LYNN — Superintendent of Schools Dr. Patrick Tutwiler sent a letter to families on Tuesday saying that the district is still planning to open schools for full-time, in-person learning at all levels in the fall, but will align their safety protocols regarding COVID-19 with the soon-to-be released guidance by the state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE).
Over the course of the past three weeks, the American Academy of Pediatrics and Centers of Disease Control and Prevention have released recommendations related to health and safety for the upcoming school year, including encouraging all eligible teachers and students to get vaccinated, as well as calling for universal, indoor masking for everyone older than the age 2, regardless of vaccination status.
The district is closely monitoring the COVID-19 data in the community, in partnership with its nursing department and the city’s health director, and plans to work with local health officials after DESE releases its updated guidance to finalize the plan for the 2021-22 school year.
“As has been the case from the very beginning of the pandemic, the health and safety of students and staff remains our top priority,” Tutwiler said in the letter. “By now, we are all too familiar with scenarios where there are many questions and only a handful of answers. Nonetheless, the extent to which we stay together and in communication can only lead to better outcomes.”
Tutwiler said he will communicate with families and staff regarding this topic soon, and will continue to update them on district plans when more information comes in.
