Dear Boston Public Schools Families:
I hope you are staying safe and healthy and enjoying the warmer weather. I am writing to provide a brief update on the Boston Public Schools (BPS) reopening plan. It has been wonderful to see more students inside our school buildings and we are so excited to welcome students in grades 9-12 back on a hybrid learning schedule next Monday, March 29 (Group A) and Thursday, April 1 (Group B).
Earlier this month, the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) mandated that all school districts begin providing five days of in-person learning for students in grades K0-8 starting in April. Earlier today, BPS received approval from the State to begin implementing five days of in-person learning in grades K0 through grade 8 on Monday, April 26. Students will continue learning in their current learning model until the specified return date for their grade level.
BPS is the largest school district in the state. This updated timeline ensures that we have adequate time to prepare facility and transportation modifications and allows us time to communicate information to families in a timely manner. In addition, every day more and more BPS staff members are receiving COVID-19 vaccinations, which will help to make our school communities feel more safe and comfortable for students, staff and families. This timeline also gives BPS educators time to plan for adjustments in instruction due to students shifting learning models. For all students learning in-person, families can expect educators teaching in classrooms, though there may be changes to some staffing assignments. As mentioned last week, in order to accommodate additional students learning in-person, classroom sizes and layouts will be adjusted in some cases. Facility modifications will vary by building. Schools may need to utilize larger rooms in their buildings as well as outdoor spaces. In classrooms, students will be at least three feet apart. Teachers will maintain six feet of distance from students and other staff when possible. BPS will continue to follow the health and cleaning protocols currently in place.
Thank you to everyone who completed the learning model preference survey recently sent to all families. If you have not yet completed the survey, please check your email for a recent message from Boston Public Schools. We are asking families who have not completed the form to indicate your preference for remote or full in-person learning by Monday, March 29. If you request a change to in-person learning for your child after March 29, there may be a delay of several weeks in processing the change. If you have any questions, please contact the BPS Family Helpline at (617) 635-8873 or email reopening@bostonpublicschools.org.
I appreciate our educators, school leaders, staff and our BPS families for your continued patience, flexibility and partnership. In unity, Dr. Brenda Cassellius Superintendent
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