Coronavirus and Schools: Resources and General Guidance

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health provides detailed information about quarantines and monitoring of the coronavirus, prevention and treatment, as well as guidance and recommendations, at www.mass.gov/2019coronavirus.

coronavirus cell

The state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education outlines the process for school closings related to COVID-19, and provides guidance on 180 school day requirement, on its Emergency Management Planning for Schools' page.

CDC Response, International Alerts, Handwashing

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provides extensive resources posted on its website. They include:

How the CDC is responding to the novel coronavirus outbreak
Communications resources: fact sheets, video, guidance for public health communicators and resources for travelers
Frequently asked questions and answers from the CDC: how it spreads, how to protect yourself, symptoms & testing
Preventing COVID-19 spread at home, K-12 schools and colleges and universities

Prevention Strategies from the U.S. Department of Education

The U.S. Department of Education recommends taking these steps to prevent the introduction and spread of COVID-19:

If you are sick, stay home from school.
Avoid close contact with those who are already sick.
Cover your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing with a tissue or the crook of your arm.
Wash your hands often with soap and water.
Avoid touching eyes, nose, or mouth.

News & Events

Say Their Names

The following message was sent to MTA members June 2nd by President Merrie Najimy and Vice President Max Page:

George Floyd. Say his name.

Breonna Taylor. Say her name.

Tony McDade. Say his name.

GIC Public Listening Sessions 2020

Please consider attending a public listening session to learn about plan designs for the upcoming benefit year. See Upcoming Events at www.mass.gov/gic.

Wednesday, JANUARY 22

5:30 – 7:00 P.M.
WORCESTER
Worcester State University
Student Center - Blue Lounge 486 Chandler Street
Worcester, MA 01602
Parking: Any available lots on campus

Paid Family And Medical Leave Information

As a result of the new Massachusetts Paid Family and Medical Leave Act passed by the legislature and signed by the governor in 2018 the Commonwealth will begin taking deductions from your paycheck beginning on October 1, 2019. The deductions will be used to fund this paid leave program.

Thousands Rally at the State House

Cheering students carried the banner during a joyful march around the State House that featured music by the Second Line Social Aid & Pleasure Society Brass Band.

Following an afternoon of political theater and chanting that reverberated through the marbled halls of the State House, more than 3,000 educators, parents and students rallied and marched around the building on May 16, demanding passage of legislation to increase state funding for public schools and colleges by more than $1.5 billion a year.

union members holding fund our future posters

Make Plans to Be at the State House for the Fund Our Future Rally on May 16

We have a once-in-a-generation chance to pass bills increasing the amount of state aid for our public schools and colleges by more than $1.5 billion a year.

On Thursday, May 16, join with students, educators, parents and community members at a 5 p.m. rally outside of the Massachusetts State House to demand that our legislators take action on two key education funding bills, the Promise Act and the Cherish Act.