Governor's Guidance on Closing Schools

Good afternoon, staff, parents and members of the Newmarket community-

I communicated this morning the closure of Newmarket schools as a precaution due to the COVID-19 situation.  In light of developments yesterday with this fluid situation, I contacted the NH Commissioner of Education and the Department of Health and Human Services last night to review current circumstances and based on their assessment, made a decision to close school to students for at least two weeks.  I communicated the closure decision early this morning so parents and students have maximum time to prepare.  We are deep cleaning the facilities using a combination of our inhouse staff and a professional service out of abundance of caution, and we may do this on a periodic basis going forward.  Relatedly, we ordered a Clorox Total 360 electrostatic sprayer several weeks ago before the outbreak and we should receive it soon to assist with disinfecting.     

Since my communication this morning, the Governor of New Hampshire has directed that all public schools in the State close to students effective immediately through at least April 3rd  due to COVID-19.  The Governor and Commissioner of Education further directed that all public schools implement remote learning on or before March 23rd.  Here is a link to the Governor’s press conference today.  Governor Press Conference 3/15  Closure will be reassessed based on relevant conditions closer to April 3rd.  Because of our planning efforts thus far, we intend to implement remote learning well before then.

Schools in Newmarket will be closed to students from now until at least April 3rd.  Our goal is that remote learning shall commence in Newmarket by Wednesday, March 18th.  I will know better after the day tomorrow whether this is an achievable goal by Wednesday, and I will let you know tomorrow evening.  Over the next couple days, I would encourage students to complete any unfinished work they currently have and perhaps work ahead if able in their school or online classes and/or do some reading on their own.

All school staff will report to work this week to finalize necessary preparations for the remote learning plan to provide education and support services to students during the closure.  Thereafter, staff will be working at the schools during normal hours during in support of the remote learning program.  Ideally, we think students learn best with teachers and other students present where ideas and thoughts can be exchanged.  Our professional staff will provide creative opportunities for exchange during this remote learning period, and will be in touch with, and available to, all learners through remote connections.  How that will look will of course vary from elementary to high school learners.  Remote learning will not be limited to “online” learning. 

We will soon provide further information as to precisely how remote learning and support services will function.  For example: how lessons will be provided to students; how students will submit work and receive feedback; how individual education plan (IEP) services will be provided; how food services will be provided; etc.  In the interim, here is a link to a Parent/Student Assistance Form we have prepared to better assess needs of individual students and families as remote learning is implemented.  For example, if a student needs a mobile hotspot for online access, we can provide those so all students have remote access.  Kindly complete this SURVEY at your earliest convenience so we may understand and satisfy your particular needs. 

Social distancing is one reason for school closure - the idea is to limit contact and potential spread of COVID-19.  It makes sense for families to do the same away from school as well during this period.  Accordingly, we will provide information soon about social distancing best practices as well as talking points to review with your children. Information about how to talk to your children about COVID-19.

It will be important for all students to maintain a routine learning schedule at home, but also address the possible effects of isolation.  Here is a link to a sample remote learning schedule for guidance in assisting students during the remote learning period: Schedule, Talking Points. In addition to learning, to mitigate as best we can the detriment of social isolation, students are encouraged to stay in touch with their peers, friends, family and relatives through phone calls, video chat, and other non-contact methods.   

We will be in touch with more information soon so you can better understand precisely how learning and services will take place during this period.  We thank you for your patience as we work through the details.

Thank you,

Susan K. Givens, Ed.D.

Superintendent of Schools