Linda B. Chipkin Early Years Center

Dear Parents & Guardians,

Our first week of full in-person instruction for elementary students has been a success.  With your support and the staff’s expertise, the children are adapting to full classrooms and are becoming reacquainted with peers.

Starting on Monday, intermediate students are scheduled to transition, followed by high school students a week later. Throughout the transition back to full in-person instruction, we will consult with public health officials to determine if any changes to the instructional model are necessary.  Local towns are experiencing   increases in Covid+ cases, with some school districts having to revert to remote learning for a period of time.  BPS is not immune from this possibility, and all families should develop plans should we have to quarantine a class or close a school in the District.

I also want to alert you to an adjustment to the current calendar.  On Thursday, April 1, 2021, and again on April 8, 2021, more than 100 employees will receive their second dose of the Moderna vaccine.  To ameliorate the wide spread staffing impact on schools, we will have early dismissals on April 1, 2021 and April 8, 2021.   We also anticipate that side effects from the vaccine may cause significant staffing shortages.  For that reason, schools will be closed on April 9, 2021. This day will be made up on June 18, 2021.

We regret having to make this adjustment but know that striking the balance between keeping school open and vaccinating staff will help us reach an important milestone for our goal of returning to a predictable and sustainable school year.

 Sincerely,