Community Letter April 29th
April 29, 2020
Dear Hull Community,
I hope this email finds you well. We are approaching the end of the seventh week of remote learning and it’s hard to believe it has been a week since Governor Baker announced that students and educators would not be together within the school buildings to finish the 2019 – 2020 school year. With that said, students, families, faculty, and staff have done a tremendous job of working together to embrace remote learning and I recognize that this is not an easy adjustment to make! I am extremely proud that meaningful learning continues to occur each day and that maintaining essential connections between students, families and staff remains paramount.
Family Survey
As we continue to listen and learn from families about their experience with remote learning, we are conducting a quick parent/guardian survey to better understand the day-to-day successes and challenges our families and students encounter by building. We will use this data to strengthen our remote learning plan. Thank you in advance for your participation in this survey.
Jacobs School Survey link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/F9TRTPF
Memorial School Survey link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/FDLFWMK
Hull High School Survey link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/FDXTJBT
DESE Strengthening Our Remote Learning Experience
Commissioner Riley released new guidance which builds on those released on March 26. We will take some time to process the guidance and determine ways to enhance our existing remote learning plan in the weeks to come. The guidance shifts to teaching the content standards most critical for student success for the next grade level “power standards” and a deeper focus on engagement of students who are currently disengaged or partially engaged. It was reassuring to learn that many of the areas outlined are currently being implemented, but there is always room for improvement.
It is important to share that DESE is listening to health experts in the possibility that re-entry to school might require social distancing and hygiene measures to ensure the safety of students and staff. DESE is working with health experts, educators and stakeholders to begin preparing for re-entry possibilities and will share more information in the coming weeks.
Class of 2020
The graduation ceremony will be moved to August 8, 2020. The plan is to have a live ceremony on the new turf field, but if there are still social distancing practices in place, a virtual ceremony will take place on that same date. Plans are in process to secure a prom date that same week in August. Prom will most likely be held on August 6, 2020. A virtual Scholarship and Awards Ceremony for seniors will be scheduled in early June. This will provide senior students with important information about awarded scholarship money as they plan for college in the coming weeks.
Parents have organized a special tribute to the class of 2020! A banner for each senior will be displayed on the light posts throughout the town at the end of May. Donations are being accepted to help with the cost of the banners. If you wish to donate, please contact Sharon Striglio via email. Sstriglio@town.hull.ma.us
In closing, our goal continues to be ensuring that all students continue to learn and are engaged during the closure and I am confident we will accomplish this together.
In the spirit of hope, kindness and community,
Judy Kuehn
Interim Superintendent