and learning as a team. The teachers and staff want this too,” continued Benoit.
“There are so many important traditions that happen in the spring and to celebrate the end of the school year. We are working on ways to honor these traditions even while we are apart.
“We will continue to partner with families as we learn more about what our students need to be able to engage in the learning experiences provided remotely. Remote learning has its limitations especially for young children and we will do the best we can together over the next two months.
“We will work hard over the summer to develop thoughtful plans to support students as we return to school in the fall. I know that I am not alone with feelings of enthusiasm and excitement for the first day back in school.”
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