Portsmouth school buildings to be completely closed next week

PORTSMOUTH — In a message to parents issues Friday, Superintendent Thomas Kenworthy said the district is placing further restrictions on access of school buildings starting Monday, March 30.

“Each of our buildings will be completely closed to the public,” Mr. Kenworthy stated in an e-mail to the school community. “This will extend to our school playground areas as well, per town order. If there is an emergency situation that you did not anticipate, please contact the school principal. Staff is available to answer phone or email messages remotely.”

The district is also extending the end of the third quarter marking period (two weeks) to April 21, he said. “This will allow ample time for students and teachers to finalize work/grading for anything that had been assigned prior to March 13th (the date of the initial closure announcement),” he stated.

The superintendent said if parents need assistance with internet access to support student distance learning they should contact Cox Communications. “If you need assistance in working with Cox on any of these offers please contact your child’s principal,” he said.

Grab-and-go meals

Grab-and-go breakfasts and lunches are available for all Portsmouth students at Portsmouth Middle School, between 9 and 10:30 a.m., Monday through Friday.

“The location for these services is set by strict state and federal guidelines too numerous to expand upon here,” Mr. Kenworthy said. “Please know that we have worked very hard, along with our district food service provider, Chartwells, to be able to offer these services to Portsmouth students. Any Portsmouth student can visit PMS during these hours, with or without a parent, to receive these free breakfast and lunch items. No questions asked, no paperwork needed.”

Stay connected

Mr. Kenworthy also touched on the distance learning plan that went into effect on Monday, March 23.

“All of us in the Portsmouth School Department miss seeing the bright and smiling faces of our students!” he said. “Please continue to stay connected with your school(s) and teacher(s). We will proceed into next week with the same protocols and procedures that have been outlined in each school’s district learning plan. Information related to Portsmouth distance learning can be found on our district and school web pages. Each school will launch next week’s distance learning expectations for students on Monday at 8 a.m.”