Out-of-School Time Plan

Overview 

Traditional before and after school activities are an important part of students’ social lives and enrich their in-school learning experiences. As the school leadership teams plan for the reopening of schools in a hybrid model, we are considering virtual delivery of after school programs, co-curricular activities, clubs, and extra help to begin the school year. If health circumstances change, the district will reassess this out-of-school time virtual plan. 

 

For families who need child care for their elementary school-aged children, the district has an existing contract with the Needham Extended Day Program (NEDP) which provides a tuition-based before and after school program at each elementary school. Please contact [email protected] or 781-444-6337 for information. 

Additional Supports, Instruction, or Services

Online Learning Platforms for K-5 Students: The district will continue to provide virtual opportunities through free access to two online learning platforms: Lexia®Core5® for reading (current Kindergarten and Grades 1–4) and Freckle for math (current Grades 1–5). These fun and engaging programs individualize reading and math learning for students to help them develop and maintain core skills. Only a small amount of online participation, just a few times per week for 10–20 minutes, can have a big impact on student skill retention and development. In addition, families can continue to access the lessons and activities from the Elementary Remote Enrichment Plan, which will remain available in their child's online platform for Seesaw or Google Classroom. 

 

Athletics: The Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA) has voted to delay the start of fall sports. Our tentative start date is September 21 pending district approval. The MIAA is developing safety guidelines as well as plans for in-person, hybrid and remote opening that involves modified program offerings. We are hopeful to offer the following sports with modifications this fall: Boys and Girls Soccer, Field Hockey, Boys Golf, Boys and Girls Cross Country, Girls Swimming and Diving. The Bay State Conference Athletic Directors and Principals have voted to move the following sports to the MIAA "Floating Fall Season" (2/22/21-4/25/21): Football, Cheer, Dance, Unified Basketball, Girls Volleyball. More details will be released once a plan is finalized by the district. In the meantime, families can still register at activitylocker.com

 

High School and Middle School Co-Curricular Programs and Clubs: Wherever possible, teachers/advisors will offer co-curricular activities and clubs virtually during the 2020-2021 school year. Although different than the in-person programs, the virtual delivery will support students’ personal interests and create additional opportunities for social interaction.

 

Musical and Theatrical Performances, Activities and Programs: In order to ensure alignment with the DESE Guidelines regarding chorus, singing, musical theater, and using brass or woodwind instruments, Band and Chorus classes or programs held beyond the school day will shift from performance-based instruction to one that advances additional ensemble skills that are outlined in the Creating, Responding, and Connecting MA Arts Curriculum Framework Strands for Ensembles and Music. Ensembles and Performing Arts classes would be taught in accordance with the guidelines mentioned above.

 

When offered beyond the school day, instruction for Band, Chorus, Orchestra, and other ensemble classes students will focus on advancing individual and group performance skills and on expanding upon in-person instruction. These guidelines will remain in place until musical rehearsals can resume in an in-person indoor model as determined by DESE and State Guidelines. We will be starting the Private Lesson Program virtually with the hope that this can be reassessed later in the Fall for the instruments that DESE currently allows to be performed indoors (strings, piano, percussion).

 

Needham Community Education (NCE): In the spring and summer, NCE successfully piloted virtual and outdoor afterschool enrichment programs and plans to continue with fee-based programs in the coming school year. Scholarships will be available in order to provide access to programs for all families. NCE staff will live-teach all programs in small groups with a focus on creating social connections and providing engaging games, crafts, and activities for elementary and middle school students. For high school students and adults, offerings include programs such as walking tours, online cooking classes, a bicycle safety course, online book clubs, bridge, art classes, and SAT Prep, among many others.

 

Tutoring Support: Families can contact their school’s Guidance Office for information regarding tutors. In addition, Needham High School National Honor Society tutors will volunteer their time to help students who may need extra support.

 

Boston-Resident Student and Family Support: METCO, Inc. offers a number of supports for our Boston-resident families, including virtual workshops. Traditionally, tutoring support for Boston-resident students is available during out-of-school time, but that service may be delivered virtually for the coming school year. Please contact our METCO Director, Dr. Joanne Allen-Willoughby ([email protected])  for additional information.

 

Other After-Hour School Building Use: For health and safety reasons, and to provide Building Maintenance with the necessary time for thorough cleaning and disinfecting, we will have a moratorium on all after school building use for all parent, community, and other uses until further notice.

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