Please visit PAC’s COVID-19 blog by CLICKING HERE.
For the most complete and comprehensive information on COVID-19, please visit official health pages:
Massachusetts Department of Public Health
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Talking to Children About COVID-19 (Coronavirus): A Parent Resource
January 3, 2022 – Updated DESE/DPH Protocols for Responding to COVID-19 Scenarios
Please CLICK HERE for the latest information regarding current COVID-19 scenarios and protocols. This outlines how the isolation period for positive cases has been reduced to 5 days pending all symptoms are gone. Please read attachment for details.
December 2, 2021 – Current Protocol for quarantining from positive COVID tests and close contacts
Please CLICK HERE for the DESE tree of protocols for Positive COVID cases and close contact exposure.
In summary, regardless of vaccination status, if you test positive for COVID, you may return to school on Day 11 and once you have no symptoms and are fever-free for 24 hours.
If you are determined to be a close contact (15 minutes exposure within 6 ft. throughout a 24 hour period), you are exempt from testing and quarantining if you are asymptomatic & fully vaccinated.
If you are asymptomatic but are not vaccinated, you can return to school on Day 8 provided you received a negative test on Day 5 or later and remain asymptomatic. You can return to school on Day 11 if you choose not to test and remain asymptomatic.
If you are symptomatic, you can return to school once you have a negative test and symptoms improve. If you choose not to test, you can return to school on Day 11 provided you are symptom free.
These regulations are subject to change. We will keep you informed if anything changes. For more information about COVID-19 and how it pertains to schools, please CLICK HERE.
July 30, 2021 – DESE Updates regarding COVID-19 Fall 2021 Guidance for Districts and Schools
As noted in the Updates to DESE COVID-19 Guidance released on May 27, 2021, all districts and schools will be required to be in-person, full-time, five days a week this fall. The full advisory of today’s announcement from DESE can be found HERE.
Highlights of the latest guidance are as follows:
- All schools will be open 5 days per week
- K-6 students and staff wear masks indoors but not necessary when outdoors or when eating
- 7-12 unvaccinated staff, students, visitors should be masked
- Vaccinated students may remain unmasked. Families can make a choice to mask students, even if vaccinated
- Masks will be required on buses and nurses’ offices
- No guidance will be provided on distancing requirements
- Strongly recommend 12+ students get vaccinated
- Strongly recommend staff get vaccinated
PAC will continue to update this page as any information from DESE is release as we get closer to the start of the school year and throughout the 21-22 school year here at PAC.
May 27, 2021 – DESE Updates regarding COVID-19
Please CLICK HERE for the latest DESE updates regarding the remainder of the 2020-21 School Year, Summer School and the 2021 Fall re-entry for the 2021-22 School Year.
January 25, 2021 – COVID Vaccine Social Story
January 12, 2021 – COVID Vaccines
For information regarding the COVID-19 Vaccine in Massachusetts, please CLICK HERE.
January 5, 2021 – DESE Updates about Quarantines and Student Learning Time Regulations
Quarantine
The Department has updated the Protocols for Responding to COVID-19 Scenarios in accordance with recently updated guidance from the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In accordance with the CDC, close contacts of individuals who have tested positive for COVID-19 must quarantine for the time period listed below:
- At least 7 days, provided that all of the following are satisfied:
- They are tested (either polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or antigen test) on day 5 or later from their last exposure to the positive individual and receive a negative test result
- They have not experienced any symptoms up to this point
- They conduct active monitoring for symptoms through day 14, and self-isolate if new symptoms develop
- While most exposed close contacts do not contract COVID-19, this quarantine option may not identify 5 percent of those who still have the potential to transmit infection after quarantine ends. In other words, 95 percent of individuals who could still transmit infection after quarantine ends would be identified with this strategy.
- At least 10 days, provided that all of the following are satisfied:
- They have not experienced any symptoms up to this point
- They conduct active monitoring for symptoms through day 14 and self-isolate if new symptoms develop
- No test is necessary under this option for the purposes of exiting quarantine
- While most exposed close contacts do not contract COVID-19, this quarantine option may not identify 1 percent of those who still have the potential to transmit infection after quarantine ends. In other words, 99 percent of individuals who could still transmit infection after quarantine ends would be identified with this strategy.
- At least 14 days after the last exposure to the person who tested positive, if:
- They have experienced any symptoms during the quarantine period, even if they have a negative COVID-19 test; or
- They are unable to conduct active monitoring of symptoms
- This option provides the maximal risk reduction.
