outreach to schools during reopening

A Guide for Community Based Afterschool Providers

MAP has compiled a list of resources, tools, and samples for providers, parents, and school districts. The state has given districts the authority to create their individual reopening plans for the Fall 2020 school year. Many schools are choosing to go 100% remote or a hybrid model that has some students in the school building while other students are at home. Many districts are now finalizing their plans reopening but it is never too late for community partners to be involved.

In these documents you will find sample letters, parent and teacher communications, and talking points. If you have any questions about this document or the information contained within please contact Patrick Stanton at pstanton@massafterschool.org

Below you will find a new guide to outreaching to your school district including:

  • Sample letters from parents and providers.

  • Spanish version of documents.

  • Research and talking points on the importance of having afterschool programs at the table.

Identify the school districts and school board leaders and groups you will reach out to. States superintendent, school board or community education council, school administrator associations If statewide outreach is daunting, build a list of priority districts.

Additional Resources

Blueprint For Success In-School & Afterschool Partnerships in Reopening

This document, created by our partner organization the Afterschool Alliance, outlines the ways afterschool programs can be critical partners in navigating the complicated world of reopening a school. Click the image to the left to download.

the Importance of including afterschool in reopening webinar

This webinar was also created by our partner organization the Afterschool Alliance, outlines the ways afterschool programs can be critical partners in navigating the complicated world of reopening a school. Click the link below to view.

Government Regulations and Guidance

Both the Departments of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) and Early Education and Care (EEC) have authority to issue rules to OST programs depending on the circumstance. This can create confusion among programs on which regulations and/or guidance to follow or event find it.

Be sure to check out Both EEC’s and DESE’s web pages on updated information regarding licensing and regulation.

Early Education and Care’s course guides educators on reopening Early Education and Care facilities.

Elementary and Secondary Education - DESE has created a page with guidance for school districts on COVID-19.

(Updated 12/2021)