Schools cancel student trips due to COVID concerns

By Mike Berger

Update (March 15): Governor Charlie Baker on Sunday announced the closure of all schools across the commonwealth for a period of three weeks (through April 6). The governor also announced a statewide prohibition on gatherings of more than 25 people and limited all restaurants to takeout and delivery only.

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Jennifer Fischer-Mueller informed the School Committee last week that she is canceling some already planned international trips at the urging of Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker due to concerns about the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19). Baker has asked all colleges, universities and high schools to cancel any upcoming international trips after consultation with public health experts.

Impacted trips include the Canton High School exchange trip to Germany (April 10-29); Galvin Middle School seventh grade trip to Montreal (April 19-21); and the CHS trip to Costa Rica (April 15-22). Decisions have yet to be made on the GMS eighth grade trip to Washington, D.C. in May or the CHS Global Leadership trip to Europe in July.

Speaking to the committee at its March 5 meeting, Fischer-Mueller said school principals and teacher leaders for each of the trips will be contacting families to discuss next steps as well as travel companies’ cancellation policies. She said every travel company has its own policy and it is too early to say if refunds are forthcoming.

“We understand that this news will come as a disappointment to some and we appreciate everyone’s patience and understanding as we work through this serious health issue,” said Fischer-Mueller. “The health and well-being of our students is, as always, our top priority and the cancellation of these trips is being taken out of an abundance of caution at the governor’s request.”

Fischer-Mueller participated in an emergency preparedness meeting with the Board of Health late last week that was attended by top municipal officials and department heads. A memo issued from that meeting is published in this week’s paper (see page 1).

Fisher-Mueller said the schools continue to engage in thorough disinfecting practices and students and staff are being reminded to wash their hands.

In other news from the March 5 meeting:

* Fischer-Mueller informed the committee that JFK Principal Christine McMahon has announced her plans to resign from her position at the end of the school year to pursue other opportunities beyond education. McMahon is one of two principals now set to move on with CHS Principal Derek Folan moving into the central office as the newly appointed assistant superintendent for teaching and learning. Meanwhile, Fischer-Mueller said a search is well underway for a new director of student services to replace Deb Bromfield, who is retiring. The search committee will hold interviews next week with finalist visits scheduled for March 25-26. Community forums will be held on these days to allow for parent and staff input. Fischer-Mueller said all three search committees will have staff, parent and School Committee representation while the CHS principal search will also have student input …

See this week’s Canton Citizen for more highlights from the March 5 School Committee meeting. Not a subscriber? Click here to order your subscription today (also available in digital form).

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