Dear HSES Community,
As I write to you, the staff at Hartford-Sumner Elementary School is fully engaged with meeting the unprecedented challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Guiding us in our decisions about everything from how to continue educating students to how to support students who are otherwise homeless and food-insecure are three paramount priorities: the health, safety, and welfare of everyone within the HSES community.
I can well imagine that many of you have a strong desire to know what we are doing to support our students and how the school is responding to this public health crisis. I am going to address some of the most frequently asked questions I have been posed over the last few days.
When can I expect to hear something from my child’s teacher, either directly or in the form of some work for my child?
This week has been spent putting together two weeks worth of work in packets to be available for students for “remote learning” on Monday, March 23rd. The staff has exceeded that expectation and I believe work will be available for all grade levels beginning Wednesday, March 18. With that said, the packets are designed for students to begin on Monday. If you chose to start earlier that is fine, but there are really no academic expectations of students this week from the school’s point of view.
In the event this situation goes beyond two weeks, your child’s teacher will be reaching out to you through technology to provide you with additional materials to continue educating your child. Two primary sources will be your child’s Seesaw account and/or Google Classroom, which is accessed through your child’s Gmail account. If you have no technological devices, please let the school know so the teachers can prepare additional materials.
How do I get the work packet for my child?
The packets of work will be available beginning tomorrow, Wednesday, March 18th from 10AM-12PM to coincide with delivery of meal packs. HSES will extend those hours until 4PM through the rest of the week for the work packets only. A staff member will greet you at the main entrance and bring the packet to you.
I heard meal packs were available. Is this true?
Yes, there are different meal sites where the meal packs are available. Those sites are as follows:
Buckfield Rec Field: 11:00-11:15AM
Sumner Town Office: 11:30-11:45AM
Hartford Town Office: 11:55AM-12:10PM
Buckfield Junior-Senior High School 10AM-12PM
Hartford-Sumner Elementary School: 10AM-12PM
What happens if I am not able to get the work packet for my child?
On Friday afternoon and Monday afternoon, buses will be leaving around 2PM with staff on board to deliver work packets. There will also be staff available the following week to handout work packets as well. Lastly, you can also call the school if you need to make special arrangements.
What happens if my child left something at school and I feel I need to get it?
If your child left something in school and you feel it is needed, please call ahead to let us know you are coming. A staff member will greet you at the main entrance and will get the item(s) for you.
Who should I contact if I have more questions?
I would encourage you to email me at rwilkins@rsu10.org I will then share a Google document with you where I will keep all of the questions and replies.
In closing, I have been deeply moved by the care and concern staff continue to demonstrate even as they deal with how COVID-19 is impacting themselves and their families. We are all facing extraordinary circumstances that will require the very best of ourselves and each other. I am proud to report that the HSES community is rising to the challenge.
I wish you and your loved ones good health!!
Educationally,
Ryan R. Wilkins
Principal-Hartford-Sumner Elementary School