North Andover Schools Recommending Hybrid Model

NORTH ANDOVER, MA — North Andover Public Schools officials are recommending a hybrid model for fall reopening, they said in a draft plan released Thursday.

The district could feasibly have full return with 3 feet distancing, but it would "make it more difficult to maintain established safety guidelines" for reasons including staffing needs and distancing for snacks and lunch. Six feet distancing is not feasible.

Under the proposed hybrid plan, most students would spend some time in school and some time at home learning remotely, according to the following schedules:

Kindergarten: Students would be split into two cohorts which would spend either mornings or afternoons at school. They would be given work to do at home for remote time.

Elementary and up: Two cohorts would spend either Monday and Thursday or Tuesday and Friday mornings at school. All students would be released for lunch and learn remotely in the afternoon. Wednesdays would be fully remote.

At the pre-kindergarten level, in-person learning would be available for students with special needs, while other students would be included "based on health and safety guidelines."

All families could choose to send their children to the "remote learning academy" instead. Families that choose that option are required to remain in it all year, unless public health conditions change to allow full in-person learning.

Students in kindergarten to sixth grade and ninth grade would have some opportunity to visit their classes and meet their teachers and classmates the week of Sept. 8 to 15, while the full schedule would be implemented Sept. 16.

All Massachusetts districts were required to submit remote, hybrid and in-person plans to the state, Friday. Decisions are due Aug. 10.

The district shared a variety of other details on how all three plans would play out, scheduling, and health protocols.

All students, including kindergarten and first grade students, will be required to wear masks in school and on buses, expanding on the state's guidance. Families are expected to provide masks/face coverings, but schools will have extras for students who need them. Schools will hold mask breaks, with more breaks for younger students.

Students will be provided with Chromebooks and internet access assistance as needed, and breakfast and lunch distribution will continue for students in need.

The full initial plan is available here.

Christopher Huffaker can be reached at 412-265-8353 or chris.huffaker@patch.com.