Back-To-School In Arlington: 5 Things To Know

ARLINGTON, MA — Arlington will start the school year with a choice between remote and hybrid learning at all grade levels except for the high school. Here are five things to keep in mind as students begin classes next week:

1. When is the first day of school? School will start Monday, Sept. 21. Families should receive schedules by early this week.

2. What is the APS learning model? Families should have informed the district of their decision to enroll their students in either the Remote Academy by Choice or the hybrid learning plan.

3. What is going on with Arlington High School? Students at the high school level do not have a choice between learning plans, as the district felt the facilities could not accommodate proper health and safety guidelines. High school students will learn remotely through the end of the year.

4. What are some health and safety guidelines for in-school learning?

• Masks/face coverings required for all staff and students at all times except during scheduled mask breaks. Students who have a medical/emotional/behavioral health concern that precludes them from wearing a mask will need to be managed on a case by case basis, in collaboration with families, the school nurse, the SPED providers and/or principals.
• Physical/Social Distancing Guidelines. 6 feet while in stationary spaced.
• Hand and Respiratory Hygiene/Cough Etiquette Education
• Education of staff, students and families the need to STAY HOME when not feeling well
• Frequent cleaning and sanitizing of high touch surfaces
• Air quality study of all school buildings and spaces
• Parcel Box has been placed in each school’s main lobby for visitors to drop off items without entering the school buildings.
• No large group meetings/gatherings/assemblies
• No visitors – only students and staff in the buildings
• No in-person field trips, virtual field trips are fine
• Education to staff, students and families
• Modification of family absent call in to identify early symptoms/clusters of illnesses

Read more here.

5. Scheduling changes: The School Committee recently shortened the school day for Pre-K through fifth grade on the days they are on campus. Students will be let out at 1:45 p.m., rather than 2:30 p.m. on the days they are remote.

The Bishop School bus will not immediately run.