The Regional School Committee met on Feb. 24. Here’s a quick overview of the highlights:
- The District is striving for 80 percent participation from students in the weekly COVID-19 pool screening process. It’s about half way there and the hope is that as the program continues, more students will participate.
- Any student participating in athletes or in-person extra curricular activities is required to be screened on a weekly basis.
- Social emotional learning has always been a priority at Algonquin Regional High School, but this year it’s even more important during a pandemic year. Teachers, nurses, guidance counselors and adjustment counselors, and school psychologist are all working together.
- ARHS has an articulation agreement with Nichols College so students who take Accounting 1 or 2 can take an exam and earn college credit. The hope is that this expands to more courses and departments.
- The ARHS reopening plan is complex. The school has 1,400 students and class sizes fluctuate from course to course. Passing in the halls and at lunch time is not the same as it is at the elementary school level. The District is working on a plan.
- If parents paid a student activity fee of $50 this year, but their child is not participating in any activities, that $50 will be refunded. The District cannot collect this fee across the board as it is not legal per Massachusetts General Law. Once a student commits to a club or organization, they will then be required to pay the fee.
Watch the full meeting (if you have four hours) on YouTube or fast forward to hear the discussion on specific agenda items.