Peabody Coronavirus: School Closure Order Shocks Committee

PEABODY, MA — While Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker's decision to keep schools closed for the remainder of the year was highly anticipated, some members of the Peabody School Committee were dismayed and shocked when the board held a virtual meeting Tuesday afternoon.

"Most of us were expecting it, but I think it's still a shock to hear that our kids are not coming back at least through the end of June," School Committee member Jarrod Hochman said.

Like school districts across the state, the decision aimed at slowing the spread of the new coronavirus leaves Peabody officials to map a course forward. In the coming days, the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education will issue updated guidelines on remote learning plans for the remainder of the school year. Interim Superintendent Marc Kerble scheduled staff meetings for May 5 and May 7 to plan the curriculum for the remainder of the school year.

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Kerble said it has been difficult to keep students "constantly engaged." He and School Committee members also expressed sadness for high school seniors, who will not have the traditional springtime rites of passage of prom and graduation.

Possible solutions, including an online ceremony, a ceremony with no audience and students standing 6 feet apart, or a simple postponement, have all been discussed.

"Everyone is struggling with graduation," Kerble said.

"I'm still trying to come to grips with the fact that schools are closed for the remainder of the year," said Mayor Ted Bettencourt, who also chairs the school committee.

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Dave Copeland writes for Patch and can be reached at dave.copeland@patch.com or by calling 617-433-7851. Follow him on Twitter (@CopeWrites) and Facebook (/copewrites).