Student Learning Time
At the December 15 meeting of the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education, the Board adopted additional amendments to the Student Learning Time (SLT) regulations, 603 CMR 27.00, on an emergency basis. The amendments (download) establish minimum levels for live instruction and synchronous instruction that districts operating hybrid and remote learning models must provide. The amendments include the following standards, effective January 19, 2021:
- Districts and schools operating a hybrid learning model must provide students with access to at least 35 hours of “live instruction” over a 10-school day period, averaged across the grades in the hybrid model (excluding pre-kindergarten and kindergarten). Live instruction means the combination of in-person and remote synchronous instruction.
- Students must have an opportunity to interact with educators each school day, including a required daily “live” check-in between students and educators.
- Districts and schools operating a remote learning model must provide students with access to synchronous instruction each school day; and
- Districts and schools operating a remote learning model must provide students with access to at least 40 hours of synchronous instruction over a 10-school day period, averaged across the grades in the remote model (excluding pre-kindergarten and kindergarten).
Synchronous learning, also referred to as synchronous instruction, is defined in the regulations as “learning that is directed by a teacher and that happens in real time with other students, such as during live, whole-class instruction, and small group work.” Below are a few examples of what does and does not count:
- Counts as synchronous instruction:
- Live online classes that the teacher leads for the whole class, which may include breakout rooms for students to complete tasks and activities with access to the teacher.
- Livestreaming of in-person instruction accessed by remote students.
- Small group instruction while students are learning remotely. In this model, a teacher is present online with their class, working with small groups of students in turn while the remaining students engage in independent or small group work. Students should be able to signal to the teacher that they need support.
- Does not count as synchronous instruction:
- “Office hours” or other optional check-in opportunities for students to contact or connect with teachers, where not all students are required to be present.
As a reminder, regulations are legally binding. Any district that does not comply with the regulations or receive a waiver by January 19, 2021 will be required to make up any structured learning time missed due to non-compliance by the end of the school year.
January 4, 2021 – Happy New Year – Symptom Reminders
We hope you had a relaxing and healthy holiday break. As a reminder, if your child is experiencing ANY COVID-19 symptoms, please do not send them to school.
September 9, 2020 – Welcome Back Letters
Please click the following links for welcome back letters from our Executive Director and PAC Nurses.
September 2, 2020 – Required School Immunizations for 2020-21 School Year – Flu Shot
Please read the required immunizations from the Massachusetts Department of Health. More information about the required flu vaccine is included.
August 19, 2020 – Key Health & Safety Requirements
On the Desktop – Joint Memo Clarifying Key Health & Safety Requirements
Guidance on Selected School Health Regulations During the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency
August 11, 2020 – Guidance for Districts and Schools on Interpreting DPH COVID-19 Metrics
Overview of Metrics from COVID-19
On the Desktop – Guidance for Districts & Schools on Interpreting DPH COVID-19 Metrics
August 10, 2020 – Updated PAC Calendars and School Reopening Plan
PAC submitted it’s Fall 2020-21 Re-Entry Plan. Additionally, our PAC calendars have been revised by the Board of Directors. Please visit our Calendar Page to see your program specific calendar for the 2020-21 School Year.
August 5, 2020 – Employee Rights: Paid Sick Leave & Expanded Family & Medical Leave Under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act
Please CLICK HERE to view.
July 31, 2020 – Travel Order
Starting August 1, all visitors and Massachusetts residents returning home, including students returning to campuses for the fall semester, must fill out a “Massachusetts Travel Form” and quarantine for 14 days unless they are coming from a COVID-19 lower risk state or they can produce a negative COVID-19 test result administered no more than 72 hours prior to arriving in Massachusetts, or they are included in one of the other, limited exemptions.
July 27, 2020 – Additional Staff Training Days This Fall
On the Desktop – July 27, 2020
MOU between DESE, MTA, AFT and Boston Teacher’s Union
July 23, 2020 – Video from DESE in regards to returning to school in the fall
Doctors on Back-to-School in Massachusetts
July 22, 2020 – Fall Reopening Facilities and Operations Guidance
Fall Reopening Facilities and Operations Guidance
Fall Reopening K-12 Transportation Guidance
July 17, 2020 – Protocols for Responding to COVID-19 Scenarios
On the Desktop – July 17, 2020
Protocols for responding to COVID-19 scenarios
July 15, 2020 – Two-Step Process for District Fall Reopening Plans
Please CLICK HERE for the latest update from DESE in regards to Fall Reopening plans.
