MERSD Back-to-School Update

Good Afternoon MERSD Community,

After three great days of on campus events, we are excited to officially start the 2020-2021 academic year tomorrow!  In preparation for the start of the year,  faculty and staff have been participating in professional development and training in the hyflex model of remote learning.  Our model is designed to provide students with a structured and synchronous academic day, and it utilizes a combination of best practices that will include live whole-class instruction, teacher-led small group work, and independent student work.  Although we will be starting our school year remotely, our goal remains to bring students back to in-person learning as soon as possible. 

 

MERSD Parent Help Desk Support 

Hours of Operation: 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM

Email: MERSDhelp@axiscomputernetworks.com

Phone: 978-463-2112 

Parent call-in procedures:

• Calls to the helpdesk will be answered by MERSD’s technology partner, Axis Computer Networks.
• When calling in, parents should inform the help desk operator (or voicemail if you leave one) that they are calling from Manchester Essex schools
• Please be aware that you may also receive incomings calls from Axis Computer Networks if they are following upon your prior inquiry 

Home Wifi

A good Internet connection is important to your child’s ability to access remote learning. Please be aware that home use of the following may impact internet speeds: online streaming apps, video gaming, streaming music, Netflix, and/or any type of downloadable content. 

Student Devices  

MERSD has a web filtering program for our devices while they are on campus in our school buildings.  However, when these devices are home and attached to an external Wi-Fi/Internet source, devices will not be connected to our district internet, and, therefore, all student devices must be monitored by parents for proper use. We will retain the ability to push out apps to our IPads and through our G-Suite program and our Student Learning Systems, but we ask that parents monitor students’ internet usage on school-owned devices.  

 

MERSD Grab & Go Lunches

Meals will be available to all MERSD families at no charge for pick up between 10 am and 12 pm on weekdays.  No advance ordering is required.  Breakfast and lunch options will be available.

• In Manchester, the pick-up location will be at the Middle-High School.  Please use the community entrance, which is the set of doors to the right of the main building entrance.
• In Essex, the pick-up location will be at Essex Elementary.  Please use the doors by the cafeteria, to the right of the main entrance. 

Entrance into MERSD buildings is not currently permitted due to safe distancing protocols.  A member of the MERSD food service team will meet you at the doors for meal pick up.  Please send questions to grimesc@mersd.org

 

MERSD is committed to two-way communication with our families to ensure that we are transparent in our decision making and that we are providing families with information as soon as it becomes available.  Not only will you receive weekly emails from your school principal, but you can also expect to regularly hear from your child’s teacher(s) to ensure you have a clear understanding of your child’s learning expectations for the fall. It is important that we hear your perspective regarding your child’s learning needs as well as his/her/their social-emotional development in order to put a plan in place for your child’s continued growth.  Please do not hesitate to contact your child's teacher, counselor, or building principal with any questions or concerns you may have about the upcoming year. 

Have a great first day of school!

Pam