WILMINGTON, MA — At Wednesday night’s School Committee Meeting, Superintendent Dr. Glenn Brand said more guidance will need to come from local and state health officials before the fate of district’s summer programs — CARES, Wildcat Sports Clinics, and Special Education — can be decided.
“Many things are pointing to the reality that they won’t [happen],” admitted Brand.
Summer CARES
If no restrictions are in place at the state and local level, CARES would begin a bit later than usual — Monday, June 29, 2020. And the program would undergo some drastic changes, including:
- Program will operate solely onsite at the North with all off-site field trips & swimming trips eliminated.
- Hours would potentially be reduced to allow for additional time for daily disinfecting.
- Enrollment numbers would potentially be limited (i.e. 15 students per classroom) to assist with social distancing requirements.
- Daily schedules for common areas (e.g., cafeteria, computer lab, gym) would need to be adjusted to assist with social distancing requirements.
- Drop-off/Pick-up procedures would need to be revised to limit the number of people in the building.
“Financially, we incur an additional $100,000 in costs per summer (seasonal staff, custodial cost, supplies). When you add that to your operational budget, we need approximately 120 students per day to cover costs. Therefore, reducing our enrollment too low — per social distancing guidelines — may be cost prohibitive,” warned CARES Program Coordinator Shari Parker in a memo to the School Committee.
“Overall, we do not believe that true ‘social distancing’ as currently defined is truly possible in a Summer Program,” continued Parker. “Our students range in age from 5 to 12, and they will inevitably be in contact with each other no matter what measures are put in place…. Our concern is that we do not want to expose children, staff and the buildings to a virus too soon, which could impact the start of the upcoming school year.”
“As guidelines currently mandate, we struggle to believe we can provide a meaningful Summer CARES program under the current scenario,” concluded Parker.
If registration were to open for Summer CARES via CommunityPass, fees would NOT be collected initially, in case the program was cancelled.
Parker will need a decision by Memorial Day from health and school officials if the summer season of CARES is to run.
Wildcat Summer Clinics
Superintendent Brand briefly discussed the Wildcat Summer Clinics, noting they could begin the week of June 22 or the week of June 29 or the week of July 6 or not all. Ultimately, what happens, and when it happens, will be dictated based on what health officials tell the school district.
“We’re not saying these are happening for certain, nor are we saying they’re cancelled,” said Brand, who asked for patience.
Assistant Superintendent Paul Ruggiero noted that the clinics net $40,000, which the Athletic Department counts on in its budget. If the clinics do not take place, Ruggiero said he will work with the incoming Athletic Director to “bridge the gap” and cover the loss of revenue to the budget.
Ruggiero also took a moment to thank Mary Palen and her Food Services team for giving out 24,000+ FREE meals (6,000+ bags) to Wilmington students since March 20 as part of a popular curbside program emanating from the High School.
“It’s been amazing and such a great service…. We’re happy the community is taking advantage of the program,” said Ruggiero. “Mary and her team are doing Yeoman’s work.”
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