SALEM, Mass. — Salem Public Schools is adjusting its back-to-school plan due to changes in the state’s measuring system.
Initially, Salem was planning to welcome the youngest students in for the fall semester and have the rest be remote in most cases, according to a new proposal approved by the school committee on Monday night.
Since then, however, Gov. Charlie Baker released a new color-coded map system to show those living in each community the average daily case rate per 100,000 people.
The city of Salem has moved from yellow (4-8 cases per 100,000 residents over a 14 day period) to red (over 8 cases per 100,000 residents over a 14 day period). Due to this change, the city has decided to begin the school year with remote learning for all students, including grades preK to three.
>> Mass. school districts shuffle reopening plans after state released new map on town-level risk
Salem superintendent Stephen Zrike posted on the district’s Facebook page:
“As part of the SPS reopening plan, we committed to ensuring the health and safety of our students and staff. We indicated that any changes in the community spread of the COVID-19 virus could result in a shift to our plans.
Yesterday, the state of Massachusetts released a new, four-tier measuring system intended to inform district planning for school reopening. This evening we learned that the City of Salem has moved from yellow (4-8 cases per 100,000 residents over a 14 day period) to red (over 8 cases per 100,000 residents over a 14 day period). As a result of this information, we believe that it is necessary to begin the school year with remote learning for all grades, including grades preK to 3. Salem Public Schools intends to move forward by adopting the remote learning model for grades 4-12 for the entire district. As we have reiterated throughout the planning process, we will prioritize the safety and wellness of our students and staff.
SPS will share more details about this change for grades preK-3 in the coming days. We appreciate your flexibility and understanding as we respond to the changing environment.
Thank you for your continued support.”
In an earlier version of this story, Salem schools told Boston 25 News students from kindergarten to third grade would return in-person, and those above grade four would learn from home using Chromebooks. As for students without Chromebooks or internet access, the district is ordering more of the devices and has worked out a deal with Comcast to provide WiFi, according to Zrike.
>> Read the original proposal here
Friday, the union and district leaders were scheduled to meet, according to Berman.
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RESOURCES:
- Massachusetts Coronavirus Information
- Boston Coronavirus Information
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