The August School Committee kicked off with the School Committee meeting and welcoming the new Barnstable High School Principal, Liz Freedman, to the district.
She shared with the Committee what she has been working on this summer and the plans for the new school year. She is planning an 8th grade orientation, as well as an orientation for last year’s remote learning students and any new students entering the high school this year. There will be a vaccination clinic at the high school on August 20 from 12:00-2:00 PM for all students over the age of 12 and their families. Welcome to Barnstable, Principal Freedman!
In her Superintendent’s Report, Dr. Mayo-Brown informed the Committee that DESE (Department of Elementary and Secondary Education) and DPH released guidance on face masks in schools this upcoming year. They are strongly recommending students in grades K-6 wear masks when indoors. Unvaccinated students, staff, and visitors in grades 7-12 should wear masks indoors. Vaccinated students and staff are recommended to remain unmasked. Students and staff, regardless of whether they are vaccinated or not, must wear masks while on buses and when in health service offices at school. Masks are not necessary outdoors. Dr. Mayo-Brown stated the Reopening Steering Committee will meet on August 11 discuss the recommendations and make a recommendation to the School Committee regarding the district’s mask wearing policy.
The School Committee discussed options for the new mascot logo for Barnstable High School. Art students from Barnstable High School had submitted logo ideas this past spring and the Community Engagement Subcommittee worked with Art Department Head Matt Kemp to choose a few designs to move forward. The School Committee decided to survey the students at Barnstable Intermediate School and High School this September to hear their voice for the final decision is made for the new mascot logo for the Barnstable High School RedHawks – stay tuned!