Dear Office of Student Services Parents/Families,
Our district is working closely with the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to
address questions and concerns as it relates to students who receive special education or related services
during the closure.
Similar to what Dr. Salim shared in his March 9th Preparedness Update we are actively engaged in
preparation and prevention activities. Below you will find updated information and guidance as of March 13,
2020.
Instructional Activities
- The Office of Curriculum Instruction has developed guidelines and online resources to support
distance learning opportunities for students grades Jk-12. The goal of providing distance learning
opportunities is to extend learning opportunities while schools are closed due to the outbreak. The
Office of Student Services has asked special educators to compile additional resources and activities
to address the special education services that are in a student's IEP and any of the accommodations or
modifications that are supposed to be reflected in a student's IEP. Please click here for more information.
IEP Meetings
- All IEP meetings will be rescheduled when the district reopens.
Out of District School Closures
- Communication about School Closures: If your child is currently enrolled in a 45 day placement, day
placement, or residential program, you will receive communication directly from that school regarding
emergency closings. As a proactive measure, some schools have decided to close their schools.
During this time, schools will continue to assess the situation as well as continue to develop and
implement practices and policies that maximize their ability to maintain a safe environment for our
community. While we know this may present additional challenges for families, we are aware that these
schools are working to keep your child's safety and well-being a central focus. If you have any
questions or concerns, please reach out directly to your child's day or residential program.
- If your child’s school is closed, please contact SP&R at 781.224.0003 to inform them that
transportation is not needed.
Transportation to Out of District Schools
- Cambridge Public Schools Closure: In the case of an emergency closure, your child’s transportation
will continue without interruption. If you have any questions or concerns about your child’s
transportation, please email Janet Snedeker.
Department Events
- Special Education Parent Advisory Committee (SEPAC) Events: Until further notice, all school
events, such as performances, family events, or family conferences are canceled. However, this may
change as we continue to monitor the situation in collaboration with public health officials. If you have
any other questions or concerns, please reach out to Zuleka Queen-Postell.
Tutoring/Home Based Services
- As a proactive measure, some outside academic, ABA home-based services, and related services
agencies may pause in the provision of services in the interest of the health, safety, and welfare.
- We have received several questions from staff regarding tutoring. At this time, we are asking that staff
refrain from going to the homes of students to provide special education and/or related services. We
have made the difficult decision to close to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Compensatory Services
- The district is not required to provide services to eligible students during this closure (as shared by
Commissioner Riley on Friday, March 13, 2020).
Berkshire Street Staff
- During the district closure, 135 Berkshire Street will remain open. We ask that if you have a question
or concern, please email or call the office.
Once we receive guidance from the United States Department of Education on providing services to children
with disabilities during a COVID-19 outbreak, we will send that to you.
Please do not hesitate to send additional questions and ideas to us so that we can respond to the
concerns of our community. Thank you.
Best,
Dr. Alexis Morgan,
Assistant Superintendent
Office of Student Services
Instructional Activities
In light of possible school closures, students will be provided with instructional and therapeutic activities. We ask that parents/guardians use these resources as a guide to maintain their child’s learning. We strongly
recommend that you first access the Office of Curriculum & Instruction Distance Learning Plan before supplementing your child’s learning with these resources. View the resources >>
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