COVID-19/School Updates
BRCPS IS FOLLOWING STATE GUIDANCE REGARDING COVID-19 SAFETY PROTOCOLS AND POLICIES. WE WILL POST ALL IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENTS AND COVID-19 RELATED RESOURCES ON THIS PAGE.
The American Rescue Plan (ARP) Act of 2021, Public Law 117-2, was enacted on March 11, 2021. The ARP Act provides additional funding for school districts to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Education portion of ARP is known as the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER III or ARP ESSER) Fund. The purpose of the ESSER III fund is to support the safe reopening and sustaining safe operations of schools while meeting students’ academic, social, emotional, and mental health needs resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic.
We are seeking feedback around anticipated activities through these funds.
You can read the full scope of requirements here: https://www.doe.mass.
Please read each out to info@brcps.school to provide stakeholder input.
9/9/2021 Update
FREE COVID-19 TESTING
IS AVAILABLE
FOR STUDENTS AT BRCPS
Please enroll your student in free COVID-19 Testing at the school at the following link:
Free Covid-19 Testing for Students at BRCPS
We are urging ALL students and staff (vaccinated and unvaccinated) to participate in this
testing to assist with maintaining health and safety measures within our school buildings.
For further information about testing and enrolling your child read here: CIC family letter 2021-22 English-4ws
You can also read this letter in French, Portuguese, Spanish and Haitian Creole
END OF 9/9/2021 UPDATE
7/27/2021 Update
FREE COVID-19 VACCINATION EVENT
Wednesday August 4th from Noon to 6PM at BRCPS.
BRCPS is located at 1415 Hyde Park Ave, Hyde Park, MA 02136
See Flyers directly below for more info in English, Spanish and Haitian Creole.
Info and Consent Form for Minors:
https://www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-vaccinations-for-people-under-age-18
Learn more at BMC.org/GetVaccinated
Ou ka jwenn enfomasyon ak fom konsantman pou mine nan:
https://www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-vaccinations-for-people-under-age-18
Jwenn plis enfomasyon sou BMC.org/GetVaccinated
Puede encontrar informaci6n y el formulario de consentimiento
para menores aqu1:
https://www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-vaccinations-for-people-under-age-18
Mas informaci6n en BMC.org/GetVaccinated
END OF 7/27/2021 UPDATE
4/13/2021 Update
Emergency Rental Assistance Program:
The Department of Housing and Community Development recently launched the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP), a new funding mechanism to disburse state and federal funding resources for tenants and landlords to avoid evictions and maintain household stability throughout the COVID-19 emergency. Flyers and sample social media posts are available in multiple languages to help make families aware of these additional resources, and other resources to help spread the word are available at the same link.
Get this flyer in Spanish, French, Haitian Creole, Portuguese
END OF 4/13/2021 UPDATE
3/30/2021 Update
In this update you will find
Covid-19 Family Information pages
and a video of a student conducting the pooled testing swab on himself.
(You can also scroll down for past updates.)
COVID-19 FAMILY INFORMATION
Also available in the following languages: Spanish, French, Hatian Creole, Portugese
End of 3/30/2021 Update
2/2/2021 – HYDE PARK COVID-19 TESTING INFO UPDATE
The Hyde Park Covid-19 testing site is located at 1432 Hyde Park Avenue, across the street from the Boston Renaissance school.
THE FOLLOWING DATES HAVE BEEN ADDED FOR COVID-19 TESTING IN HYDE PARK:
February 2-6, February 9-11, February 13, February 16-20 AND February 23-27.
Register for an appointment at https://app.beacontesting.com/login
PLEASE NOTE: If appointments are booked up, check back at the registration link above frequently as appointments can become available due to cancellations.
For additional info please see the 12/14/2020 notice below on this page.
END OF 2/2/2021 UPDATE
1/19/2021 – HYDE PARK COVID-19 TESTING INFO
THE FOLLOWING DATES HAVE BEEN ADDED FOR COVID-19 TESTING at 1432 Hyde Park Avenue, across the street from the school:
January 19-23 and January 26-30.
