3. $25m Grant for Remote Learning-Related Technology Needs:
The Department announced the Remote Learning Technology Essentials Grant (download). The grant was established to address remaining remote learning technology gaps and to ensure that every student has adequate access to technology for use in remote learning environments during the 2020-2021 school year. The Remote Learning Technology Essentials grant is a competitive grant program that invites local districts to apply for funding to address device and internet gaps for students. A total of $25m will be available for disbursement to match expenses local districts plan to expend by the beginning of the school year. Applications are due Tuesday, July 21. Questions can be directed to Jacqulyn Gantzer at: jacqulyn.m.gantzer@mass.gov.
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4. State-Sponsored Health Safety Supply Ordering Process Open:
The state-sponsored Health Safety Supply/PPE ordering process is now available on COMMBUYS through our partnership with the Operational Services Division (OSD).
The Department, in collaboration with OSD, has developed a program to facilitate initial and ongoing purchasing of safety/PPE supplies required for school reopening.
The DESE K-12 Health Safety Supply/PPE Program, supported by eight Statewide Contract Vendors, will offer products outlined in DEDE’s guidance issued in June 2020, to include:
- Disposable Masks
- Disposable Nitrile Gloves
- Disposable Gowns
- Eye Protection
- Face Shields
- Waste Disposal Medium
- N-95 Ventilating Masks/KN-95 Masks
- Hand Sanitizer
- Disinfecting Wipes
Statewide Contract Vendors are ready to accept orders.
The DESE K-12 Health Safety Supply/PPE Program Contract User Guide outlines how to find product pricing in COMMBUYS, available discounts, and options to purchase through COMMBUYS or direct outreach to vendors. Find a list of vendors and contact information at the end of the guide. Vendor pricing may be updated. Reference COMMBUYS for the most current record.
Entities interested in purchasing through COMMBUYS should send an email to COMMBUYSEnablement@mass.gov to arrange COMMBUYS set-up support.
Please direct contract purchasing questions to the OSD Help Desk at OSDHelpDesk@mass.gov or 888-MA-State (627-8283).
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5. Help Measuring School Capacity for Social Distancing:
In the interest of helping schools and districts make informed reopening decisions, the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA), with the support of CannonDesign architects, has developed a parametric dashboard at https://www.cannondesign.com/massachusetts-capacity-dashboard/ that enables administrators to study the effect of social distancing on school capacities. The tool allows schools to enter spacing and facility use assumptions and calculate the effects on capacity and utilization based on data collected for the MSBA’s 2016 School Survey and 2019-2020 official enrollment counts.
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6. DPH Waiving Regulations Pertaining to Alcohol-based Hand Sanitizers:
The Department of Public Health (DPH) understands the unique challenges that schools face in developing plans to reopen schools for in-person instruction and educational operations while maintaining safe environments for both students and staff. CDC and DPH recommend frequent hand washing to limit the spread of COVID-19, or if hand washing facilities are not readily available, use of alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Therefore, while DPH strongly encourages full compliance where schools are able, DPH is waiving 105 CMR 210.005(D)(2)(b) only as it pertains to use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers and is issuing guidance on handwashing and the use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers. Hand washing guidance and additional information regarding the waiver can be found at https://www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-public-health-guidance-and-directives#health-care-professionals-.
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7. USED’s Rural Tech Project:
The U.S. Education Department (USED) recently announced the Rural Tech Project, a competition that invites high schools and districts to develop competency-based, distance learning programs that enable students to master skills at their own pace with the goal of preparing them for well-paying, in-demand jobs. The competition has a total cash prize pool of $600,000.
Potential entrants can join a virtual information session on Tuesday, July 21. Those interested in entering the challenge should submit a proposal by 5:59 p.m. on Thursday, October 8. Up to five finalists will receive a share of the initial $500,000 prize pool and progress to Phase 2. From January to June 2021, finalists will develop detailed program plans and build partnerships before programs launch. They will have on-the-ground assistance, expert mentorship, and access to virtual resources as they plan, run, and refine their programs for two academic years. During the summer of 2023, finalists will document their outcomes and what they learned in a final submission. The judging panel will then recommend one grand-prize winner to receive an additional $100,000.
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8. DESE Communication Survey:
Clear communication is an essential way to bring people together and plan for a safe and healthy future. The Department is continuously working to improve communication with all those involved in and impacted by our public schools. Please take this two-minute survey to help inform DESE’s communication efforts. Thank you!
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