Braintree Schools Launch Website For Reopening Updates

BRAINTREE, MA — Braintree Public Schools have launched a website to keep students and parents up to date on the district's reopening plan for the fall.

When the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education released its initial reopening guidelines on June 25, Braintree school officials created the School Opening Steering Committee which includes 60 representatives from across the community.

The committee is represented by School Committee members, administrators, content area directors, teachers and parents. More information can be found about the committee at Braintree's school reopening website.

The committee has until July 31 complete and submit a preliminary reopening plan and then must provide finalized planning documents no later than Aug. 10. Schools across Massachusetts were instructed to come up with plans for in-person, remote and hybrid learning.

"The spring emergency closure of school, and the abrupt and challenging transition to remote learning, emphasized the fact that nothing can replace having our students in front of our teachers and staff," Superintendent Frank Hackett said in a statement. "We share the goal expressed by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education of bringing our students back to in-person learning this fall; however, I know that we all share the common goal of returning safely."

Hackett said one of the major considerations for reopening is physical distancing. State officials have said students must maintain a minimum of 3-6 feet from each other.

DESE Commissioner Jeffrey Riley in conference calls told schools to conduct assessments of how they can have students return to school in September with this distancing. Hackett said since those calls, several school districts announced plans to maintain 6 feet of social distancing, and Braintree will be utilizing 6 feet as it develops its three plans.

But on Monday, state officials provided districts with more guidelines they must consider when developing their plans.

The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education on Friday sent a letter detailing "protocols for responding to COVID-19 scenarios in school, on the bus, or in community settings." The protocols, much like everything else right now, are subject to change based on federal health guidance.

DESE said daily vigilance will be key in getting students back into class — and keeping them there — in the fall. Families and staff will be expected to monitor themselves and students on a day-to-day basis and keep students home when they aren't feeling well. Masks continue to be touted as "the most important single measure to contain the spread of COVID-19."

Districts will have to blend a number of strategies together to be successful, according to DESE. Clear communication will be paramount.

"To support a culture of health and safety, schools must have robust and reliable ways to communicate with all families, students, teachers, and staff in order to send and receive key messages related to COVID-19," DESE said.

Schools will be expected to continue providing learning opportunities for children who have to quarantine or isolate. Districts have already been instructed to come up with plans for in-person, remote and hybrid learning. Read more about Massachusetts school reopening guidelines here.