Register for an appointment at https://app.beacontesting.com/login
PLEASE NOTE: If appointments are booked up, check back at the registration link above frequently as appointments can become available due to cancellations.
For additional info please see the 12/14/2020 notice directly below on this page.
END OF 1/19/2021 UPDATE
1/4/2021 – HYDE PARK COVID-19 TESTING INFO
THE FOLLOWING DATES HAVE BEEN ADDED FOR COVID-19 TESTING at 1432 Hyde Park Avenue, across the street from the school:
January 5, 6, 7, 9, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16.
Register for an appointment at https://app.beacontesting.com/login
PLEASE NOTE: If appointments are booked up, check back at the registration link above frequently as appointments can become available due to cancellations.
For additional info please see the 12/14/2020 notice directly below on this page.
END OF 1/4/2021 UPDATE
12/14/2020 – HYDE PARK COVID-19 TESTING INFO
PLEASE SEE THE FLYER & FAQ’s BELOW
FOR FULL DETAILS AND REGISTRATION INFO.
(See this flyer in Spanish, Haitian Creole, CV Creole, or Brazilian Portuguese.)
Frequently Asked COVID-19 Testing Questions_HP
FAQ for Drive-Through COVID-19 Testing
LOCATION:
City of Boston – Hyde Park
Boston Renaissance Charter School
1432 Hyde Park Ave, Boston, MA
Dates of Operation: :
Tuesday, December 15th – Friday, December 18th
Saturday, December 19th
Tuesday, December 22nd – Thursday, December 24th
Saturday, December 26th
Hours of Operation will not be shared, per EBNHC request.
Constituents are asked to visit the registration portal below for available appointment times.
Register Here:
https://app.beacontesting.com/login
What do I need in order to be tested?
- No cost testing is available to everyone regardless of symptoms.
- Children over 12 months old can be tested with a parent or legal guardian. Children must be able to complete the test without restraint.
- Appointment required and valid only for the time and date listed.
- Register/Schedule your appointment at https://app.beacontesting.com
What happens when I arrive at the testing site?
- Anyone who tests needs their own appointment.
- Proof of appointment (picture or screenshot) required.
- All passengers must stay inside vehicles from arrival to departure.
- Limit the people in your personal vehicle to a maximum of five to be tested.
How will I receive my test results?
- After being tested, continue to monitor and record symptoms.
- You will receive an email/text when your result is finalized. View results at https://app.beacontesting.com
PLEASE NOTE THAT APPOINTMENTS FILL QUICKLY. Slots open 72 hours in advance so check back frequently at https://app.beacontesting.com/login
Spanish translation of flyer
Haitian Creole translation of flyer
Haitian Creole translation of flyer
CVCreole translation of flyer
Brazilian Portuguese translation of flyer
Brazilian Portuguese translation of flyer
END OF 12/14/2020 UPDATE
10/19/20
Help is available in the community for families in need of assistance with groceries and meals. See here for information.
10/15/20
BRCPS Families, the following letter was sent home this week. The letter provides an update on school reopening plans related to COVID-19.
BRCPS Letter to Families October 1, 2020
9/23/20
The Boston Public Health Commission has provided the following website links with information on COVID-19 testing and local test locations:
MAP OF COVID-19 TESTING SITES – CITY OF BOSTON
9/22/20
The MA Department of Elementary and Secondary Education has issued the following back-to-school letter to all families of students with disabilities.
back-to-school-letter SWD Sept 2020_English
back-to-school-letter SWD Sept 2020_Cape Verdean
back-to-school-letter SWD Sept 2020_Haitian Creole
back-to-school-letter SWD Sept 2020_Spanish
9/9/20
BRCPS Families, please see this important notice regarding remote learning.
Parent Notice for Remote Learning September 2020
8/14/20
BRCPS families and community members, please find our official reopening plan for school year 2020-2021 here:
(Spanish and Haitian Kreyol versions can be accessed through links at the top of the document.)