July 10, 2020 – DESE On The Desktop
Below is the DESE Frequently Asked Questions about school reopening in the fall.
July 10, 2020 Fall Re-opening FAQs
July 1, 2020 – DESE K-12 Summer School Guidance
Below is the DESE Summer School Guidance Document that was published on July 1, 2020.
On the Desktop Letter – July 1, 2020
June 25, 2020 – DESE Initial Fall Re-Opening Guidance
Below are the DESE Initial Fall Re-Opening Guidance Documents that were published today.
Initial Fall Re-Opening Guidance
On The Desktop Letter – 6/25/2020
Initial Fall Re-Opening PowerPoint
American Academy of Pediatrics Letter
Washington Post Op-Ed on Going Back to School
May 8 – Additional Resources
Please see the latest two letters from DESE Commissioner Jeffery Riley.
Family Letter on Phased In Remote Learning
Letter in regards to High School to include graduation
May 1 – Additional Resources
State:
- DESE — Additional Resources for Supporting Students with Disabilities for All Educators and Providers — Updated 05/01/2020
- Letter for Families of Students with Disabilities, April 9, 2020 — Posted 04/17/2020
- Family Resource Toolbox — Posted 04/17/2020
- DESE — Resources for Supporting Students with Disabilities for All Educators and Providers — Updated 04/06/2020
- Updated guidance for residential and congregate care settings from EOHHS related to COVID-19, March 20, 2020
- Baker-Polito Administration Announces Emergency Actions to Address COVID-19 — Press Release Issued 03-15-2020
- DESE — Administrative Advisory SPED 2010–3: Private Approved Day and Residential School Tuition Payments — Temporary Absences (603 CMR 10.07)
- Mass.gov — Guidance to Elementary and Secondary Schools Regarding COVID-19
- DESE — COVID-19 Information and Resources
Federal
- U.S.D.O.E. — Supplemental Fact Sheet — Addressing the Risk of COVID-19 in Preschool, Elementary and Secondary Schools While Serving Children with Disabilities, March 21, 2020 and press release.
DESE is identifying resources to support schools and districts to implement this guidance.
- U.S.D.O.E. — U.S. Department of Education Releases Webinar, Fact Sheet for Protecting Students’ Civil Rights During COVID-19 Response — March 17, 2020
- U.S.D.O.E. — Policy Letter: November 20, 2012 to Pat Geary and James P. DeLorenzo, Topic: Evaluation Timelines
- U.S.D.O.E. — Questions And Answers On Providing Services To Children With Disabilities During The Coronavirus Disease Outbreak- Issued March 2020
April 21 – School Cancelled for Remainder of 2019-20 School Year
Governor Baker announced today that our school closure will be extended for the remainder of this school year. School reopening for Extended School Year programs scheduled for July & August 2020 has not yet been decided by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE).
Pilgrim Area Collaborative will continue to provide remote learning throughout the remainder of the school year. Our Collaborative Team continues to provide educational resources and services via the website, social media, and remote learning systems. Should you have any questions or concerns, please contact your child’s teacher and/or administrator:
PACES: Deb Booth dbooth@pilgrimac.org
Pilgrim Academy: Dympna Thomas dthomas@pilgrimac.org
SEASIDE: Missy Sorrenti msorrenti@pilgrimac.org
Specialized Learning Communities: Colleen Doyle cdoyle@pilgrimac.org
Thank you for your understanding of this situation. These are incredibly trying circumstances where things are rapidly changing given specific situations. I will continue to share additional information as we receive it from the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE).
Please visit our website, www.pilgrimac.org for related information, DPH website at www.mass.gov/covid19 and the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education website at http://www.doe.mass.edu/sfs/emergencyplan/covid19.html for updates.
Wishing you all good health and well-being during these challenging times!
Please CLICK HERE for the official letter that went home to parents.
April 12, 2020 MCAS Grades 3-10 CANCELLED
As a result of federal and state actions and in light of the on-going health crisis, the 2020 spring’s regular administration of grade-level MCAS tests for students in grades 3-10 are CANCELLED.
April 7 – Dr. Thomas sends out updated Virtual Education/ Grading/Good Friday and April Vacation Memo to Staff, Districts and Families.
CLICK HERE for Dr. Thomas’ Memo from April 7, 2020
March 30 – Dr. Thomas sends out updated Virtual Education/ Pandemic 2020 Learning Plan to PAC Families with an updated DESE letter.
