PEABODY — Peabody Public Schools moved one step closer to finalizing the district’s reopening plans.
School Superintendent Dr. Josh Vadala presented a detailed plan to the School Committee last week, recommending the district adopt a hybrid-learning model that “offers a remote-learning option for individuals who are unable or uncomfortable in an in-learning environment.”
Vadala said the plan will be submitted on Friday to the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), which is requiring all districts to submit three-pronged plans that include in-school, remote and hybrid learning options.
“Our goal for the fall continues to be the safe return of as many students and staff as possible to in-person school settings, to maximize learning and address our students’ holistic needs,” Vadala also told the committee. “After analyzing the capacity of our buildings and reviewing other health and safety considerations, we have determined that we cannot safely bring all staff and students back to full-time in-person learning at this time.”
The hybrid plan calls for two days of in-school learning and two days of at-home remote learning, along with one day (Wednesday) dedicated to cleaning, virtual instruction, conferences and other activities as needed.
Under the plan, students will be split into three groups. Cohort A will be in school full-time on Mondays and Thursdays while Cohort B will be in school full-time on Tuesdays and Fridays. Cohort C (special education and ELL students among others) will be in school every day except Wednesdays.
“I am also recommending that we begin the year with a phased-in approach that will ensure our schools are ready to welcome students and our staff receives the proper training and resources to implement these new learning models,” Vadala said.
Vadala said the results of a feasibility study, as well as a belief that there is no substitute for in-person learning because for many families, school is more than just an academic institution, were key considerations in the district’s decision to go hybrid. That study included family and faculty and staff surveys; assessment of building capacity, and the findings of various reopening committees and the reopening task force.
Seventy-seven percent of families representing 4,500 students responded to the family survey, with nearly 70 percent saying they want to return to in-school learning five days a week. Approximately 25 percent said if a five-day plan was implemented, they preferred remote learning. About 98 percent of respondents said they have Internet access at home.
In terms of building capacity, the study concluded that 100 percent of students could return with three-feet distancing, while only 50-60 percent could return if six-feet spacing were required.
Committee member Joe Amico said he was torn on the whole issue of reopening.
“I have a ton of confidence in our administration and buildings, but I don’t have a ton of confidence in the virus. Things can change very quickly and we all know that spring remote learning was not effective,” Amico said. “The hybrid model is good, but how long will it last before we have to shut down and go remote? I caution the public that things can change on a dime.”
The plan to be submitted to DESE is still being tweaked.
“We are working collaboratively with faculty and families to adjust the plan before the submission on Friday,” said Vadala. “For example, one change based on the feedback will be to require masks for all students. Other changes will be based on collaborative discussions with staff, students and families.”
Committee Vice-Chairman Beverley Griffin Dunne said Monday that she is receiving many inquiries from parents who are confused about the plan going forward.
“I’m getting emails and calls from people with a lot of questions,” she said. “They don’t understand it, and I have to admit, I can see why they are confused, and that’s aside from the logistical issues that we didn’t even get too during the meeting.”
