Fall 2020 FAQs

Hybrid Learning Model

List of 3 frequently asked questions.

  • Q: What does the Hybrid Learning Model look like?

    • This model creates three groupings: PK-K, Grades 1-4, and Grades 5-8. Within each grade level, students will be divided into smaller cohorts of roughly 8-13 students. 
    • Grades 1-4 cohorts and Grades 5-8 cohorts will alternate a week of in-person learning at school with a week of remote learning.  
    • Given that early elementary learners developmentally struggle the most with remote learning, the Pre Kindergarten, TK, and Kindergarten cohorts will attend school in-person Monday-Friday every week.
    • We will share the schedule so parents will know when Grades 1-4 will be in the building (“A” weeks) vs when Grades 5-8 will be (“B” weeks), and what a sample in-person and remote week schedule will look like.
    • Families who require remote only instruction will be assigned to a cohort and will learn remotely during their cohort’s weeks in the building via Zoom and the Owl Cameras technology, paired with follow-up from cohort teachers, learning specialists, and when possible staff buddies assigned to families.

  • Q: Is there a choice of attendance in the hybrid model?

    • We understand that some families may have health-related family issues or safety concerns related to attending in person. We have surveyed families asking if they plan to start the school in the Hybrid model or completely remote. Remote students will attend the “in-person” weeks via Zoom and Owl Cameras. They will be paired with cohort teachers, learning specialists and, when possible, staff buddies.

  • Q: If I choose remote learning and change my mind during the year, will there be a spot in the building during Hybrid or In-person scenarios?

    The Fayerweather policy is that we are not giving parents a back and forth choice between hybrid and remote learning. Parents have to choose either Hybrid or Remote learning options. Of course, if a child is sick or needs to quarantine, this presents other considerations and remote learning will be available. 

    Why? The enormous preparation and planning it takes to effectuate both models makes it difficult to be flexible. Teaching students remotely, during in-person weeks, will take some extra follow up from the learning specialists to make sure that students are effectively engaging in their learning. Learning during in-person weeks requires the appropriate spacing and adherence to health protocols that each staff and student will be closely following. Each scenario requires significant planning, support, and preparation.

    If parents decide to switch from one model to another (Remote or Hybrid), the school will need up to one month to adequately plan for this transition so that we are meeting the needs of students and staff.
     
    Thank you for your understanding and partnership.

Student Cohorts

List of 6 frequently asked questions.

  • Q: How are cohorts formed?

    • Teachers form cohorts based on grade level, as well as the same factors used in creating full classes, such as supportive and inclusive friendships, learning needs, and group dynamics. Parent input is valued, though final placement decisions are made in collaboration with teachers and administrators.

  • Q: Will cohorts change during the year?

    • Cohorts will remain the same throughout the year.

  • Q: Will there be intentional opportunities for students to continue to have peer groups of neighboring grade levels?

    • We are looking at ways to provide whole group, mixed grade experiences; for example, leveraging outdoor spaces as we consider group socialization activities and via technology in remote weeks. We will not mix groups inside the building.

  • Q: How will Specials work with cohorts?

    • Specials are a crucial mission-driven aspect of the Fayerweather educational experience. Specialists will join a cohort for an intensive extended  period of time (4-6 weeks) giving those students an immersive experience with that special. They will share their lessons with the other cohorts of that grade group. While this model would not allow each grade to take the same variety of specials over the course of the year, they should get a deeper experience with the ones offered. Specialists will supplement the learning experiences of other grades through technology. Students will not share equipment, instruments, or supplies and all materials will be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected before the specialist transitions to the next cohort.

  • Q: Will cohorts be single or mixed grades?

    • In response to the unusual circumstances of this pandemic, cohorts will be almost always single grade. Each cohort of 8-13 students will have one in-person teacher with them, along with a specialist or other assigned staff member to support teachers and students. Teaching teams are looking at ways to support mixed grade groupings with their non-cohort teacher during remote weeks via Zoom or other technology.

  • Q: Can cohorts get together during remote weeks for learning or socializing opportunities?

    • We hope that cohorts will create a bond and help support each other with learning, socializing, and families’ needs (such as carpool and childcare). We are working with the Parent Association to adapt the Class Reps program, and hope that they will be inclusive groups for all students and families. If you’re interested in being a rep for your cohort, please contact PA Co-Chairs Erin McLaughlin and Farley Urmston.

School Day Schedule

List of 6 frequently asked questions.

  • Q: Will school hours remain the same?

    • Yes, school will begin at 8:30am for PK-6, and 8:15am for the Unit. Classrooms will be open at 8:15am for PK-6, and 8:05am for the Unit. The school day for PreK-K classes ends at 3:00pm. Additionally, every Friday, regardless of in-person or remote, is a half-day to allow for teacher planning and meeting time.

  • Q: Will there be after school sports teams (soccer, basketball, ultimate frisbee)?

