HAMPTON — Superintendent Kathleen Murphy wishes to provide an update on Hampton School District’s remote learning plans in light of the recent extension of school closures through May 4 in response to the novel coronavirus.
Last week, Gov. Chris Sununu extended the closure of schools in New Hampshire through the month of April in an effort to prevent further spread of COVID-19.
Yesterday, the Hampton School Board approved a plan proposed by Superintendent Murphy outlining a schedule for remote learning moving forward.
Superintendent Murphy partnered with SAU 21 on the schedule, and she collaborated with the Seacoast Education Association and the Paraprofessional Association on developing the plan.
To view the schedule in a calendar format, click here.
The remote learning plan for the coming weeks was designed to provide continuous opportunities for students through remote learning on a Monday through Thursday schedule beginning on Friday, April 3 through May 4. Teachers will utilize the work day on Friday to communicate with families, plan and prepare remote educational activities and experiences for students and learn new technology skills. This schedule will continue through what would have been the district’s traditional April vacation.
Should school closures be extended through the remainder of the school year in New Hampshire, remote instruction will continue for students at Hampton School District until June 4, following the same Monday through Friday schedule outlined above. Educators would complete the school year on June 10 should school facilities remain closed, and would take take part in classroom organization, end of the year reports, classroom placement, professional development and vertical teaming after the last day for students on June 4.
“I’m incredibly proud of the remarkable work being done by our faculty and staff to provide remote learning opportunities to our students, and I’d also like to thank our students and families for their unending support and patience throughout this evolving, challenging situation,” Superintendent Murphy said. “Remote learning, while not a perfect replacement for in-person instruction, will provide our students with crucial opportunities to engage in learning and improve their skills.”
Hampton School District educators have been utilizing technology such as Google Classroom as well as paper and pencil activities and reading lists to support remote learning since the district closed its facilities in response to the novel coronavirus this March. Staff have additionally used phone calls, email and video chat technology to keep in touch with students and their families.
Student Services in the district have additionally been working to provide specialized instruction and to connect students with student and IEP services through remote learning and remote support as well as direct communication between educators and families. This includes efforts to provide students in a class, small group, or through an individualized format services such as speech and language, occupational therapy, physical therapy, counseling, and behavior support.
The Hampton School District is also continuing to provide free breakfast and lunch, regardless of student’s eligibility for Free and Reduced Lunch, for pick up or delivery, and will continue to do so while school facilities are closed due to COVID-19. For more information, email Food Service Director Mary Borg at Mborg@sau90.org.
District IT staff are additionally available to provide any technology support families may need throughout the remote learning process. Questions can be directed to Director of Technology Greg Limperis by emailing glimperis@sau90.org.
The district also wishes to provide the following tips for parents and guardians to promote social emotional well-being:
- Limit the amount of TV News that children see/hear.
- Talk to children about what is going on in age appropriate ways. For tips from the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on talking to children about this pandemic, click here.
- Seek out enriching activities for students to engage in, when they are not engaged in remote learning. Examples of such activities include arts and crafts projects, drawing or painting, reading, taking a walk or yoga.
- If you have questions or concerns, contact your child’s teacher or counselor.
- Know that children may be upset about the situation surrounding this pandemic and acknowledge their feelings.
- For more information on managing stress and anxiety during this pandemic, visit the CDC’s website here.
“Social emotional health during a stressful, difficult situation such as this is incredibly important, and we also want our students and district families to know that we are here to provide support,” Superintendent Murphy said.
If you have COVID-19 specific questions, the State of New Hampshire has established a call center to assist you, which can be reached by calling 211 or 1-866-444-4211.
Hampton School District will continue to provide regular updates as more information becomes available regarding the novel coronavirus situation.
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