Barnstable Schools Release First Steps To Reopening Plan

BARNSTABLE, MA — Superintendent Meg Mayo-Brown detailed the framework for Barnstable Public Schools' reopening plan.

Schools have until July 31 complete and submit a preliminary reopening plan and then must provide finalized planning documents no later than Aug. 10 to the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Educations. Schools statewide were instructed to come up with plans for in-person, remote and hybrid learning.

Mayo-Brown said the plans could change as new state guidance and public health information becomes available and asked that the community be patient while school officials determine what's in the best interest of students and faculty.

"Our priority is the health and safety of our students and of our staff as we develop our plans," Mayo-Brown said.

Mayo-Brown broke down where each school is in the planning process and some general guidelines likely to be a part of the reopening plans. She also said parents will have the option to enroll their student in remote-only learning.

At Hyannis West, Centerville, West Villages, Barnstable Community Innovation School and Barnstable West Barnstable Elementary, the plan is to prioritize in-person learning.

Social distancing of at least 6 feet will be implemented, and all adults and students in grades 2 and above will be required to wear masks.

Kindergarten and grade 1 students will be encouraged to wear masks but are not required to. Teachers at those grade levels will work with students to teach them about the healthy habit of wearing masks and will work to build it as a future expectation.

Mayo-Brown said Barnstable High School, Barnstable Intermediate School and Barnstable United Elementary will require hybrid models because of space.

"We cannot bring back all students to in-person learning at once," Mayo-Brown said. "We have to implement a hybrid model at these three schools."

For these three schools, school officials will explore cohort models where some students are on site, while others will learn remotely. Under this plan, the students would switch on a weekly or daily basis.

Mayo-Brown said there would also be a third group for students the district knows need in-person learning on a daily basis. Students with learning disabilities and English learning students will be prioritized for in-person learning.

Plans are still under development for the Encobb Early Learning School.

Other safety guidelines are expected to be in effect for all schools. They include:

• Students grades 2-12 and adults must wear masks. Younger children are encouraged but not required. On buses, everyone must wear mask regardless of grade level.
• Provide opportunities for frequent handwashing/sanitizing.
• Implement physical distancing to protect all students
• Maximize cohort grouping to limit the number of students in the building at any given time
• Implement protocols for transitions, meals, cleaning and disinfecting and materials
• Prioritize staying home when sick

The School Committee must finalize its feasibility plan and submit it to the Massachusetts Department of Secondary Education by July 31. Feedback from parents and other members of the school community is encouraged, Mayo-Brown said.

The plans will be finalized at the next School Committee meeting on Aug. 5.

Read more about Massachusetts school reopening guidelines here.