Baker: Students will not return to schools this year, but remote learning continues
With the COVID-19 pandemic continuing to surge, students will not be physically returning to school this school year.
Gov. Charlie Baker announced the closure of the state’s public and private schools Tuesday to prevent further spread of the COVID-19 virus.
“The data shows we’re still very much in the grips of a pandemic here in Massachusetts,” he said. “Right now, the Commonwealth is still in the surge.”
He emphasized that school — in the form of remote learning — is still very much in session and stressed “this does not mean it’s time to start summer vacation early.
Grafton has already scheduled its last day of learning for June 12, with students forgoing this week’s April vacation for continued schoolwork.
“We believe students therefore cannot safely return to school and avoid the risk of transmitting this virus to others,” he said. “It’s the right thing to do, considering the facts on the ground associated with the COVID 19 pandemic.”
Baker also said state officials are making plans for expanding remote learning opportunities for students, as well as preparing for summer learning.
“We want to minimize learning loss as much as possible,” Jeffrey C. Riley, the state’s commissioner of elementary and secondary education, said. “I hope everyone will continue to work with their students to do the best they can on remote learning.”
All non-emergency child care programs will remain closed until June 29, though programs for the children of health care workers, first responders, and other essential workers will continue.
“We know that the lack of child care for many families has created an unanticipated burden and it’s hard to look after young children and balance the demands of working at home … but maintaining this structure is the best way to keep our kids and our providers safe from the spread of this insidious disease,” he said.
Baker expressed sympathy for the students, especially seniors, who will be missing the traditional school highlights, including spring sports and proms.
“The rituals that we’ve had will come back,” he said.
Baker compared the current situation with the coronavirus to the third quarter of a football game.
“Don’t let the virus win the game. Play it until the very end.”
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