    • We are waiting for guidance from the state and will make that decision in collaboration with the other schools in our sports league.

  • Q: Is this a fall plan or a whole year plan?

    • We are starting school using the Hybrid Learning Model. We will remain using that until we are further informed by the state, DESE, and the CDC. That information will help us to determine our transition to Scenario 3: Remote Learning. We are closely monitoring infection rates, cases, and guidance from medical experts, Boards of Health, the state, DESE, and the CDC and may pivot to remote before instructed to as we did in March.

  • Q: Will remote weeks look like the learning from last Spring?

    • While our teachers quickly pivoted to remote learning, there was not the time they usually have to create a new curriculum. Grade level teams have been pursuing professional development and planning all summer. Additionally we have new and improved technology including chromebooks, iPads, and the OWL Cameras to assist with remote learning. We are working to create a stronger learning experience for students based in a consistent structure, engaging projects, more opportunities for collaboration between students, and the need for strong social emotional support and connection.

  • Q: Will Before School and Extended Day care be available?

    • There will be no morning or afternoon extended day care until further notice.

  • Q: How will drop-off and dismissal work?

    • Until further notice, we cannot accommodate parents and visitors in the building, so all morning drop-off and afternoon dismissal will need to be via car lines at the front driveway and Spinelli side of the building. Those procedures will be covered in full in the Parent Handbook. As students arrive, parents will need to stay in the carpool line while we confirm the family has performed the symptom screening on the Magnus health app.

Health and Safety

List of 6 frequently asked questions.

  • Q: What will be required of the community to make sure that everyone entering the building is healthy?

    • FSS has partnered with Magnus Health and will be asking parents to download an App that will assist families in a daily assessment of their children’s health. This information will be shared with Nick, our health professional. This will assess students’ health and provide guidance on staying home or seeking medical advice or testing before returning to school. We all must take responsibility to be honest, accurate, and careful about reporting and staying home if we suspect or have any illness, including Covid-19.
    • Additionally, before the start of the 2020-2021 school year, you are required to provide the following documentation for your child(ren) by Friday, August 15, 2020. These policies will be strictly implemented this year. 
        • A current copy of your child’s or children's vaccination record from their last "well child" visit. Massachusetts state immunization requirements can be found here.
        • If your child has a medical exemption for vaccinations, this must be provided from your physician prior to the start of school.
        • If your child has a religious exemption for vaccinations documentation from your religious organization must be provided before the start of school.
        • Fayerweather Street School does not accept personal vaccination exemptions.
        • You can contact Nick for more information and update your medical information form on MyFSS, or via email, mail, or fax.
    • Families are required to get a seasonal flu vaccine as soon as possible.

  • Q: DESE requires students in Grades 2 and older to wear masks; will students in PK-1 be required to wear a mask?

    • Fayerweather requires mask/face coverings that cover the nose and mouth for all grades. Students with medical, behavioral, or other challenges who are unable to wear masks/face coverings may under certain but not all circumstances have the option of wearing a face shield, but we prefer their families choose for them to participate in fully remote learning instead. We are committed to everyone on campus wearing masks at all times, excluding masks breaks, and will be guiding and supporting our students as they adapt to wearing them.

  • Q: How can we keep students safely distanced from each other in classrooms?

    • We will be using state and federal guidelines to set up the classroom environment as safely as possible and using the student cohort model so that students may safely engage with others in their cohort. We are also working to create short, fun PSA videos on social distancing, personal hygiene, and other safety measures for families to watch and practice before classes begin.

  • Q: What guidance is in place for students' use of restrooms?

    • Staff will ensure students follow the appropriate guidelines and capacity limits while visiting the restroom. Hand washing will be stressed. Bathrooms will be cleaned throughout the day and disinfected each night.

  • Q: What is the plan for a suspected or confirmed case of COVID-19 at the school?

    • The single most important thing to do if any symptoms are present is to STAY HOME. Our collective health relies, in part, on individual attention and responsibility. Note that some symptoms of COVID-19 are the same as the flu or a bad cold; please do not assume it is another condition. We encourage any family who is in doubt, to STAY HOME.
      The quick reference sheet in our Health and Safety Addendum (pages 7-12) outlines key actions when responding to a COVID-19 event.

  • Q: Will students be required to self-quarantine before returning to school?

    • Should you choose to travel to congested areas and/or places with widespread, ongoing, community transmission of COVID-19 prior to the start of school, you could be subjected to a 14-day quarantine before entering the building. Please also refer to the Massachusetts state travel guidelines. If you have questions about your travel plans, please contact Nick Shostak, School Nurse.

Drop-off/Dismissal Procedures

List of 2 frequently asked questions.

Magnus Health

List of 3 frequently asked questions.

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Fayerweather Street School | 765 Concord Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02138 | 617-876-4746
Fayerweather is a private PreK, kindergarten, elementary and middle school. We engage each child’s intellect.