Twin Cities postpone hybrid learning
Public schools in the Twin Cities recently announced once again they are postponing the start of hybrid learning, this time with no potential future date set.
Fitchburg Public Schools Superintendent Robert Jokela released a let
ter on Jan. 7 stating that students will remain fully remote for the time being.
“After taking into consideration the input and data from various community stakeholders and sources, including public health sources, students, parents and staff, we believe the best option for Fitchburg Public Schools is to remain remote learning until further notice as we continue to monitor the COVID-19 numbers and trends in Fitchburg,” Jokela wrote. “The Fitchburg Public Schools understand how the continuous delay of the hybrid learning model impacts students, families and staff, but we feel that it is in the best interest of all to pause the hybrid return.
His letter also stated that they will review weekly COVID-19 and community data during January to monitor postholiday virus trends, and that more information will be forthcoming.
In a letter dated Jan. 20, Leominster Public Schools Superintendent Paula Deacon outlined the reasons for postponing the latest proposed hybrid start date, Jan. 22., noting that Leominster currently has a 14.5% COVID-19 positivity rate, up from 12.65%, as well as a significant increase in cases over the past few weeks.
“A few months ago, we created a metric team of parents, administration,
teachers, and School Committee members,” Deacon said. “A 5% threshold was set for our district. The community number has nearly tripled. At this time, after many conversations with school and health stakeholders, we agreed that we need to see the numbers go downward.
Teachers are in Phase 2 of the vaccination rollout. Everyone wants students in, but it needs to be as safe as we can possibly make it.”
The district had been open in a hybrid model for pre-K through grade nine students up until Thanksgiving when they went fully remote.
“Since then, the numbers have gone beyond our expectations, so we have not been able to reopen,” Deacon said. “( We) hope to do so in early February. I will continue to seek any and/or all safety measures possible to ensure a reopening to the Leominster Public Schools.”
Deacon’s letter stated that after discussions with
the Department of Elementary & Secondary Education, Board of Health, lead nurse, and School Committee, they have decided to remain in a remote setting until the following conditions can adhere: two consecutive weeks of a downward trend in the positivity rate; an appropriate complement of staff to provide for students; transportation for those who require it; free COVID-19 testing schedule and availability for all staff, non-mandatory; and a vaccination schedule for all staff.
Deacon said she believes they will be back to hybrid learning “sooner rather than later.”
“I also respect and have planned for those families who wish to remain remote for the continuation of this school year,” she said. “Daily, I receive communications from families from all angles. We continue to work with families who need additional support. This has been a horrific impact on many.”