By Melanie Petrucci, Senior Community Reporter
Shrewsbury – The Shrewsbury School Committee met in person on Aug. 6 at Town Hall for the first time since March.
School Superintendent Dr. Joseph Sawyer requested that the Committee vote to approve a hybrid in-person and remote learning model on an alternating schedule. He noted that 12 more positive COVID-19 cases had been reported bringing the total to 357.
“We know that this is going to continue to evolve, we know that not every detail has been hit yet and we know that this plan like any other plan is imperfect and our job is to continue to use it, review it, adapt it and be flexible as we respond to different circumstances over the comings weeks, months and year,” Sawyer stated.
If public health data changes, the district will shift to full remote learning.
The state mandated 180 days of school has been reduced to 170 to allow for 10 additional days of training prior to the start of the school year. The School Committee voted in favor of Tuesday, Sept. 15 for the students’ first day.
Sawyer shared that the plan consists of four cohorts of students. Cohort A will consist of high need students receiving in person instruction every day. Cohort B will meet Monday and Tuesday in person and Wednesday through Friday remotely. Cohort C will meet Thursday and Friday in person and Monday through Friday remotely. Cohort D will be full remote learning. The state has said that families have the right to choose.
He said that families will need to make their initial choice of hybrid versus full remote by Friday, August 14 through the PowerSchool parent portal.
Director of school nursing, Noelle Freeman, outlined safety/mitigation strategies that include masks for all staff and students, six-foot physical distancing, frequent hand washing, and visitors and volunteers not being allowed in buildings.
Assistant Superintendent Meg Belsito explained provisions for students on Individual Education and 504 Plans.
Brian L’Heureux, Director of Information and Technology shared: “We will continue to provide cellular-capable iPad for students who have no internet access at home,” in addition to expanding iPads to students in K-grade 4.
Assistant Superintendent Patrick Collins shared that bus fees have been waived for the first half of the year. Students will be limited to one per bench assuming siblings will ride together, windows will be opened and buses will be sanitized daily.
The Committee unanimously voted in favor of the plan presented. To view the plan visit: https://schools.shrewsburyma.gov/district/news/1686264/sps-reopening-plan-2020-2021.
