BOSTON — Come the fall, back-to-school will look a lot different. Across the commonwealth school districts are brainstorming ways to make the transition safe and easy for administrators, parents and students.
"The number one thing [educators] want more than anything is to be back in person with their students, but it can't come at the expense of everybody's health and safety," said Merrie Najimy, president of the Massachusetts Teachers Association.
The state is requesting the following protocols:
- Face Coverings: Required by adults and students second grade and above. Medical exceptions will be made.
- Mask breaks: Should occur throughout the day.
- Social distancing: A minimum of three feet apart as suggested by the World Health Organization but schools should aim for six feet, as recommended by the CDC.
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Plus, each district and school are required to submit three plans:
- In-person learning with new health requirements
- A hybrid of in-person and remote learning
- Remote learning
"No matter what size and affluence of the school, you can't possibly fit every child back in the building all at once under safe guidelines," Najimy said.
Boston Public Schools sent the following statement to Boston 25 News:
Every decision is made through the lens of what is safest for students and teachers, and in consultation with public health officials. We are surveying our families and staff, and hosting a series of public engagement opportunities to continue gathering feedback from our community.
— Boston Public Schools
"There needs to be some kind of hybrid model and one that prioritizes both the emotional wellness and the physical health of everybody," Najimy said.
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Most school districts say they’ll have a plan in place by mid-August.
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RESOURCES:
- Massachusetts Coronavirus Information
- Boston Coronavirus Information
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