What You Need to Know About COVID-19

Dear Dighton-Rehoboth Families,

As a follow up to our previous email regarding the closure of our school district, through at least Friday, March 20th, we would like to offer additional information. In a recent communication from the Massachusetts Association of Superintendents (M.A.S.S) they shared the following link to an article.

This article clearly puts into perspective why we have closed our schools. I would ask that you read the entire article. This is truly not your average Snow Day.

Social Distancing: This is not a Snow Day

We understand that our lives have been inundated with information regarding this virus over the last several weeks. As a district, we have been working to be proactive in our response to the ever changing climate and recommendations. Therefore, principals will be meeting as early as Monday morning to develop distance learning opportunities for students due to school closure. Said distance learning opportunities will be made available to students and parents through online platforms including Google Classroom, school and classroom websites, Remind and other communication software, and email blasts from schools and teachers. Once in place, details will be forthcoming. We will continue to monitor the situation concerning COVID-19 and then review within our district the possibility that school closure could continue past 3/20/2020.

Please know that these learning activities are not meant to replace actual curriculum, nor are they mandatory for students to complete. As a district, our goal is to support students and families with options to continue their learning while they are away from school if they so choose. Because distance learning opportunities will be available online, please contact your child’s respective school or the district office, 508-252-5000, if online access is not possible for your family. We will work with our technology department to help solve access issues. If access cannot be attained electronically, we will provide packets for the student instead.

Previously Scheduled Activities: We are working to reschedule things wherever possible. We understand that there will be questions about MCAS, AP classes, prom and other special events, information will be communicated as soon as it is known.

School Facility Use: As stated previously, all rental use of all school facilities, public-at-large use of the facilities, and evening and community events in our facilities have been canceled, effective immediately and until further notice.

Sporting Events: The MIAA (Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association) has delayed the spring sports season start, at the earliest, to March 30, 2020.

Joseph Pirraglia, Jr.
Interim Assistant Superintendent

Kristin Donahue
Director of Special Education

Paul Kitchen
Business Administrator

The mission of the Dighton-Rehoboth Regional School District, in partnership with parents and the community, is to provide students with the tools, including technology, to acquire knowledge, apply skills, critically analyze information and issues, and develop social responsibility.

Dighton-Rehoboth does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, marital status, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other legally protected group.

Food Support for Students: We are working with our food service provider to develop essential services for students experiencing food scarcity and food insecurity. Further information to follow.

Community Health & Prevention: For our community health actions to be effective, we need all members to do their part by staying at home as much as possible during the school closure.

Our best guidance to stop the spread of germs is:
• Practice social isolation—only leaving home as necessary.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Avoid large social gatherings.
• Stay home when you are sick, except to get medical care.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash, then wash your hands.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces, such as cellphones, keys, and doorknobs.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• Use alcohol-based hand sanitizers ONLY if soap and water are not available.

What You Need to Know About COVID-19: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019- ncov/downloads/2019-ncov-factsheet.pdf

https://www.mass.gov/doc/english-2019-novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov-0/download

What to Do If You Are Sick: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/downloads/what-youshould-do.pdf

Follow-up and Next Steps: This is an unprecedented public health situation and our hope is that if we all work together, we can reduce the spread of this virus, protect our most vulnerable residents, and resume normal activities as soon as possible.

Further, we encourage you to visit the DRRSD website (https://www.drregional.org/) for up-to-date information about COVID-19 and resource links for parents. We will keep you informed of any additional changes in operation as this evolving public health situation continues.

Dedicated COVID 19 District page: https://www.drregional.org/our_district/covid19


Sincerely,
Dr. Anthony Azar
Superintendent of Schools