Superintendent: Ashland Public Schools Closed At Least Through March 20

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ASHLAND – Ashland Public Schools will be closed at least through Friday, March 20, said Superintendent of Schools Jim Adams.
 
“Based on the evolving conditions associated with the COVID-19 outbreak locally, and throughout the state, and in consultation with Ashland’s Board of Health and Town leadership we feel this is the most prudent course of action.  The District will continue to monitor the situation and listen to state and local leaders to determine if an extension of the closure is warranted,” wrote Adams and School Committee Chair Laurie Tosti in a joint email

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“We recognize that this decision has a significant impact on our community. We know that our students and families count on the schools to provide not only instructional support, but nutrition, health, and social service supports as well.  We will continue to diligently plan for this interruption and work to provide alternatives to meet student and family needs,” the two wrote to parents.
 
Should we need to extend the closure, we will communicate this information to families by the middle of next week.

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Some of the most important questions we are actively planning to address include:

• Will the District put into place structures for the continuation of learning remotely?
• How will the District support students and families with special needs?
• How will the District support our students who are in need of nutritional services?
• How can we create meaningful opportunities for student to student and student to educator interactions?
• How can we best support students’ social and emotional needs during a time of disruption and uncertainty?

As you might imagine, we have already been contemplating these questions.  We will do our best to provide clarity as soon as possible.

The Commissioner of Education has already informed Districts that schools will not be required to make up days due to school closure beyond the 5 additional days already built into the school calendar, said the two school leaders.

Therefore, as a result of this decision, the last day of school this year will be no later than Wednesday, June 24.