3-13-20

Dear Hampden Charter School of Science Community,

I am writing to let you know that as always, the safety and health of our students and staff is our top priority. We understand that all of us have concerns and uncertainties regarding the Coronavirus also known as COVID - 19. I want to assure you that we are working closely with our local agencies, most readily the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and Massachusetts Department of Secondary Education (DESE) to obtain the most up to date information on this rapidly changing situation.

Hampden Charter School of Science is closing for fourteen calendar days, beginning Monday, March 16. The scheduled date of return to school is Monday, March 30. We will communicate with you throughout the period of closure. The closure includes the cancellation of all academic, athletic, and extracurricular activities. The school facilities may not be used for any event during the period of closure. All schools and facilities will be thoroughly deep cleaned while closed.

We will have staff training on Monday and communicate the plans for students and parents to transition instruction from classroom to cloud (online learning) beginning Tuesday, March 17.

Today, Education Commissioner Riley and Officials from the Department of Public Health Officials made their second phone conference with Superintendents across the state about Coronavirus (COVID-19). In this phone conference, both agencies recommended that schools should continue to collaborate, share information, and review plans with local health officials to help protect the whole school community, including those with special health needs. Additionally, they recommend that schools design plans to minimize disruption to the educational process and protect students and staff from social stigma and discrimination.

While HCSS does not have a confirmed case of Coronavirus (COVID-19) within its school community, we take all precautionary actions to make sure our students and staff safety. HCSS will continue to provide education online to minimize disruption as recommended by the Commissioner.

  • Online Education will start on Tuesday, March 17. Visit your Google Classroom and expect a message from your teachers and Mr. Polat, Chief Academic Officer.

  • There will be a deep cleaning scheduled on March 14 and March 15, 2020, on both school campuses. All weekend activities are canceled.

  • All out of state and international trips are canceled.

  • School buses are being disinfected by our transportation companies First Student and Five Star.

There are several steps that students, staff and community members can take to mitigate the spread of all respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19, according to the Massachusett Department of Health:

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer;

  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands;

  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick;

  • Stay home when you are sick;

  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash; and

  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

Additionally, we are fortunate in our district that we have a robust technological infrastructure as well as teachers trained in a multitude of online platforms, applications, and instructional strategies.

Thank you for support and understanding during this time of uncertainty. We will continue to keep you informed as any new information is known.

Sincerely,

Tarkan Topcuoglu

Superintendent/CEO