DATES TO REMEMBER
Monday, April 5
Students Full Day, In-Person Learning!
Wednesday, April 14
PTO Meeting, 7:00pm
Thursday, April 15
School Committee Meeting, 7:00pm
April 19 – April 23
NO SCHOOL, April Vacation
April 1, 2021
Dear Moose Community,
On Monday, April 5, 2021, Shutesbury Elementary School will resume full day in-person instruction
after 389 days of remote or hybrid learning. This is an emotional moment for many of us. I want to
thank the staff at SES for their dedication, talent and compassion that they have displayed toward
each other and our students for the past 389 days. I also want to acknowledge the hours of work and
support our families have given to their students and teachers. Although this past year was not ideal
for anyone, I am extremely proud of the quality of education and support we have been able to
deliver our students and their families.
The next 10 weeks of full day in-person instruction will be a big shift for us all. We acknowledge that
the learning stamina for our students will need to be gradually built up. Many of our students arrive
home exhausted from half day in-person learning. We can all expect emotions and frustrations to be
a little higher in the afternoons for several weeks as our young students acclimate to a full day of
learning and socialization. We are planning our afternoons to help accommodate this shift. We
appreciate everyone’s efforts to be extra kind and supportive as we all do everything in our power to
make this a successful transition for all.
Many families attended our evening meeting that outlined many of our full day plans on March 22nd.
If you did not attend this meeting, a recording of it is available on the front page of the school
website for your review. We have also updated our Handbook to reflect the shift to full day in-person
instruction. You can examine that HERE and also find the link on the front page of the school
website. Please don’t forget to send in the symptom checklist sheet DAILY or fill out the form online!
There have been several frequently asked questions about April 5th that I want to clear up. I have
created a FAQ document along with this letter to help answer some of those remaining questions. As
always, feel free to reach out with any other questions regarding Monday’s return.
I can’t express how happy I am to see all of the children that are coming to school on Monday. I am
prepared to be blown away by how tall they have gotten and how many teeth may be missing (but
covered by a mask!)! Mostly, I can’t wait to see their smiling eyes and faces as they greet their
teachers and classmates.
Sincerely,
Jackie
