Kindergarteners and first graders return to Grafton schools February 8

Both North and South Grafton elementary schools will be filled with students — all their students — on February 8 when kindergarteners and first graders will transition from hybrid learning to full-time classroom instruction.

It’s been a long time coming. The last time a Grafton school was non-hybrid was back in March 2020, when Gov. Charlie Baker put the state on lockdown to prevent further spread of COVID-19.

Superintendent of Schools James Cummings said the date was chosen purposely — the students will have a week of in-school learning before February vacation, allowing the school department to tinker with the format if necessary.

Students still have the option to stay in the Remote Learning Academy if the parents desire. This will remain the case throughout the school year, even if all schools are allowed to open to all students.

“It’s been all hands on deck,” Cummings said. “Every day, our staff is hands on.”

He added that he has been fielding questions about vaccinations for teachers and staff daily. With the state entering the second phase of vaccination in February, Cummings is hopeful that teachers will receive their vaccines by March.

None of Grafton’s Covid cases — 857 since last March, 287 since the start of January 2021 — have been linked to in-school transmission. Of the 43 positive cases reported in the Grafton schools since the New Year, both North and South Grafton elementary schools have experienced the lowest case rates in the district, with the highest reported at Grafton High School.

Cummings added that the flu season has been “less impactful” this year, likely due to the measures taken against Covid.