DESE Updates Reopening Transportation Guidance
Changes in guidance regarding school transportation and social distancing.
Influenza Vaccinations Required For All Massachusetts Students
Last month, the Department of Public Health (DPH) announced that all Massachusetts students will be required to get a flu vaccine by December 31, 2020. The mandatory immunization requirement aims to reduce the overall impact of respiratory illness among students as an added precaution during the COVID-19 pandemic. The requirement applies to all children 6 [...]
DESE Transportation and Facilities Guidance
The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) has released guidance regarding Transportation and Facilities to assist school districts in planning for a possible Fall Reopening. Fall Reopening Transportation Guidance, July 22, 2020 Fall Reopening Facilities and Operations Guidance, July 22, 2020 Below is a copy of the On The Desktop Message from Commissioner Riley [...]
COVID-19 Client Advisor (July 20, 2020)
This week’s Advisor is a bit of a potpourri with an update on workplace specific safety standards in Phase III, an overview of DESE’s updates, requirements and guidance around school reopening plans, and a legislative update regarding Police Reform efforts in Massachusetts. COVID-19 Advisor vol 14 (July 20, 2020)
DESE Two-Step Process and Template for Fall Reopening Plans
On July 15, 2020, the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) released information regarding a two-step process for submitting Fall Reopening Plans and a online form/template to be used by districts. Two-Step Process for District Fall Reopening Plans, July 15, 2020 Below is the text of the On the Desktop message from Commissioner Riley [...]
Additional Guidance on Reopening and FAQs
On Friday, July 10, 2020, the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) released an On The Desktop message with additional guidance on Fall Reopening Plans. The Initial Reopening Guidance issued on June 25, 2020 provided that districts' plans would be due in August. The revised guidance sets the due dates for districts to submit [...]
Comprehensive Special Education Guidance for the 2020-21 School Year
The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) has supplemented its Initial Fall Reopening Guidance with special considerations and guidance for services and instruction for students who qualify for special education. While DESE has asked all districts to develop plans that prioritize in-person learning, this new specialized guidance suggests that the focus on in-person is [...]
Initial Fall Reopening Guidance
[Message from Commissioner's Weekly Update, June 29, 2020] On Thursday, June 25, DESE released initial fall school reopening guidance [download] following weeks of collaboration with stakeholders and the medical community. The guidance calls for schools to reopen this fall while meeting safety requirements, including the use of masks for all but the youngest students and [...]
COVID-19 Client Advisor (June 15, 2020)
It’s week 2 of Phase 2 and in this week’s Advisor we address revised guidance from the EEOC, as well as some FAQs from OSHA regarding face coverings. We also look at the requirements for the new Emergency Educator License. COVID-19 advisor vol 11 (June 15, 2020)
COVID-19 Client Advisor (June 8, 2020)
As Massachusetts moves into Phase 2 of its reopening plan and details start to emerge about plans for reopening schools in the fall, we resume our weekly Advisors for clients and friends. This week we address some FAQs, OSHA COVID-19 reporting requirements, safety supplies for schools, and the recent passage of Chapter 92 of the [...]