This week marks a new milestone in the town’s nearly year-long response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic – synchronous learning.
Starting Tuesday, Abington students learning at home will watch a simulcast of their classroom lessons.
On one hand, it means students will spend more time receiving lessons directly from their teacher or teachers, and less time on independent learning.
On the other hand, students will be sitting for multiple additional hours watching a computer screen (so long as there are no power or internet outages), while teachers juggle the needs of two different audiences.
The exact details differ between grade levels; parents and guardians should have received materials outlining the expectations.
Amidst all the uncertainty about this new approach, we at Abington News are certain about one thing: Abington teachers deeply, truly, fully care about the town’s school children and are going to do everything they can to make this work the best they can. So please be understanding.
COVID-19
The number of active cases in Abington continues to bob between about 135 and 180 cases. As of Saturday, the number stood at 166 active cases. Essentially, for all the residents recovering from the virus, a nearly equal number tests positive.
The new vaccines continue to be rolled out, including to Abington’s first responders, at least those volunteering to take them.
The Board of Health will discuss all of this Tuesday night at 6 p.m. Their meeting will be broadcast live via Abington Community Access & Media’s Facebook page.
TOWN ELECTIONS
Nomination papers to run for town office are available at the Town Clerk’s Office. Seats on the Board of Selectmen, School Committee, Planning Board, Board of Assessors, Board of Health, Housing Authority, Sewer Commission, Water Commission, and Trustees of the Public Library will be on the ballot. Anyone with questions can contact the Clerk’s Office at 781-982-2112. The Annual Town Election will be held on Saturday, April 24.
MEETINGS
Tuesday
Board of Health, 6 p.m., via Zoom. Agenda includes any update on the COVID-19 virus, and vaccine distribution.
The meeting will be broadcast live at https://www.facebook.com/AbingtonCAM/
Council on Aging, 6 p.m., Senior Center. Agenda includes the director’s report.
Wednesday
Housing Authority, 6 p.m., via Zoom. Agenda includes the CEO report, a stairwell replacement contract for Vinson Gardens, and contracts for interior renovations at other locations.
LINK: http://zoom.us/j/86990968411 Meeting ID: 869 9096 8411
Parks & Recreation Commission, 7 p.m., via Zoom. Agenda includes a preliminary discussion about summer programs, and ideas for take home boxes or kits for the community
Southfield Redevelopment Authority Board of Directors, 7 p.m., via Zoom. No agenda was provided.
LINK: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84480205199 Passcode: 885364
Thursday
Abington/Rockland Joint Board of Water Commissioners, 10 a.m., Zoom. Agenda includes a discussion about high water consumption, the superintendent’s report, public comment, and an executive session meeting to discuss the clerical contract.
LINK: http://zoom.us/j/87366468472 Passcode: 440567