8/7/20
The document below is a copy of the email sent to BRCPS families on August 7th. It includes links to the video recording and slide presentation for the school reopening family information session, as well as a link to the family survey.
Letter to Families, Reopening Information Session
6/25/20
Letter to BRCPS Families on DESE guidance related to COVID and MA schools reopening:
Letter to Families June 25, 2020
BRCPS Letter to Families June 25 2020_Spanish
BRCPS Letter to Families June 25 2020_Haitian Creole
6/19/20
BRCPS Families, please find below the end-of-year letter from BRCPS Head of School, Ms. Buckmire:
Letter to Families June 18, 2020
Letter to Families June 18, 2020_Spanish
Letter to Families June 18, 2020_Haitian Creole
5/20/20
Dear Renaissance Families,
We would like to share an important message and information regarding domestic violence. In addition to the many needs families have experienced due to the coronavirus crisis, there have been reports of increases in domestic violence nationally. The Urban League of Eastern Massachusetts /Domestic and Sexual Violence Project is here to help.
If you need help or know someone who needs help please call Reverend Traci Jackson Antoine at (617) 459 -2420. All support is free of charge and 100% confidential. You can also contact BRCPS Family & Community Engagement Coordinator, Ms. Taimari Rivera, for more information at trivera@brcps.school.
5/15/20
BRCPS Families, please see this letter from the Mayor’s Office of Health and Human Services, Office of Food Access, and the attachments included in several languages:
P-EBT_Letter from Mayor’s Office 5.15.20
ENGLISH COVID-19 FOOD RESOURCE LIST
SPANISH COVID-19 FOOD RESOURCE LIST
HAITIAN CREOLE COVID-19 FOOD RESOURCE LIST
5/4/20
Letter to BRCPS Families regarding our Remote Learning Plan and Summer Scholars Program:
BRCPS Letter to Families May 4, 2020
BRCPS Letter to Families May 4 2020_Spanish
BRCPS Letter to Families May 4 2020_Haitian Creole
4/21/20
Dear Renaissance Families,
Governor Baker announced today that schools in MA will be closed for the remainder of the school year. The Commissioner of Education announced that additional guidance will be coming later this week for extended remote learning. We will make adjustments to our Remote Learning Plan if needed based on the guidance. The Commissioner also said there will be guidance forthcoming about how schools will reopen in the fall. We expect that guidance in the next few weeks and will share with families when we receive it.
At this time, it is too early to determine if we will be able to run our summer camp program. We will closely monitor the COVID-19 situation and make a decision in mid-May. The decision will be made based on the safety for students and staff.
If you have not received a chromebook there are devices still available. Please either email your child’s teacher, or request one at HOMESUPPORT@BRCPS.SCHOOL.
These have been unprecedented and challenging times for us all. While our physical doors will be closed for the rest of the school year we are here to support our students and families. Please continue to email us with your questions or concerns.
Sincerely,
Ms. Buckmire
abuckmire@brcps.school
617-548-6862
School Closure Family Letter_April 21 2020
School Closure Family Letter_April 21 2020_Spanish
School Closure Family Letter_April 21 2020_Haitian Creole
4/20/20
Dear Renaissance families of students with disabilities, we have attached below a letter recently sent out by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, including the Family Resource Toolbox that was sent with the letter. If you have any questions, you can contact BRCPS Director of Unified Student Services, Stacia Copeland, at scopeland@brcps.school.
Please find the Family Resource Toolbox here:
DESE SWD Family Resource Toolbox
The letter is posted below, in five languages:
DESE Letter family SWD Covid-19_English
DESE Letter family SWD Covid-19_Spanish
DESE Letter family SWD Covid-19_Portuguese
DESE Letter family SWD Covid-19_Haitian Creole
DESE Letter family SWD Covid-19_Cape Vedean
4/13/20
The BRCPS Remote Learning Plan can be found HERE. This plan is provided in preparation for an extended school building closure and supports distance learning. Currently, our return to school date is May 4, 2020, but it may be longer if national, state and/or local officials and/or health experts deem it necessary to maintain the health and safety of our community. Beginning the week of April 6th, and until the school building closure is ended, the distance learning plan will remain in effect.
