Hampton School District Releases Coronavirus Remote Learning Plan

HAMPTON, NH — The Hampton School District has released its remote learning plans in the wake of a statewide closure of schools in an effort to prevent the spread of the new coronavirus. According to Kathleen Murphy, the superintendent of SAU 90, there are no confirmed or presumptive positive cases of COVID-19 within the Hampton School District at this time. The decision was made based on guidance from the New Hampshire Department of Education.

Schools will be closed "until at least April 3," she said.

"This decision has not been made lightly, and we recognize the hardship and challenges closing our schools will pose to our district families, students, faculty and staff," Murphy said. "However, the health and wellbeing of our school community is our main priority, as always. Over the coming weeks, we will continue to provide updates as new information becomes available."

Hampton students from Grade 3 to Grade 8 will use Chromebooks to maintain online learning. Students will also be provided with paper packets and/or online instructional materials. Murphy said the materials provided by teachers would "seek to continue to engage student's minds and provide an opportunity for continued learning." Teachers will be available by email, phone, and online during remote learning, she said.

Materials will be available for parents to pick up between noon and 4 p.m. Tuesday. The district is also partnering with First Student Bus Transportation to have some packets delivered to the homes of families who can't pick up them.

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The district is additionally working with Hampton Food Services Director Mary Borg, End 68 Hours of Hunger, the Gather food program, and other vendors to address student food insecurity. Families who qualify for free and reduced lunch can pick up breakfast or lunch at the Marston School from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. First Student Bus Transportation may also deliver meals to those who are unable to pick them up.

Murphy said the public would be notified of any changes to the closure plan immediately, should they change. The district office will remain open and conduct school business during the closure. Murphy can be reached by email or phone at 603-926-4560.

What You Can Do

COVID-19, not unlike the flu and other respiratory illnesses, is spread through respiratory droplets, usually through coughing and sneezing, and exposure to others who are sick or might be showing symptoms. Take the same precautions as you would if you were sick:

• Stay home and avoid public places when sick (i.e. social distancing).
• Cover mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing.
• Wash hands frequently.
• Disinfect frequently touched surfaces.

More information from the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services about coronavirus can be found here on the department's website.

• Guidance to schools can be found can be found here.
• Instructions for returning travelers to self-observe for symptoms of COVID-19 are available are available here.
• For more information on COVID-19 in NH, visit its site here.
• For the latest information from the CDC, visit its site here.

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