The Child Nutrition Outreach Program (CNOP) at Project Bread has created a webpage containing information and resources on school closure meals. The webpage also includes information about Pandemic-Electronic Benefit Transfer (P-EBT). The P-EBT resources were specifically created for schools and include an FAQ, P-EBT flyer for families, template emails to send to families, and promotional tools. You can view the resources here: https://meals4kids.org/COVID19
Families can qualify for P-EBT by completing the School Year 2019-2020 household school meal application. Even though school meals are currently free for all kids and teens through temporary USDA school closure waivers, a household school meal application approved right now does ensure the continuation of school meal benefits during the 30-day carryover period next school year. The approved school meal application also makes the household immediately eligible for P-EBT benefits. Therefore, DESE encourages school districts to approve School Year 2019-2020 household school meal applications received expeditiously and include those students in subsequent P-EBT student data submissions to DESE.
These are public announcements from the Superintendent of Agawam Public Schools on the current state and status of COVID-19. This message is meant to show transparency with the district while we work with the Governor, Commissioner of Education, CDC, and Local Health Departments.
An Announcement from the Superintendent on Guidelines for Remote Learning from the Agawam Public Schools.
"Agawam Public Schools has been working to address remote learning and have developed Grade Level guidelines under the guidance of the Commissioner of Education for Massachusetts. The Commissioner's Guidelines are the framework for all Districts in Massachusetts and have been carefully developed to meet the needs of all children during the COVID-19 crisis. I urge all to take a close look at the Commissioner's Guidelines and the specific guidelines for your child's school.
As we continue to educate students to the best of our abilities, we will continue to refine remote learning to best meet the learning needs of ALL children. Please remember, remote learning is not Virtual Learning. Remote learning is a blend of various strategies for students to learn. Practical experiences off of computer screens are very important for overall learning.
Thank you for your patience and understanding. We acknowledge this is a difficult time for families as we stay safe at home."
News from the Commissioner Jeffrey C. Riley on Remote Learning - Read the Announcement
April Break Distance Learning Survey
The School Committee voted to utilize the April Vacation which was scheduled for April 20th - 24th to continue student learning. However, Patriots Day will be observed on Monday, April 20th. Please take this time to try and disconnect from screens/devices and enjoy the day off. The new weekly menus in Google Classrooms will be posted on Tuesday, April 21st. The school year is now projected to end on Friday, June 19, 2020.
Remote Learning Recommendations During COVID-19 School Closures
Following the Governor’s announcement that schools will not re-open before May 4, 2020, The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education issued additional guidance regarding district and school remote learning plans.
With the extension of this closure, we believe students, families, educators, and staff in all communities will benefit from the clarity of statewide recommendations as educators and others continue to support their students during this crisis.
Soon, I will provide you with a summary of the short set of guiding principles that were derived from the state and revised to fit the needs of the Agawam community in regards to remote learning over the next several weeks.
Remote learning cannot replace students’ experiences in school communities with their teachers, administrators, and support staff. We must all pull together – parents and caregivers, students, the community, and of course, our educators and staff – to help students continue their learning over this extended period.
As a school district, Agawam Public Schools will take the direction from the state and work to put forth more specific guidelines according to our contexts, capacities, and needs.
We will continue to issue guidance to support districts and schools in their implementation of remote learning, including specific recommendations related to students with disabilities, English learners, and high school students.
We are all working hard in this effort and appreciate your continued feedback, support and understanding.
Information on ALICE Training and Video are located in the Parents & Guardians section under Safety Information
Superintendent's Message
Welcome to the Agawam Public Schools website. Our school district is a wonderful place for families to grow and learn together. We are excited to be able to use this website to better communicate with students, parents, and the community-at-large.
The goal of this website is to keep our families and residents informed about the amazing things taking place in our eight schools. Because we are proud of our website, we are working diligently to improve how information important to all stakeholders is delivered. Consequently, we utilize an information system which allows us to highlight special programs and events. In addition, it provides access to the school calendar, sport schedules, and significant announcements. Moreover, we will continue to develop individual classroom and program web pages and to provide important links to other educational sites. Your patience, as we grow our website, is greatly appreciated.
Our district appreciates the assistance of volunteers and encourages parents/guardians to become members of our individual school Parent Teacher Organizations and School Improvement Councils. We also invite parents and guardians to attend our Back-To-School Nights, Parent-Teacher Conferences, sporting events, as well as special events held throughout the school year.
Whether or not you are able to volunteer or attend events in the district, we ask that you keep in contact with your child’s teacher and school principal. It is only by keeping the lines of communication open that we can continue to do what is in the best interest of the children placed in our care. We value your input and welcome your support of our schools.
Sincerely,
Steven P. Lemanski
Superintendent of Schools
Resources for Families & Students During Distance Learning:
Agawam Mental Health and Wellbeing Resources: Click Here
To Submit an IT Support Ticket for Your Device: Click Here
This is a resource dedicated to Students and Families within the area of Agawam and/or West Springfield - Read more Details
Agawam Public Schools Lunch Service
Monday - Pick up for Monday and Tuesday
Wednesday - Pick up for Wednesday and Thursday
Friday - Pick up for Friday, Saturday and Sunday
Staff Self-care Tools:
This is an ongoing list that is dedicated to helping educators (or all adults really) practice self-care and how to deal with stress at this emotional time for us all:
