Dear Met Families,

Working closely with the RI Department of Education (RIDE), we have developed three plans to be prepared for our August 31 start date.  These three plans include a full return of students, a hybrid in-school/virtual model, and a 100% virtual plan. As we cannot predict the future, we will not be able to decide which of these plans will be implemented until later in the summer.  Re-opening will vary even within our State based on community COVID-19 clusters, transportation and procurement of materials to ensure safety in school. 

The decision and plans to reopen will be based on: 

• Parent, student and staff input on our Distance Learning Experience

• State Health information and guidelines

• US Department of Health & Human Services and CDC requirements and recommendations

• Rhode Island Department of Education regulations and guidance

Also, you may have heard that RIDE has issued a 180-day school calendar for the entire state of Rhode Island. Our Met School Calendar is based on the RIDE calendar and is included in this mailing.  When we do return to our buildings, as a reminder our school hours are from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.  Breakfast is available at 8:15 a.m.  It is best for students to arrive on campus by 8:45 a.m. to be ready for the 9:00 a.m. start. 

We will keep you updated as decisions are made and reach back out to you in early August.  You can also find updates on our Facebook and News Feed (https://www.themethighschool.org/apps/news/).

Annual Student Packet, School Forms, and Proof of Address

Each year we respectfully ask our Met families to complete our Annual Student Packet, School Forms and provide proof of address by August 17.  Why is this so important?  The Met will not receive any education funds for students of families who don’t supply information to us.  Without the funds to educate your child, we won’t be able to keep your child as a Met student.  So unfortunately, without receiving your completed Packet, Forms, and proof of address, your child’s spot at the Met may not be held.  

The School Forms are included in this mailing.  You will find and need to complete the following:

• Household Income Form

• NEW students only: Chromebook Letter of Insurance (only required if you would like to participate)

• Optional: Student Trip Contribution Form (if you would like to participate)

The Annual Student Packet was emailed to you in July.  If you have not yet done so, please return the Annual Student Packet and Proof of Address (Residency Form). If you did not receive it, or need an additional copy, please reach out to Crystal Hayman (401) 626-3985.

You can submit forms by any of the following:

• Bring to Crystal Hayman at The Met School’s Media Arts building at our 325 Public Street campus.

• Mail using the envelope provided. (Crystal Hayman, The Met School, 325 Public Street, Providence, RI  02905) 

• Scan and email to [email protected]

Federal ESSA Act 

Under this act we must notify parents about who is teaching their children and what their qualifications are. 

The act says that "parents of each student attending any school receiving funds under this part that the parents may request, and the agency will provide the parents on request (and in a timely manner), information regarding the professional qualifications of the student’s classroom teachers, including at a minimum, the following:

(i) Whether the student’s teacher—

(I) has met State qualification and licensing criteria for the grade levels and subject areas in which the teacher provides instruction;

(II) is teaching under emergency or other provisional status through which State qualification or licensing criteria have been waived; and

(III) is teaching in the field of discipline of the certification of the teacher.

(ii) Whether the child is provided services by paraprofessionals and, if so, their qualifications."

The Met School does receive federal funding through the Title I initiative.  With this funding, we provide Learning Specialists for students with additional needs, a Literacy Specialist, reading books, professional development for teachers, and have created a parental outreach program called the Family Advisory Board (FAB).   Please note that in accordance with the ESSA and RIDE guidelines, you have a right to know the qualifications of the teachers at the Met.  You can request this information by contacting the Business Office at (401) 752-2604. 

Rhode Island’s Graduation Requirements

Students and families should be aware of these expectations.  These requirements, though challenging, will ensure that all Rhode Island students graduate ready for success in postsecondary education and careers. 

Additional Requirements from the Met:

1. Every student will earn either a college credit and/or a state-approved certification prior to graduation. 

2. Each student will exceed the State mandated 80 hours of Work-Based Learning. 

3. Each student will demonstrate leadership in the Met or larger community. 

The Met’s Response through Intervention System (RtI)

The Met continues to sustain and improve the RtI system across all campuses. Over the past year, implementation of the process has been improved based on data and outcomes. The system incorporates 3 tiers of intervention and progress monitoring.  Each small school has a Problem-Solving Team (PST) composed of the Instructional Building Leader, Student advisor, Social Worker and Learning Specialist.  This team uses student performance data to determine what interventions are indicated, who will implement the intervention and how progress will be monitored. The PST/RtI process has resulted in fewer referrals for initial evaluations. Additionally, the program structure of the Met allowed some previously identified students to be adequately supported within the general education curriculum. Upon re-evaluation, these students were found to no longer require specialized instruction to successfully access the general education curriculum and make progress. Student needs were able to be addressed within the general education curriculum with varying levels of support.

Thank you for your patience and understanding.  What we have learned during our spring of Distance Learning is how even under circumstances we have never experienced The Met remains a caring, learning, and supporting community.   If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to speak with your student’s Advisor, Instructional Leader, Principal or any staff member.  We are looking forward to another great year of school!

Best regards,