CLICK HERE for Dr. Thomas’ Pandemic 2020 Learning Plan
CLICK HERE for the March 30, 2020 Letter from DESE
March 26 – Dr. Thomas sends out updated correspondence to PAC Families with DESE guidelines.
The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) put out this memo, Remote Learning Recommendations During COVID-19 School Closures on March 26, 2020. Additionally, PAC Executive Director sent home the below memo which is also available HERE for a printable version.
MEMORANDUM
| To: | Pilgrim Area Collaborative Families |
| From: | Dympna M. Thomas Ph.D., Executive Director |
| Date: | March 26, 2020 |
| Re: | School Closure: Coronavirus (COVID-19) |
As you are aware, Governor Baker announced that our school closure will be extended to Monday, May 4, 2020. During this extended time of school closure, communication is key. By April 1, 2020, all staff will be providing communication via telephonic and/or remote learning systems in adherence to the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) guidelines in the attached document. Our Collaborative Team continues to provide and share educational resources and services via the website, social media, telephonic and/or remote learning systems.
Thank you for your understanding of this situation. These are incredibly trying circumstances where things are rapidly changing given specific situations. I will continue to keep you informed throughout the school closure. Please visit our website, www.pilgrimac.org for related information, DPH website at www.mass.gov/covid19 and the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education website at http://www.doe.mass.edu/sfs/emergencyplan/covid19.html for updates.
Should you have any questions or concerns, please contact your child’s teacher and/or administrator:
PACES: Deb Booth dbooth@pilgrimac.org
Pilgrim Academy: Dympna Thomas dthomas@pilgrimac.org
SEASIDE: Missy Sorrenti msorrenti@pilgrimac.org
Specialized Learning Communities: Colleen Doyle cdoyle@pilgrimac.org
I will continue to share additional information as we receive it from the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE).
Wishing you all good health and well-being during these challenging times!
March 25 – Governor Baker orders all Massachusetts Schools to be closed through the month of April.
Due to the Governor’s order on March 25th, all Massachusetts schools are to be closed through the month of April. This would be that as of now, we would resume classes on Monday, May 4, 2020. Although it is not mandatory, we encourage families to use the Educational Opportunities that we have provided and any additional information your child’s teacher may share with you.
As we work with the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) and other area school districts, we will be updating families on how best to move forward with online learning. Please keep in mind that both the mental and physical well-being of our students and families are our top priority. These are exceptionally trying times for all and we understand the numerous hardships many of our PAC families are facing.
March 23 – Hello PAC families! We are in the middle of trying to do outreach to ensure all of our families and students have access to computers/internet at home. Please check your email to see if you have been contacted by your teacher or staff member. Thank you in advance!
March 17 – Online Learning Opportunities
PAC has posted some Online Learning Opportunities as an optional resource for parents to utilize during the school closure. Please CLICK HERE to access them. Most school districts are outlining online learning opportunities as well so below are our member town’s direct links. If you do not live in one of our member towns, please visit your home town’s public school page for resources if none of the member district recommendations suit your needs.
Duxbury Public Schools
Marshfield Public Schools
Middleborough Public Schools
Plymouth Public Schools
Silver Lake K-6 Learning Resources (click here)
Silver Lake 7-12 Learning Resources (click here)
Stoughton Public Schools
Whitman-Hanson Regional School District
March 15 – Governor Baker extends all Massachusetts School Closures through April 6th
Governor Baker announced this evening that all schools statewide are closed until April 6, 2020 and reopening on Tuesday, April 7, 2020 due to the Coronavirus COVID-19 Pandemic.
This is unexpected time off so stay home, enjoy your family, stay healthy and practice social solidarity by following social distancing guidelines.
We will continue to update the PAC website, Facebook and Twitter social media sites with COVID-19 updates, free online educational resources, etc.
Click HERE for the official update from DESE Commissioner Jeffrey Riley.
March 15 – Food Resources for Families
For any of our students and families who are on free or reduced lunch, many districts are working this weekend to set up resources to pick up free breakfasts and lunches at area schools. We have put our member district school webpages below for easy access. Please check your own home town/school district for resources. Below are direct links to our member districts.
