March 12, 2020
Dear BMS and BHS Families:
Our Superintendent of Schools has been in communication with you about the coronavirus (COVID 19) and the impact on the district. As schools, we are taking additional measures to ensure that our students remain safe. The following precautions will go in effect immediately through April vacation:
Whole school assemblies will no longer take place.
New morning routines will occur for schools with cafeteria/gym gatherings.
Events, where parents/guests are invited to attend, have been canceled. At BMS, this includes PTO meetings, classroom presentations, Town Meetings, Cluster Plays, 8th Grade Career Day, 7th Grade Pathways Day, and other events scheduled in the schools. At BHS, this includes BPA meetings, the Senior Project Overview for junior parents, the Day Without Hate Peace Poster event, the BHS Talent Show, and other events scheduled at the school.
Volunteering at schools is suspended at this time.
Before and after school activities will continue as normal.
Dismissal procedures will continue as normal at this time.
When coming to the schools, prior to being let into the building, you will be asked if you are feeling ill, have been sick recently, or have a temperature. We may ask you to wait outside while we get your child for you. (This also includes outside vendors and delivery people.)
Parent meetings will take place via phone calls rather than face to face. Special education/504 meetings may take place at the school in rooms where social distancing is possible.
Classroom supplies that are shared will be regularly wiped down throughout the day.
All learning surfaces will be disinfected regularly.
Sick children need to remain at home and not sent to school. When you keep your child home, you must contact the school to let us know.
Students who are ill or who need to remain home due to the health concerns of themselves or others in their household will be excused and work will be provided through our new virtual learning process. Our virtual plan is in the preparation stages.
Strategies within classrooms may change in order to keep children at acceptable distances from each other.
Time will be provided for students to wash their hands prior to and after lunch, as well as throughout the day.
Students should bring a water bottle to school rather than drinking out of the water fountain.
The District will be providing families and staff with updates on emergency virtual learning plans that may be activated in the event of school closures. At this time, there are no directives from the state to close schools.
These changes will be evaluated over the coming weeks to determine if we can resume our typical routines. Our district and schools will continue to communicate with you on a regular basis about any changes and precautions that we take.
Please feel free to reach out to us with any questions.
Sincerely,
Andrew D.C. Anderson
Principal
Barrington Middle School
Joseph D. Hurley
Principal
Barrington High School