Click here for Portuguese, Spanish and Arabic translations of this letter.
Dear Parents and Students of the Westborough Public Schools,
As I noted in my opening letter to families two weeks ago, we have really wonderful improvements happening this summer at several of our schools. These are necessary improvements to space needs as well as repairs. Although the construction crews are working quickly and diligently, school construction timelines are tight and the unusual amount of rain has significantly slowed down the projects. Unfortunately, the opening of school will be delayed until Thursday, September 6th. This is happening because of delays to the construction projects at the Hastings and Armstrong Schools.
We gave full consideration to the best plan for our district. While we considered opening the other schools on time, we believe this will cause families and faculty and staff more confusion and stress. Additionally, the cost of bussing, shared staffing, as well as other complications both financial and organizational make it important to open all schools at the same time. This is the model, which was necessary during the past renovation of Westborough High in 2001, and proved to be effective.
I am greatly distressed that the change will cause your family inconveniences, however, I firmly believe that given the circumstances this plan is the best option for our students.
Four important things to keep in mind:
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Students will start school on Thursday, September 6th.
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Our high school fall interscholastic sports program will not be impacted by the delayed school start. All scheduled games and practices will be held as previously scheduled. With the exception of the High School Marching Band and “Rangers Give Back,” all after school clubs and activities at both the middle school and high school will also be delayed until the first day of school.
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Childcare coverage will be made available from Community Education for the five missed school days of Wednesday August 29, 30, 31 and September 4 and 5. Please refer to the attached letter for full details. Childcare Option
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Before establishing the new date for our last day of school, we will have to determine how we will make up the 5 missed days. This plan might impact school vacation days or the length of school days. The plan will be developed by October, and will need approval by both our local School Committee and the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.
We are a resilient and supportive school community, and I have confidence that this setback will not affect the exceptional teaching and learning that occurs in our classrooms. These improvements to our district are essential and a highly positive change to our educational setting. Opening all of our schools safely is a shared priority and I appreciate your support as we look forward to welcoming all students back on September 6th. Please feel free to contact my office with questions or concerns regarding the delayed opening of school.
Thank you,
Amber Bock
Superintendent of Schools
Westborough