HWRSD COVID-19 Information and Resources
HWRSD continues to closely monitor the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak. The health, safety, and well-being of our community, at school and home, is our top priority. At this time, the School District is unaware of any confirmed COVID-19 cases. Our Emergency Response Team is working to develop Continuity of Operations (COOP) plans. We will continue to update the community regularly to keep you informed of new developments.
Current Status
HWRSD Frequently Asked Questions - posted 3/16/2020
DESE FAQ Document - posted 3/17/2020
HWRSD will be closed until Monday, May 4, 2020 (at the earliest) - updated based on Governor Baker's 3/25/2020 Press Conference
All Kindergarten Registration is postponed until further notice.
Please read this letter regarding our plan and containing linked resources - emailed to all 3/13/2020
see Joint Hamilton, Wenham, and HWRSD press release and Unified North Shore press release - posted 3/13/2020
Remote Learning Resources and Enrichment Activities
HWRSD Remote Learning Model Update - shared via email to all families 04/06/2020
HWRSD Remote Learning Webpage - launched via email to all families 03/26/2020
The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) letter to families: English and Spanish - emailed to families on 3/30/2020
Schedule Letters From Our Principals - emailed to families on 3/20/2020
DESE Supplemental Educational Resources - posted 3/23/2020
In-Home Strategies for Time Away From School - posted 3/15/2020
Short-term and Long-term Plan for Continuous Learning - emailed to all families and staff on 3/17/2020
Elementary Learning Resource Letter - emailed to all on 3/16/2020
Secondary Learning Resource Letter - emailed to all on 3/16/2020
Early Childhood Partners: Enrichment Activities - posted 3/15/2020
Social Distancing: This is Not a Snow Day - posted 3/15/2020
Technology - Internet Access and Devices
Stay Connected During COVID-19 School Closures with free Internet Essentials by Comcast
Need to borrow a device? Contact our Director of Information Technology, Alan Taupier at 617-233-9826 or email at a.taupier@hwschools.net
Need technology support? email helpdesk@hwschools.netMeal Distribution - updated March 18, 2020, at 11:08 AM
The district Nutrition Services department is working closely with Acord food pantry and has developed the plan listed below to support students who need meals during the school closure.
The distribution will take place on Tuesdays at the Winthrop Elementary School, 325 Bay Road, S. Hamilton, MA. at 11:00 AM. We are distributing bags of groceries to families that indicate they need them. These bags will be similar to the bags we offer during the summer months; perishable and non-perishable foods that will allow you to prepare meals at home.
If you would like to participate in the emergency program, please call (978)468-0398 or email atc.donovan@hwschools.net and provide us with your name and the number of people in your household by Monday prior at 12 noon.
Acord is here to help any family who is struggling during this uncertain time, regardless of whether they qualify for free/reduced lunch. Please reach out directly to Acord if you need food assistance.
Another resource for nutrition support is Project Bread's Food Source Hotline 1-800-645-8333 TTY 1-800-377-1292
Travel Policies and School Restrictions
The Baker-Polito Administration urged all elementary and secondary schools (and all colleges and universities) to cancel international travel for the foreseeable future. There is no equivalent recommendation for domestic travel at this time. However, all domestic field trips have been postponed or canceled until further notice. This is in line with guidance from the CDC for schools, colleges, and universities.
Postponed: Middle School Trip to Spain this April
To view, Dr. Kukenberger's recent communication on the topic please click here.
HWRSD Athletics - updated March 16, 2020, at 4:30 PM
Spring Sports
The MIAA's Board of Directors has released a statement on March 16th that the Spring Athletic Season will not begin until Monday, April 27th. Clearly, things are happening fast and we continue to try and update you in the most timely, accurate and respectful manner possible.
The MIAA has also said they will meet again on this topic on Wednesday, March 25th.
HWRSD is aware of many logistical issues that surround the length of our athletic seasons. We will be discussing these topics, both big and small, once we get further clarification as to the actual length of the seasons
In the meantime, please be reminded that all campus facilities are off-limits during this time of school closure in an attempt to further necessary social distancing. This includes, but is not limited to, all on-campus fields within the district, its gymnasiums, and the high school track.
Please continue to be good to one another and be safe.
Meeting & Event Guidance
Community use of school buildings - Full restriction during the school closure - Some exceptions may be made for School Committee meetings and other required governmental meetings.
If you are planning an event or meeting at Hamilton-Wenham Regional School District offers the following guidance. Remember this is an evolving situation. Let your participants know that you might need to cancel at the last minute and that they should make contingency plans just in case.
- Organizers should postpone the meeting or event, or employ remote technology if possible to help avoid the spread of coronavirus. This meeting size is consistent with the guidance of our health care experts and professionals and with the policies of many peer institutions.
- The normal school schedule is being observed with heightened cleaning protocols in place
Personal Prevention Practices
We continue to encourage all members of our school community to continue daily practices that can help prevent the spread of viral illnesses including:
- Practice social distancing and say home if you are sick.
- Washing hands with soap and water, scrubbing hands for at least 20 seconds before rinsing or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains 60%-95% alcohol - click here to view a brief handwashing video
- Frequently clean commonly touched surfaces, including phones, tablets, keyboards, doorknobs, light switches, faucet handles, toilet flushes, countertops,
- Avoid sharing personal items such as chapstick, water bottles, eating utensils, hand towels, etc..
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve when coughing or sneezing and then wash hands
For more information on this topic please click here.
General Resources
Talking to Children About COVID-19 (Coronavirus) A Parent Resource
Talking With Children: Tips for Caregivers, Parents, and Teachers During Infectious Disease Outbreak
For up-to-date information, visit CDC’s coronavirus disease 2019 situation summary page
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
Massachusetts Department of Public Health: Information on the Outbreak of 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)
