Dear Rising Tide Families,
Thank you to the parents/guardians and students who have already shared feedback on the first week of our updated approach to distance learning. It is tremendously helpful to hear from all of you as we work to improve a balanced approach to teaching and learning through the various challenges that students, families, and our staff members are facing during this unprecedented time. Our school community is fortunate to be filled with caring, supportive, and thoughtful students and parents/guardians. If you haven’t already shared your feedback, please do so below:
I would like to provide an update on three topics: April Vacation Week, MCAS, and the Book Fair.
April Vacation Week
On April 3, Massachusetts Department of Elementary of Secondary Education Commissioner Riley shared guidance with superintendents and charter school leaders that the decision to keep April vacation week or continue remote learning through the planned vacation is a local decision. Since that time, some traditional districts and charter public schools have decided to keep the April vacation week, while others have decided to continue remote learning through the week.
The Rising Tide Board of Trustees met on Thursday, April 9 to discuss the school calendar and April vacation week. The Board of Trustees voted to maintain the April vacation week as planned. Later Thursday evening, the Plymouth Public Schools announced they would continue remote learning and post assignments through April vacation week. With approximately 60 percent of Rising Tide families living in Plymouth, the Rising Tide Board of Trustees decided to have an emergency meeting last night, Friday, April 10, to further discuss the topic. The Board of Trustees again voted to maintain the April vacation week as planned. Maintaining the planned vacation week will give families a break from balancing school responsibilities with work responsibilities; keeping the vacation week will also provide our teachers and staff members a well-deserved and planned break to be able to regroup and support the students and families through the final two months of the school year. Our last day of school remains June 25.
For families seeking support and structure through the vacation week next week, we will be providing, by Friday, April 17, a suggested schedule for the vacation week along with ideas for individual and family explorations and projects.
Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS)
Yesterday, Commissioner Riley announced that he is cancelling this spring’s regular administration of MCAS testing for students in grades 3-10 due to the ongoing health crisis.
Rising Tide Scholastic Book Fair
While we won’t be able to have this spring’s Rising Tide Scholastic Book Fair this coming week at 59 Armstrong Road as planned, Katie Klein, our Research and Teaching & Learning Librarian, has arranged for an online version for our school community. Our online Book Fair is open now through April 21. There are over 6,000 products, including award-winning books, bestsellers, boxed sets, and much more. All orders will ship to your home, and free shipping is provided for book-only orders over $25. All purchases benefit Rising Tide. Visit the Rising Tide Online Scholastic Book Fair to find great books and support Rising Tide.
I hope you all have a wonderful rest of your weekend with your families.
Sincerely,
Michael O’Keefe
Head of School
