Hanover Public Schools

March 16, 2020

  • Academic Resources:  Around 6:30 PM this evening, each principal will send their plan for academics to families that is consistent with the direction we have received from the MA Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE).  For the time being, these plans are for enrichment activities and to maintain the skills and concepts already covered this year.  Teachers and staff will be connecting with families and students in the days ahead with resources, optional assignments, and suggestions for activities that can be done from home.  Teachers and administrators will be available via school email for questions, feedback, and ideas.  
  • Access to school buildings/medication:  Tomorrow will be the last opportunity for staff and students to access the buildings to pick up personal items, medication, curricular materials, etc.  Principals will be available tomorrow from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM at HMS and HHS and 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM at both elementary schools.  Any parent needing to pick up medication must email our Director of Health Services, Patricia Smith, in advance for access.  Her email address is psmith@hanoverschools.org, and she will make arrangements to meet you at your child’s school.  
  • Administrator Availability: District and building administrators will be accessible and checking emails and phone messages regularly throughout this period of closure, and all school buildings will be closed to the public after tomorrow.  Staff members will receive information about payroll and benefits from the HR Office.  
  • Wifi Access: Below is information that we received from Comcast/Xfinity about free wifi access.  Please understand that this is not a service that we control, but we are sharing it with you as a possible resource if you need it. Additional information.

March 15, 2020

  • Governor Baker announced that all schools in the state will be closed for three weeks starting on Tuesday.
  • In Hanover, we continue to work on plans to support our students and their families both academically and socially in the weeks ahead.
  • There will be another update tomorrow evening.
  • The Governor emphasized the importance of social distancing and limiting interaction between non-family members.
  • The outpouring of kindness and support for each other the past few days has been overwhelming. If we all stick together (from 6 feet apart), we will get through this.

March 13, 2020

Update 1

  • School closure from Monday, March 16 through Friday, March 27.
  • Over the next two weeks, we will reassess to determine if a longer closure is warranted. This decision was made earlier today in consultation with, and in line with, over 25 other South Shore school districts. 

Update 2

  • Academics: We will be sharing school based plans with students and families on Monday, March 16, 2020, regarding continuity of academics over the next two weeks. We are working with our teachers and leadership team on plans to support student learning until we return to normal. Realistically, these learning experiences will look differently for all levels but we are hopeful that we can provide all students with meaningful activities that will keep them engaged.

    There are many questions around grades, standardized tests, open assignments, and overall expectations for academics at every level.  Each principal will be sharing their plan with students and families on Monday.  We want all of our students to know that we will do our very best to support them during the next two weeks and when we are back to normal.  Everyone needs a couple of days to adjust to this new situation, and we need the weekend and Monday to prepare next steps.  Your patience is greatly appreciated.
  • Activities/Athletics: All extra-curricular and athletic activities are either cancelled or will be postponed for the next two weeks.  The MIAA is pushing spring sports back (for now) until March 30th.  We will postpone significant events (Junior Prom, Credit for Life Fair, etc) and try to reschedule at a later date.  More information on all upcoming activities and events will be coming from principals in the days ahead.
  • School Building Access: If your child needs to access the school building to pick up personal items, athletic equipment, medication, school materials, or even that old lunch that shouldn’t sit in their locker for two weeks, please contact the building principal to arrange a time. Administrators will be available throughout this closure, and the best way to connect with them is via email to answer any questions that you may have.
  • Family Support/Food: On Monday, March 16, 2020, we will have information to share with families who may need assistance with lunches/food during this closure.

March 12, 2020

  • Presently, there are no confirmed or presumed positive cases of COVID-19 in Hanover.
  • We learned late this afternoon that a student at Hanover Middle School was in contact with a person who has tested positive for COVID-19. This individual is not symptomatic and is voluntarily self quarantining.  We have been advised by the Hanover Board of Health that no other staff or students require self quarantine or additional action at this time.
  • Out of an abundance of caution, all Hanover Public Schools will be closed tomorrow, Friday, March 13, 2020, in order to give all of our schools a deep cleaning.
  • All school events tonight are cancelled. 
  • All events that are scheduled in our school buildings this weekend, are cancelled.
  • Future events are still under consideration.
  • We are waiting for a determination from the MIAA about the status of the Hanover High state championship hockey game this Sunday at the TD Garden.
  • There is a statewide conference call tomorrow with the DESE Commissioner and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health regarding COVID-19. We hope to have more information about our future plans following that call.