When will school supply list be shared?They’ve been shared but can be re-shared/picked up at picnic and will be sent home on first day.
Will the students receive mask breaks?
K-5 students have recess and do not need to wear their masks while outside. All K-5 classes have one other scheduled mask break. Grades 6-8 have 2 scheduled mask breaks.
What is procedure the teachers are going to follow if they have a child who refuses to wear mask?
Especially during the first few weeks of school, all staff are prepared to support students in learning and understanding the importance behind mask expectations. Additionally, our teachers, Student Support Team will closely work with students and families to provide accomodations for students who need more support with meeting mask and safety expectations. We commit to working closely with all students and families to maintain a safe learning environment at all times.
Will there be afterschool programs? Afterschool programs for K1?
Boston's Bridge to Excellence and Boys and Girls Club are offering programming Monday-Friday. Boston Scores and Sole Train have practice 1-3 days/week.
Will there be middle School athletics? Soccer? Football?
We will begin the year partnering with Boston Scores to host a soccer team. The size and number of teams we host will depend on availability of coaches. We are working to confirm coaches for the Fall season and hope to reach out to students and families in the upcoming weeks to sign up.
Is the covid vaccine required for students?
The vaccine is not required, but recommended for students who are 12+.
Are parents allowed in the building?
Parents are only allowed in the building if they have a scheduled appointment. Please reach out to Ms. Webb (twebb2@bostonpublicschools.org) or Ms. Venditti (dvenditti@bostonpublicschools.org) if you would like to request a meeting in the school building.
Will students use the cafeteria?
Yes, students will eat lunch in the cafeteria with as much physical distancing as possible. Students will sit with the same lunch group each day.
Will school provide lunch?
Yes, all students receive free breakfast and lunch.
Where can families access the weekly testing permission form?
The form was emailed last week from PermissionClick. Please check your spam folder for the email. Beginning September 8th, Orchard Gardens will be able to send reminder emails through the platform to families who have not yet completed the form.
Where will kids take the weekly covid test?
Testing will take place with a nurse from CIC Health using a "Test on Wheels" mobile cart. The nurse will test students in the hallway, immediately outside of the classroom by taking a shallow nose swab. The test will take less than a few minutes and will allow students to return directly to class. Students will not make contact with any of the testing materials and will continue to sanitize hands before returning to class.
When do parents complete forms for kids who get picked up by family members?
Emergency forms will be sent home with students on the first day of school. Please make sure to list everyone who is authorized to pick up and remind them to bring an ID.
Can K1 kids get yellow bus passes?
Students in K1-5 who live more than 1 mile from Orchard Gardens will receive a yellow school bus assignment. Students in grade 6 who live more than 1.5 miles from Orchard Gardens will receive a yellow bus assignment. Students in grade 7-8 will receive a M7 MBTA pass.
What is the policy for masking and social distancing while on the bus?
Students are required to wear their mask on the bus and will sit two students per seat. Bus windows will be cracked 1-2 inches to allow for additional air circulation.
