Boston Public Schools superintendent sends letter to parents detailing how rest of year will go

BOSTON — The Boston Public Schools superintentent sent a letter to parents on Friday, detailing how school will continue through the end of the academic year in June.

Superintendent Dr. Brenda Cassellius wrote that “student learning will continue, while keeping health and safety as our top priority.”

She emphasized the understanding that students are missing their friends, teachers and meaningful events. And that while the schools can’t “recreate the full classroom experience” during the coronavirus outbreak, they can “provide enriching learning opportunities and connections” to every student.

The letter outlined details that will take effect on May 4 through the end of the school year in June.

It read that every school would share a class schedule with families and students and that teachers would take daily attendance each week, including completing learning activities and interacting with teachers and staff.

Cassellius wrote that for grading, students will receive grades and feedback on their assignments.

Elementary students in kindergarten through fifth grade will receive grades of meets expectations, approaching expectations or not yet meeting expectations.

Middle school and high school students will receive a letter grade if it’s above their average grade from their first two terms. Otherwise, they’ll earn a grade of pass or incomplete and that grade won’t be factored into their final grade.

Every student will advance to the next grade; no student will be held back. If a parent feels their child would benefit from repeating their grade, they can request a meeting with their teacher.

Regarding access to teachers, the letter stated that a school staff member will contact each student at least every three days.

Students with disabilities will receive services that “can reasonably be provided in a remote learning environment by their assigned team of educators in relation to the goals identified in the student’s IEP [individualized education program]."

Cassellius said officials are working on numerous opportunities to celebrate this year’s graduations citywide and with each school. Those details are coming soon.

She wrote that her team has gotten together for weekly roundtables to hear from educators, parents, social service providers, and community partners to hear real-time feedback on how everything is working.

“We are so grateful to our teachers, food workers, technology staff, and other frontline workers who are working tirelessly to get our children what they need to learn and stay healthy,” she wrote.

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