Here’s the recording of our March 11th Family Zoom call regarding our Grades 3-5 reopening plans:
We sent opt-in survey links to all families with scholars in grades K-5 on March 8th.
Families must respond to the survey no later than Friday, March 12th.
Please plan to attend our Family Zoom Meeting on Thursday, March 11 at 5 p.m.
All of the pertinent surveys may be accessed by clicking on the below image of the family email:
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Download Alma Family Letter in English
Download Alma Family Letter in Spanish
March 5, 2021
Dear Alma Families,
We hope this letter finds you and your family healthy and well! We are excited to announce that we are currently preparing for scholars in grades 3-5 to return for in-person learning Monday – Thursday as early as Monday, April 12th. We are still determining whether it is feasible to have in-person instruction on Fridays and will make this decision within the next week.
These updates to our reopening plan are subject to the approval by Alma’s Board of Trustees, which will meet on March 26. Please reference your scholars’ grade band below for more information on proposed upcoming changes to our learning model.
Kindergarten – Second Grade
If your scholar is currently learning in-person, they will continue to do so through the end of this school year. If you would like to opt them out of in-person learning at any time, please contact the school.
If you previously opted out of in-person learning, you will now have the opportunity to opt back into in-person learning to begin April 12th. You will receive a survey next week. Previously, we had communicated that your next opportunity to return to in-person learning would be on April 26, but given the changes with grades 3-5 we are moving up that timeline.
Third Grade – Fifth Grade
We are currently preparing to welcome back our 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade scholars to in-person learning starting on Monday, April 12th. While we anticipate that the majority of our 3-5 grade scholars will opt in to in-person learning, we know that a small number of families may choose to continue remote learning due to specific health risks. Grade 3-5 families who prefer to continue with remote learning will have the option to opt-out of in-person learning.
You will receive a survey next week to inform us whether you are opting in or out of in-person learning. Please complete our survey promptly so that we can effectively plan for this reopening. We know you will have many questions and we will be holding a Family Zoom Meeting on Thursday, March 11 at 5 pm. Please also see the FAQ below for more information, or contact the school if you have a personal question.
Sixth Grade – Eighth Grade
Given the continued requirement for social distancing in schools, we do not currently have the space for grades 6-8 to return to in-person learning at this time. We recognize this is extremely difficult for our oldest scholars and their families.
The best way to offer the least disruptive and highest quality educational experience for all of our scholars is to continue to provide strong remote learning for our scholars in grades 6-8 until it’s possible for them to be fully in person.
As always, thank you for your dedication to your scholars’ education. We are honored to serve you and your scholars, and are beyond grateful for your continued hard work during this extremely challenging time.
In Service,
Will Gardner
Commonly Asked Questions regarding School Reopening
Will my scholar have the same teacher?
Scholars learning in person will have the same teachers for their core academic subjects as they have had in the remote setting. We will do our very best to keep scholars with their same Crew leader.
If my scholar stays remote will they have their own remote teachers or be Zooming into class?
At this point in time we cannot confirm the exact structure for our remote-only scholars. Scholars and families should be prepared for either option.
When will I have to confirm my choice for opting in or out of in-person learning?
All Third through Fifth grade families will be surveyed the week of March 8th – 12th and we ask that all families confirm their choice during this window.
Will my scholar still receive their special education services?
Yes, all scholars in our special education program will continue to receive their special education services in person with a specialist or other service provider.
What time does school start/end and do scholars learn remotely on Fridays?
Scholar arrival time is any time between 7:50 – 8:30am. Crew begins promptly at 8:30am and scholars are considered tardy at 8:31am. Dismissal is at 2:30pm each day. We are still considering the Friday schedule and will communicate to families as soon as that decision has been made.
Are there changes to the school calendar for this year?
There are no major changes to the school calendar. As previously communicated, April vacation is the week of 4/19 – 4/23, all scholars in grades K-5 will have in-person learning the week following break (4/26 – 4/30). Scholars’ final day of school remains as June 24th. Any other schedule updates will be communicated to families.
Will scholars wear their uniform to school?
Yes, all scholars are required to wear their Alma uniform (light blue polo, khaki pants, black shoes). If you are having trouble getting uniforms, please let your scholar’s teacher or our front desk know and we can support you in obtaining a uniform. Please order your uniform directly from Superior Logos, located at 13 Brooks St. Their phone number is 508-717-6776. If purchasing a uniform this year is a hardship, please reach out to Marie Tavares, our Families Helping Families coordinator for support at marietavares@almadelmar.org
Does my scholar have to wear a mask?
Yes, all scholars and staff are required to wear a mask during the school day except during Breakfast, Lunch, and their Outdoor break times. Scholars should bring their own mask to school, and Alma has extras on hand if needed. Please practice having your scholar wear their mask at home.
Will the scholars have co-curriculars and Recess?
Yes, all scholars will have one in-person co-curricular class and at least one outdoor break each day.
Can my scholar take the bus?
Just like in previous years, any scholar who lives 1.5 miles or more from our campus will be eligible for transportation. Our Front Desk team will call eligible families to let them know their bus stop location and times. If you live less than 1.5 miles from the school your scholar will not qualify for transportation and will need a ride to and from school each day.
Can my scholar bring lunch from home?
Yes, scholars may bring their own lunch as well as reusable water bottles from home each day.