August 14, 2020
Dear APS families and staff,
Today, the district submitted its comprehensive final plan to the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) for our return to school plan for the 2020-21 school year. We have posted this information on our website for our community to review.
On Monday, August 10, 2020, the School Committee voted to begin the school year offering a hybrid model for all students along with a remote academy for students who require or choose to learn remotely. Of course, we know that under normal circumstances, our students would be best served in schools every day, interacting with their peers and engaging in live classroom learning.
Last night, the administration held a public forum to answer some questions with the best knowledge we have at this time. Both the video of the forum and the document submitted to DESE contain a great deal of detailed of information and we encourage you to review them.
We recognize that the circumstances of every family and staff member are different, and that no plan ultimately will satisfy everyone in our community. I am confident our Return to School Task Force explored every option available to us. I am grateful for their diligence, hard work and commitment to our students.
Today’s submission to DESE was a milestone in the return to school process for the district. However, there are still many details to be refined and addressed as our program coordinators and teachers return from the summer to plan for instruction for our students.
We are grateful for your patience as we make these plans. Know that we are committed to prioritizing both safety and learning as we prepare for this unique start of a school year.
Shelley Berman
Superintendent