4/3/20
Letter to families regarding services for students with disabilities and English learners, from BRCPS Director of Unified Student Services, Stacia Copeland:
SWD_ELs COVID-19 Service update letter
Enclosed documents that provide further information and guidance for schools:
- Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) Q & As
- Massachusetts Department and Elementary Secondary Education Information and Resources
4/1/20
Letter on remote learning opportunities, notification and guidance, from BRCPS Head of School, Alexandra Buckmire:
REMOTE LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES NOTIFICATION AND GUIDANCE
3/30/20
Letter from the Commissioner of the MA Department of Elementary and Secondary Education has sent out the following letter to all K-12 parents and guardians in the state.
DESE Letter to Families_COVID19 3.30.20
DESE Spanish Letter to Families_COVID19 3.30.20
3/26/20
Letter to families from BRCPS Head of School, Alexandra Buckmire, regarding Governor Baker’s announcement that all public schools will be closed until at least May 4th:
Letter to Families_March 26 2020
Letter to Families March 26_Spanish
3/23/20
Message to Families Regarding Chromebooks
Message to Families Regarding Chromebooks_Spanish
3/19/20
A reminder to Boston Renaissance Families:
BRCPS is providing breakfast and lunch to all families of current BRPCS students. Meals are provided to go, with curbside pickup in the school’s parent pickup lane, each week, Monday through Friday, 11:00am-1:00pm. In addition, families picking up meals on Fridays will also receive breakfast and lunch for Saturday and Sunday.
3/15/20 Letter to Families
BRCPS announces extended closure up to April 27th, following closure dates announced by Mayor Walsh for Boston Public Schools. Full letter here:
BRCPS School Closure update March 15
BRCPS School Closure Update March 15_Spanish
3/13/20 Letter to Families
BRCPS announces two-week school closure. Letter from Head of School attached:
BRCPS Two week Closure Letter 3.13.20
3/12/20 Message to Families – Event Cancelations
March 12 Letter to Families_Event Cancelations
3/3/20 Letter to Families
BRCPS announces coronavirus (COVID-19) health and safety measures: BRCPS COVID_19 March 3rd 2020
Public Resources & Information
To help keep your family safe, please refer to official information and recommendations from the MA Department of Public Health (DPH), City of Boston Public Health Commission, national Center for Disease Control (CDC), and the National Association School Nurses.
CDC Prevention & Treatment Guidance
Boston Public Health Commission Fact Sheet (English)
Boston Public Health Commission Fact Sheet (Spanish)
Talking to Children About COVID19_NASN
Community Resources and Information for Families
During the school closure, please check here for resources for you and your children. This includes information on food access, tips for social-emotional support and wellness, and other public/community resources that may be helpful to you during this period.
If you have questions about academics, please contact your child’s teacher(s) using the email address provided below. For questions about community resources, please contact BRCPS Family & Community Engagement Coordinator, Ms. Taimari Rivera at trivera@brcps.school.
BRCPS is providing breakfast and lunch to all families of current BRPCS students. Meals are provided to go, with curbside pickup in the school’s parent pickup lane, each week, Monday through Friday, 11:00am-1:00pm. In addition, families picking up meals on Fridays will also receive breakfast and lunch for Saturday and Sunday.
Strategies for supporting your child’s learning and wellbeing during the school closure – Strategies at Home for Families
Community Resources, including Health, Unemployment, Meals, Wifi, Wellness and more –
Community Resources Boston COVID19
Food Resource Maps, provided by the City of Boston, for each section of the city:
https://www.boston.gov/sites/default/files/embed/m/mission_hill_roxbury_south_boston_1.pdf
https://www.boston.gov/sites/default/files/embed/d/dorchester_1.pdf
Additional Food Resources in Response to School Closures:
Project Bread COVID-19 Resources & the Project Bread FoodSource Hotline 800-645-8333
The Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office has created this comprehensive guide for local residents: