Index:
Dear Parent(s) and Guardian(s):
I am pleased to share that students and educators had a successful start to the 2021-2022 school year. On September 1, 2021, the District welcomed back four thousand students and over eight hundred staff members. The energy in each of the District’s ten schools was positive and energizing.
I had an opportunity to connect with Algonquin Regional High School (ARHS) Principal, Sean Bevan, and he shared with me that many high school students approached him over the past few days to share how nice it was for the school day to begin at 8:00 AM. He also shared that in his ten-plus years as a principal, it was not typical for students to spontaneously share. He said it was great to hear directly from the students that the start time change is having a positive impact.
I will share that the Transportation Department is working on ensuring that the bus routes are efficient and timely. The District is working closely with the Northborough and Southborough Police Departments to help with traffic. As with any start to a school year traffic on the first week is more intense than normal and will settle into a routine. Furthermore, bus drivers are also learning their routes and student riders. As they get acclimated, they will become more efficient in running their routes. During this time, I’m asking for your patience.
Lastly, I’m asking for families’ support in ensuring that we have continuity in schooling for all students. Our goals are to ensure students, faculty, and staff safety and have access to high-quality teaching and learning. To help achieve these goals it is essential that families:
- MONITOR for symptoms daily
- STAY HOME if having symptoms
- WEAR a MASK CORRECTLY indoors
- GET VACCINATED if eligible
- TEST routinely
- Practice good HAND HYGIENE
Lastly, the District will publish a weekly COVID-19 Dashboard (Posted to the District Website) each Monday morning before 7:00 AM and notify families of positive cases in the District each Thursday.
Have a great weekend and please reach out if you have any questions.
Respectfully,
Gregory L. Martineau
Superintendent of Schools
