Dear APS Families,

As we move into the second week of school closures, I want to take the opportunity to thank you for your patience as we work to provide our students with enrichment activities on our APS At-Home Learning page.

The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education Commissioner (MA DESE) has advised all state superintendents regarding time-on-learning requirements and how to proceed with learning during school closures. Currently, MA DESE considers these three weeks as non-school days.

 Developments regarding the Coronavirus change and elevate daily. In conversations with superintendents across the state, we are anticipating that our schools could be ordered to remain closed beyond April 3rd. The district is actively working to prepare for a prolonged closure. We are in the process of developing a strategy that will provide more structure and instructional continuity as well as outreach from our teachers to our students. I will keep you informed as this develops. We hope this will help our families and students maintain an academic and social-emotional connection.

In preparation for this next anticipated phase, we are asking that APS students in need of technology for student use at home to please contact us at 978-247-7021. We ask that families who do not need technology, please do not request it. Families who need technology will be loaned a Chromebook, as long as devices are available. Additionally, should you need internet access for this device, please indicate that as well. We will work with families on connecting our students with the devices in the coming weeks.

Our goal is to offer all our students the support to continue their learning. We appreciate your patience as the details of this enhanced experience for students takes shape.

I wish all APS families good health during this time.

Shelley Berman

Superintendent