December 16, 2018 


Dear Quashnet School Community, 

What a week!

In reviewing this week's emergencies, please follow the recommendations below: 

For Students:  

• Know your complete address (Mashpee is not enough)
• Memorize at least one of your parent/guardian's cell phone numbers
• Know your bus number 
• Be quiet when instructed and follow the directions of the adults 

For Parents:

• Quiz your child on their home address and your day/cell phone number
• Be sure you have completed each of your child's re-registration information in PowerSchool-  it is imperative that you provide all schools (KCC, QS, MMHS) with new cell numbers, address, emergency contacts, medical information, etc. 
• Know your child's bus number (even if you drive them)- there is a tab for bus routes on the Blog
• Register your cell/day number on the Town of Mashpee's 911 reverse call list - you can register through this link: https://www.mashpeema.gov/police/pages/emergency-alert-sign
• Install CO detectors in your home - read the instructions on where to place them.

If you have any difficulty with the steps above, please call the office at 508-539-1550 and we will help you. Feel free to visit the office if you want to review the information in our database at any time to ensure all of your information is correct. 

On Friday, the MPS administrative team, Town Manager Collins, Police Chief Carline, Fire Chief Rullo, Assistant Town Manager Taylor, and Facilities Manager Brad Tripp met to discuss and review the Quashnet School evacuations and the status of the building.  The goal was to improve how we handle emergencies and discuss steps needed to prevent this situation from occurring again.  In regards to the building, 4 CO detectors were installed in the school and will be in other town buildings. This is not a building code issue, but a safety step.  One of the issues that caused the carbon monoxide in the building was an old boiler that is not in use. Steps to remove this boiler are currently in place. In the meantime, this boiler has been capped to prevent any further CO leaks. There has been NO evidence of carbon monoxide in the building since last Wednesday around noon.  We are in the process of reviewing and updating step-by-step emergency protocols for the district and reunification plans in the event of an emergency.  It can be a challenge as these are guidelines and each scenario is unique.  But fire drills and ALICE drills do help us prepare for emergency situations. Please note - by law we will be having a fire drill before the end of the calendar year.  Yes, this coming week, unfortunately! Students will be prepped by teachers so they understand that this will be a routine drill. 

I want to thank all the families that have contacted me directly.  I have shared your concerns and feedback with the team. I can honestly and confidently say that our goals align, which is the safety and well being of our children. It is our FIRST priority!

CO - zero! LEL - zero!

I would like to acknowledge Fire Chief Tom Rullo and Facility Manager Brad Tripp for their swift response. National Grid and the boiler company were at school promptly. We had mutual response teams from Sandwich and Cotuit Fire Departments. Our SRO Mike Worrick was so helpful and other members of the MPD who helped maintain a safe environment. 

I am so grateful. Students were calm and safe throughout both the Tuesday and Wednesday emergencies.  We did have one staff member transported to the hospital and some others were evaluated, treated and released, but thankfully NO ONE had lasting injuries and NO STUDENTS were hurt or unaccounted for.  The quick action of the main office staff, who pulled the alarm,  truly are our unsung heroes.  

Thank you, Superintendent DeBoer, our fabulous bus drivers, the collaboration between schools (KCC and MMHS), food services staff, Boys and Girls Club, Adventure Club, Central Office staff and Mrs. Loyko, Mashpee Fire Dept., Sandwich Fire Dept., Cotuit Fire Dept., Mashpee PD, Town Manager Collins, DPW and families for your help and support in keeping our children safe.  

Please know - the QUASHNET SCHOOL STAFF is OUTSTANDING!  The focus on student safety never wavered.  They stepped up at every turn from riding buses, serving lunches, entertaining students, and talking to parents through Classroom Dojo or phone calls. Thank you Assistant Principal Avtges for her work in maintaining a calm safe environment.  Thank you, Team! 

Missed School Days: Students in the Commonwealth are required to be in school for 180 days. How are we going to make up the days we missed is an important question. Tuesday, we do not need to make up.  Wednesday and Thursday, however, are a different story. The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education has cautiously granted waivers to districts for emergency situations, usually when only one school in a district has been closed. Superintendent DeBoer is going to apply for this waiver.  If the waiver is denied for either one or both of the school days we will have to make those days up at another time. A decision will be made as soon as possible so we can provide timely notification to families and staff.

The gingerbread village will remain on display this week in the front lobby.  It has never looked better! Stop in to check out these sugary creations.  We just added three more tables to the display! Pick up will be this coming Thursday and Friday.  

Students were encouraged to empty their lockers last Friday - most had several coats in hand leaving on Friday and extra lunch boxes.  If your child is missing something - lost and found is right near the front door.

I am hopeful for a CALM week ahead!



Respectfully, 

Mrs. O'Brien, Principal