Pentucket Regional School District plan a hybrid approach to reopening schools, beginning with in-person student attendance limited to 25% and moving to 50% during the second week of school.
Should COVID-19 cases climb significantly, Superintendent Justin Bartholomew said this week the schools can transition to fully remote learning.
“The wellbeing and health of all of our community members is our utmost priority, and given the realities of this virus and the guidance we have received from DESE, a hybrid model presented itself as the most realistic and safe way for us to return to school for partial in-person learning,” Bartholomew said.
The plan for the 2020-2021 school year was approved by the School Committee at a meeting Tuesday. In July, the process of crafting the plan began as groups of administrators, educators, local health officials, first responders and parents representing each school developed feasibility plans. Middle and High School students also participated, and in all, 82 people took part in the districtwide feasibility plan process. The districtwide plan was then developed by a working group of central office administrators, School Committee Chair Dena Trotta and the president of the Pentucket Association of Teachers President Mike Wendt.
Student orientation will take place with 25% of students each day over four days from Tuesday, Sept. 8, through Friday, Sept. 11. The district transitions to a 50% in-person, hybrid learning model Monday, Sept. 14. At 50% capacity, the district expects students will be able to maintain between three and six feet of social distance. Masks will be required and mask breaks are scheduled with social distancing.
The plan will now be submitted for final approval to the state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.