LYNN — With schools closed for the remainder of the year and the district’s implementation of its new remote learning plan on Monday, Superintendent Dr. Patrick Tutwiler said his administration is beginning to look toward the fall.
Tutwiler said the administration is preparing for the possibility that school could operate much differently when classes resume, based on what guidance surrounding the coronavirus is in place at the time.
For instance, Tutwiler said there could be blended learning models and different scheduling to allow for social distancing. He said a flexible learning plan is being developed in the event that students and teachers are not able to return to school at full capacity in the fall.
Given that there will potentially be an additional holiday in September, Tutwiler plans to ask the School Committee to allow students to return to school earlier than current plans dictate.
Tutwiler said Gov. Charlie Baker has proposed that the Boston Marathon be held on Monday, Sept. 14, which would be declared a holiday. However, that would make for a “rocky start” for students, Tutwiler said, since the current school calendar doesn’t allow for classes to resume until Sept. 10.
“I would like to think about starting earlier before Labor Day to address the loss of learning that’s happening now and given the later holiday,” said Tutwiler. “The calendar is an agreement between the School Committee and the Teachers Union. I think it would be prudent to think about starting early.”
He has proposed that teachers return on Sept. 1 and students come back on Sept. 2.
The school district’s new remote learning plan launched online on Monday, which will remain in place until the end of the school year on June 18.
The plan consists of interdisciplinary projects anchored in common themes district-wide. The work features the themes of community, adaptation and reflection. A framework for a student’s school day includes physical activity and activity related to the arts.
All materials have been posted on the school’s website, but Tutwiler said students will be able to access the resources without technology.
The materials will be available for pick-up at all district schools Monday to Wednesday from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. from April 30 to May 8, and then only at the meal distribution sites set up at four of the district’s schools on weekdays from 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
To increase access, Tutwiler said the school district has purchased 5,500 laptops, which will be distributed to students with the highest need and greatest urgency, such as seniors and other students who need to complete academic requirements.
At about $250 each, the computers cost the district about $1.375 million.
“We eagerly await the arrival of those additional devices,” said Tutwiler. “(We) have already begun distribution of additional devices.”
