Reopening Frequently Asked Questions - and Answers for Parents and Guardians

In the past year we have all weathered a lot of changes. Both educators and families anticipating the transition back to school are wondering about what to expect. Understandably, as the dates for reopening our schools have been announced, we are fielding more questions. We have created this document to help families find answers.

Question: My child is excited to return, and feeling nervous about the transition to full in- person learning. How can I help her feel ready and/or offer support?
Answer: We should expect that students will experience a range of feelings, both positive and negative- sometimes even on the same day. Please visit our district website for resources.

Question: My child currently rides the bus to school two days a week. Will she ride on the same bus now that she will be attending every day?
Answer: Yes. We expect your child’s bus number will stay the same, but the drop off and pick up times may be a little bit later than usual since the bus will be picking up more students. In addition, the updated Transportation guidelines from the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education effectively lifted ridership restrictions. This means that there will likely be some students sharing a seat on their bus ride to and from school. Again, this is in accordance with Health and Safety guidance.
Question: Will my child have a snack at school? If so what will that look like?
Answer: Yes, some teams may decide to have a snack break, depending on their scheduled time for lunch. However, due to 6 foot distancing guidance when unmasked, snack breaks will take place outside.

Question: My family is traveling out of state soon. Will we need to get tested upon return?
Answer: As of Monday, March 22, the Massachusetts Travel Order is replaced with a Travel Advisory. This new travel advisory urges all persons entering Massachusetts, including returning residents, to quarantine for 10 days upon their arrival if they have been out of the state for 24 hours or more.

Please note, travelers in the following categories are exempt from the quarantine advisory:

Children younger than 10 years old
Anyone returning to Massachusetts after being out of state for fewer than 24 hours
Travelers who have received a negative COVID-19 result on a test administered not more than 72 hours prior to their arrival in Massachusetts. Travelers may also test out of the quarantine advisory after arrival in Massachusetts, as long as they quarantine until receiving a negative test result.
Workers who enter Massachusetts to perform critical infrastructure functions (as specified by the Federal Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency) during required commuting to or from work and while at work.
Travelers who are fully vaccinated (i.e. who have received two doses of either the Moderna or Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines OR who have received a single dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, 14 or more days ago) and who do not have symptoms.

Question: Will lunch remain free once school fully reopens?
Answer: Yes. Lunches will be available at no cost to all students for the remainder of the school year.

Question: I just learned that my child might be assigned a new teacher. Can I change my mind about sending him to school?
Answer: The deadline for changing assignments has passed and, unfortunately, we can not accommodate change requests.

Question: How do I sign my child up for free COVID Testing?
Answer: We are offering voluntary, free, weekly covid testing to all SPS students and school staff and strongly encourage everyone to participate. Participation helps to maintain a safer environment at school. Testing is done at home with a quick and easy shallow nasal swab, and samples are dropped off when the student arrives at school. Parents can sign a one-time consent at any time through the parent portal. More information can be found here. https://schools.shrewsburyma.gov/district/covid-testing-information

Question: Can I come into the building for a meeting?
Answer: Unfortunately, no. Schools are unable to host visitors into the buildings at this time.

Question: I am worried about my child’s academic progress. What can we do?
Answer: At OMS, there are processes in place for supporting struggling students. The first step for parents is to communicate to your child’s team of teachers about your concerns.

Question: If my child is required to quarantine because they are a close contact to a case, how will they access learning?
Answer: The plan for supporting students that will be learning from home on a temporary basis is outlined below.
- Students will sign into homeroom via Zoom every day.
- Students will access curriculum and assignments via Schoology.
- A team teacher or several teachers will meet virtually with students, who are quarantining, at least once per day via Zoom. The purpose of this meeting is for students to ask questions and to clarify assignments.
- Parents and caregivers may contact teachers to arrange additional support as needed.

My child has never been inside the Oak building. Where should my child go when they enter the building?

Sapphire to Gym
Teal to Cafeteria
For all other teams, students should come to the main office where we will have students ready to help get you to the right room.

What will the first day back to school be like for my child?

Teams are planning orientation activities and building tours to help students new to the building to get acclimated. Teachers will also go over team schedules, routines, and expectations.
Students will attend all of their scheduled classes but some classes may be shortened so the team can participate in team building activities.
New students will be assigned a buddy to help them navigate the building during their first few days.

What kinds of health and safety measures is the school taking to keep my child safe from COVID?

Refer to Health and Safety Slide show. Link HERE

Oak Middle School