Wilmington Schools Planning Hybrid Learning Model For The Fall

WILMINGTON, MA — Wilmington Public Schools officials are tentatively planning a hybrid learning model for the fall, in which students spend part of their time in classrooms and part of their time at home learning remotely, Superintendent Glenn Brand told the School Committee, Wednesday.

Because of distancing requirements, district officials view full return to in person classes as non-viable, while they do not believe fully remote learning is necessary.

All Massachusetts districts are required to send plans for all three models to state education authorities, July 31. The district may be forced to change plans based on the coronavirus's progression or state policy; hybrid learning is a "preliminary plan."

Brand said he "cannot see our younger students sitting at a desk in a chair wearing a mask all day." Hybrid learning would allow fewer students in the school at a time, making six foot distancing adequate, allowing for mask breaks. Eating lunch in school cafeterias would also be easier with fewer students at school.

The district's schools have space for the minimum requirement of three feet distancing with all students presence, but that requires students remain masked at all times.

District officials have not landed on a specific hybrid plan, but the district's scheduling focus group has recommended against alternating weeks. Instead, students would be split into groups for alternating days or morning/afternoon classes.

Brand shared survey results indicating that most parents would follow in-person or fully remote learning plans, but 6 percent would not send their kids to school and 8 percent would not enroll if classes were remote. Roughly a quarter of parents are unsure.

Nearly half of staff members said in a survey that they are worried about returning to school for reasons including childcare needs and health conditions.

The district is looking at half-day programs for early childhood centers, Brand said.

Representatives from eight reopening focus groups shared preliminary plans on issues including technology, cleaning and equity. The full meeting is available here from WCTV. Brand's presentation is here and the focus group presentations are here.

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