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Date: 9/15/2021
EAST LONGMEADOW – Discussion revolved around the reopening of schools during the East Longmeadow School Committee meeting on Sept 7.
Superintendent Gordon Smith presented a slideshow about the school’s recent updates. He revealed that convocation occurred last week, with additional safety measures being put in place to ensure social distancing.
During the convocation, the East Longmeadow Public Schools community took time to pay tribute to Dr. Timothy Allen, the principal of Birchland Park Middle School. Allen suffered a heart attack in July, but he’s making incredible process in his recovery, according to Smith. “He’s in our minds and in our hearts. We wish him well and we’re excited about the progress he’s making,” said Smith. He said that Assistant Principal Conor Martin will assume the principal role as Allen continues in his recovery.
Smith then discussed the importance of maintaining strong safety protocols. He said that mandating masks, enforcing social distancing and providing sanitization spaces have been key steps in ensuring safety for staff and students. Smith explained that these measures are in place considering the rise of cases across the state and East Longmeadow, with three schools in the district identifying a COVID-19 case during their inaugural week.
Amidst these cases, Smith stressed that the school is developing solid routines to keep distancing in place. His presentation showcased how social distancing is being implemented during different points in the school day, including lunches with students spread across various tables and the utilization of outdoor spaces during different points in the day.
Reflecting on the completion of the first week, Smith shared that attendance was around 97 percent across the district, a slight decline from the 99 percent rate from last year’s remote opening. “We had good attendance, obviously we want to increase that back up [to last year’s numbers],” said Smith.
Smith also explained updates to the school’s quarantine protocols. Similar to the district’s spring plans, he said that the school students who are in close contact – or within three feet – with positive cases will have to quarantine and get tested for seven days, with vaccinated students likely experiencing a less extensive quarantine process.
However, East Longmeadow schools will not have a remote option for students as they did last year, according to Smith. In its place, he shared that a staff member from each school will be assigned to coordinate with any absent students, with work being provided over Google Classroom. “We do not offer a remote only option, but that doesn’t stop us from connecting with kids,” said School Committee Chair Sarah Truoiolo.
The East Longmeadow School Committee will meet again on Sept. 21.