Back to school: Districts release plans for reopening schools

BOSTON — The deadline for Massachusetts school districts to submit their plans for reopening schools amid the coronavirus pandemic to state education officials was Friday.

Districts are required to prepare plans for three different scenarios: in-person classes, remote learning, or a hybrid of the two options.

A number of districts have already said they’d focus on online classes, or a mix of in-person and remote work, at least for the start of the academic year.

Athol

Athol announced it will begin the school year remotely on Sept. 14.

Boston

Boston, the state’s largest public school system, will begin the school year with a fully remote learning model before transitioning to a hybrid model. The first day of school will be Sept. 21.

Boxford

Boxford voted 3-2 to start remotely with a phased-in hybrid return.

Middleton

Middleton Public Schools will return to school in-person full time starting in September. The decision was made in a Middleton School Committee meeting with a 4-1 vote. Remote learning will be an option for families who do not want their children back in the classroom.

Revere

Revere will start the year remote. Superintendent Dianne Kelly said the district wants to bring in English learners and special needs students in some capacity.

Salem

Salem announced all students will begin the school year with remote learning. The city had to make changes to its original plans after the state release a new color-coded map system to show those living in each community the average daily case rate per 100,000 people.

Saugus

Saugus is planning for a hybrid return to school.

Springfield

Springfield, the state’s third-largest city, has confirmed it will take a similar approach and potentially switch to a hybrid model later in the year, as will Cambridge, Somerville, and Lynn public schools.

Topsfield

Topsfield voted 5-0 for a phased return to school, which means students will begin remotely and move to a hybrid.

Worcester

Worcester, the state’s second-largest city, announced it will start the year with online classes, at least through mid-November. The first day of school is Sept. 15.

>> More: Mass. colleges, universities announce fall semester plans amid coronavirus pandemic