Medway & Millis August 2020

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Page 18 Medway & Millis Local Town Pages www.localtownpages.com August 2020Reopening Remains Uncertain for Medway Public SchoolsBy Aidan PooleMedway Public Schools hopeto resume in-person classes thisfall, but concern for social distancingin classrooms, buses, andcafeterias makes this difficult.With years of experience as amiddle school principal, currentMedway Public Schools SuperintendentArmand Pires said he’snever encountered an obstacle toschooling as massive as COVID-19. “Never have I worked asmany hours as I did during theschool closure,” he said, recallingthe initial outbreak last spring.“This is absolutely, hopefully, aonce in a lifetime event,” he said.Pires said the plan to reopenMedway Public Schools hasbeen in progress for months, ashe created a “district reopeningcommittee” in early Juneto determine precautions that“needed to be put in place tokeep employees safe” that workduring the summer. He also explainedthat yearly summer programssuch as Extended SchoolYear services and the “SummerAdventures” summer camp aretaking place despite COVID-19.Be Smart. Stay 6 Feet Apart.MEDWAY OIL & PROPANEhas been designated as an essential businessWe have taken strict measures to insure your safety.We will gather most information over the phone or E Mail.Medway School officials, in mid-July, were busy working on plans forthree possible scenarios for school this coming fall, as required by theMassachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.At press time, school opening plans were not finalized.Photo by Aidan Poole“Kindergarten Camp” also gotapproval, made possible by loweringindividual class sizes andincluding more teachers.Pires, at press time, was workingwith the Medway SchoolCommittee to create a plan thatwill allow all students to returnto school in-person, but the officialdecision likely won’t bemade until two weeks into August.He said, “everyone wantsto know now,” but it would beirresponsible to commit to a planthis early when COVID-19 faceshim with “a continually evolvingOur employees will arrive at your home wearing masks, gloves and shoe booties.Hopefully we’re able to access your heating and/or air conditioning units from adirect outside entrance.If the only access is through your living area we will take the shortest route toyour equipment.All required paperwork will be completed via phone or E Mail.We will complete your requests with zero to minimum personal interaction.situation.” He said “it’s like thelongest snow day watch ever,”meaning the school must waitfor updates to make an informeddecision.According to Pires, the Departmentof Elementary andSecondary Education has requiredMedway Public Schoolsto make three plans for whatteaching could look like this fall.The first plan is a full return,meaning all students would goto school wearing masks and sociallydistancing three to six feet.The second plan is a “hybridmodel” that allows only half ofall students to enter the buildingon any given day. The third planis a return to online classes, anoption that Pires hopes to avoid,noting that “online classes justdon’t replace in-person classes”that allow for deeper connectionsbetween students and teachers.He mentioned that even if classesare available in-person, studentsand their families will have thechoice to remain online.Although the school yearcould begin later than usual toallow more time to plan, Pireshas multiple concerns over howan in-person return will play out.He explained that transportation“will be a big area of challenge,”since school buses areusually packed with students andmany families rely on them. He isalso concerned about social distancingin cafeterias, as they’recrowded spaces and masks mustbe removed to eat. Pires suggestedthat outdoor seating couldbe available for school lunches,as is the case at Medway HighSchool already. He mentionedthat classes requiring studentsto remove masks, such as bandand chorus also pose obstaclesfor distancing mandates. Due toproblems like these, Pires said,“we might have to fluctuate betweenthe three plans” during theschool year, meaning nothing isofficial.Pires suggested that librariesand gymnasiums can be “usedas alternative learning spaces”if a classroom is too crowded toobserve social distance. Pires saidthat “ideally we can have all faculty,students, and staff back,” buthe remains skeptical.Kevin Collins, a MedwayHigh School English teacher for13 years, said that although thetransition to remote learninggave him the chance to createnew resources for his teaching,“the simple prospect of returningto a classroom, to a physicalspace where collaboration canoccur and relationships formed,is extremely attractive.” TaraBarrows, a first grade teacher inMedway, shared this sentiment.She said the school is in goodhands and she trusts the administrationwill “put students in thecenter of everything we do” as aschool.www.medwayoilpropane.comWorking together we will meet your energy needs.508-533-6561 or 800-649-5949“Total Home Comfort Company.”
August 2020 Medway & Millis Local Town Pages www.localtownpages.com Page 19ome of the onth34 Acorn Street, MillisNew construction. This show-stopping property offers3200 sq ft of luxurious living. This custom craftedhome offers stunning finish work, cathedral ceilings,and open floor plan. Where else can you find 2 masterbedrooms one on each level. The sun filled diningarea opens to the gorgeous kitchen with center island,granite countertops, all stainless steel appliances, andwalk in pantry. The kitchen opens up to the cathedralfamily room, complete with hardwood flooring, andbeautiful gas log fireplace. The main level is perfectfor large families or entertaining friends. All very largebedrooms with ample storage space on the second floor.Convenient second floor washer and dryer. No need forupgrades this home has it all. Dual HVAC system, centralvacuum, security system, custom trim and so muchmore. All this sets on 25,000 sq' of wooded level land.Town Water, Town Sewer, Gas Heat. All there is to do ismove into this truly stunning property!Carl Kristen Ellie Adam508 330 4535 teamrice.info508-429-2535Propane Open Sat & SunGas Grill Tanks FilledNeil LazzaroASE Technician1292 Washington Street,HollistonTires & AlignmentSuspension & SteeringExhaust & BrakeAir ConditioningFactory Scheduled MaintenanceMass. State Inspection Station888-818-2028Great Rebates & Financing*Call today and beat the rush!Gas, Oil and AC Equipment Sales & Service*Rebates and financing provided by and subject to Mass Save restrictions and limitations
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Medway & Millis August 2020

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