Duxbury Public Schools
With regards to the availability of breakfast and/or lunch for students who rely on their school’s breakfast and lunch programs, these meals will be made available starting on Tuesday, March 17th, between 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM at the Marshfield Boys & Girls Club at 37 Proprietors Drive. Food service teams will put together breakfast and/or lunch grab-n-go packages at Marshfield High School and they will be brought over to the Boys & Girls Club for pickup. When you arrive at the Club, volunteers will help deliver you the bagged meal and there will be no need for folks to get out of their cars.
Reminder to families in need of food while our school system is closed.
Middleborough Public Schools will be providing bagged meals Monday thru Friday this week (and beyond if necessary) from 9A.M.-10A.M. at the Henry B. Burkland School. If interested, please click here to complete a quick survey so that we might get an accurate number of “grab and go” breakfast/lunch combinations each day (this survey is not a requirement but will assist us in getting the most accurate daily count). Please note that this FREE service is available to ALL Middleborough students and their families. https://forms.gle/erNe6AMCqVNM1RZY8
Silver Lake Regional School District
For those who live in Plympton, Kingston and Halifax and receive free or reduced lunch, someone should have reached out to you directly about food services during this time. If not, or you are someone who isn’t currently on a free or reduced lunch plan, please Food Services Director, Megan Arenholz at 781-582-3556.
Stoughton Public Schools
Please CLICK HERE for information about food resources available to Stoughton residents.
Whitman-Hanson Regional School District
WHRHS announces that Grab & Go lunches will available all students as follows:
Beginning Monday, March 16 –daily (M-F), from 11:00 AM-1:00 PM, the snack shack area of the Whitman-Hanson Regional High School, which is in front of the Performing Arts Center, will be available for grab and go lunch and breakfast meals for any student under the age of 18 needing that service. All they need is their student ID number and it will be handled as it normally is during a regular day. We are going to have assorted sandwiches for lunch and cereal for breakfast to start. All bagged lunches will contain milk, fruit and vegetable. This is the only time a school building will be open during both weeks.
March 14 – Social Distancing
Important Information about Social Distancing for families – Social Distancing: This is Not a Snow Day
March 13 – PAC ANNOUNCES TWO WEEK CLOSURE
All PAC classes are cancelled Monday, March 16 through Friday, March 27. Classes are expected to resume on Monday, March 30. Please read the official letter at link below. Please note, this includes the cancellation of our PAC’s Got Talent which is scheduled for Friday, March 27. More details about whether this will be re-scheduled will be forthcoming.
PAC ANNOUNCES TWO WEEK CLOSURE
Education and Health Commissioners Issue Guidance on School Closures Related to Coronavirus
Please CLICK HERE to view the Press Release by DESE on Friday, March 13 in regards to Elementary and Secondary Education Commissioner Jeffrey C. Riley and Public Health Commissioner Monica Bharel’s conference call with superintendents, private school leaders and the guidance issued to schools to help prevent and reduce the spread of the coronavirus known as COVID-19.
Important information for our college partnerships:
BRIDGEWATER STATE UNIVERSITY – Classes are cancelled Monday, March 16 through Friday, March 20. Classes are expected to resume on Monday, March 23. Please read the letter below for information in regards to PAC student impact.
March 12 – Letter regarding Bridgewater State University Campus closures
QUINCY COLLEGE – Classes are cancelled Monday, March 16 through Friday, March 27. Classes are expected to resume on Monday, March 30.
Plymouth Public Schools will be closed on Friday, March 6:
**Please be advised, PAC programs that are housed at Plymouth South Middle School have NO SCHOOL tomorrow, Friday, March 6, 2020. This includes our SEASIDE program as well as our Transitional Skills program at PSMS.**
**Please note, our Pilgrim Academy program in Plymouth WILL BE OPEN for a regular school day tomorrow.**
Please call 781-293-6111 if you have any questions. Thank you.
PAC’s Statement from 2/28/2020:
Please be advised that administrators and staff at Pilgrim Area Collaborative are staying informed about the recent Coronavirus (COVID-19). For the most complete and comprehensive information, please visit the Massachusetts Department of Public Health’s dedicated page on the Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Symptoms of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) include:
- fever
- cough and shortness of breath, and
- in severe cases, pneumonia (fluid in the lungs).
Although the risk to Massachusetts residents of the novel coronavirus is low, the risk for influenza is currently high. Many of the things you do to help prevent colds and the flu can help protect you against other respiratory viruses:
- Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds.
- Cover your coughs and sneezes.
- Stay home if you are sick.
Click Here for Resources on how to talk to children about the Coronavirus from the National Association of School Psychologists.
