April 21, 2020 by Carol Britton Meyer
Although Gov. Charlie Baker's order today requiring all Massachusetts schools to remain closed for the rest of the school year was not totally unexpected, Supt. of Schools Paul Austin realizes how disappointing that decision is for Hingham Public Schools staff, students, and their families.
"I understand that this health crisis has greatly impacted our entire school community, but I do remain confident that we will get through this together," he told the Hingham Anchor. "My heart goes out to all students who have been impacted by the closure, but I know that this has been particularly painful for our graduating seniors. We have an outstanding senior class, and their accomplishments absolutely deserve to be celebrated. I am confident that the district will find an appropriate way to celebrate these extraordinary students."
Administrators and teachers will begin planning for revisions to the HPS Remote Learning Plan as a result of the new order for the schools to remain closed. The Commissioner of the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education has informed all school districts that new, revised guidance for the extension of the Remote Learning Plan will be forthcoming this week.
Hingham's current remote learning plan will stay in effect until May 1, and the revised remote learning plan will begin May 4.
"As the district looks to the days ahead and begins the revision of the Remote Learning Plan, we will elicit feedback from students, faculty, and families to ensure that moving forward, our remote learning plan is as manageable as possible for everyone," Austin said.
For that purpose, a districtwide survey is being prepared to solicit feedback from "those three stakeholder groups," which is expected to be distributed later this week or early next week, according to Austin.
"As we move forward with remote learning in Hingham, I want to assure students and families that we are listening to their feedback and concerns, and we will remain student-focused," Austin said. "We are in uncharted waters, but our staff, teachers, and administrators continue to rise to the occasion."
Austin expressed appreciation for students, families, and the Hingham community for their continued support of HPS, with a special thank-you to the HPS staff, faculty, and administration for their dedication and professionalism.
" We have outstanding students and educators in Hingham, and I could not be more proud of them and what they have accomplished during this closure," Austin said.
Updates will be shared as new information becomes available.