Mask up! Grafton schools count down to a socially distanced school year
Grafton students return to school next week for the first time since COVID-19 shut down in-person education, and Superintendent of Schools Jay Cummings expects no plans will be set in stone.
“I don’t think anything is going to be comfortable this year,” Cummings told the School Committee Tuesday night. “They don’t even have the state budget ready yet. It’s going to be a huge challenge for us, for every district.”
Grafton has adopted a hybrid model, in which one student cohort will go to school for one week, a second cohort will participate remotely and a third cohort will spend the entire year in a Remote Learning Academy. The first and second cohorts will switch positions weekly.
And this year, the dress code includes masks.
Students, with very few exceptions, must wear masks during in-person school days. The masks — disposable or fabric — must be provided by parents, although teachers will have access to disposables if necessary.
Both bandanas and gaiter face coverings are prohibited since studies have found them not as successful as three-ply fabric masks. Masks must cover both nose and mouth. Students will also have periodic socially distant mask breaks, according to the School Committee’s newly adopted mask policy.
Individuals may be excused from the requirement for the following list of reasons, per CDC guidance:
The individual:
- has trouble breathing;
- is unconscious;
- is incapacitated;
- cannot remove the mask or face covering without assistance.
In addition, masks or face coverings will not be required for anyone who has a medical, behavioral or other challenge making it unsafe to wear a face mask or face covering. A written note from a physician is required for a requested exemption. Parents may not excuse their child from the face mask requirement by signing a waiver.
Exceptions to this policy under certain circumstances, including for students with medical, behavioral or other challenges who are unable to wear masks, must be approved by the building principal in consultation with the school nurse or local Board of Health. Face shields or physical barriers may provide an alternative in some instances subject to approval by the building principal.
Buses
There are no bus fees for the 2020-21 school year. Finance Director Anita Patel suggested that parents concerned about whether their child is on the school bus list should contact the schools they will be attending.
“It’s an absolute logistical nightmare right now, so the sooner the better,” she said.
Drivers will have a list of students assigned to their buses. Only students on the list will be allowed aboard. Buses will be assigned according to the students’ addresses.
Technology
The school department had to scrabble together equipment for home learning back in March, and technology plays a giant role in keeping schools running smoothly this year.
“In my wildest dreams I wouldn’t have thought we would be putting out 2,000 electronic devices into the community,” Cummings said.
He predicted the department will have to dip deeper into circuit breaker funds this school year, especially with the state budget continuing to be an unknown.
Miscellaneous Bits
- High school sports are now set to start on September 18 per MIAA guidelines, but there is discussion within the South Worcester County League (SWCL) to possibly pushing the fall start to October.
- Similarly, no after school extracurricular activities will be offered until at least the end of September.
- Water fountains will be covered to prevent virus transfer but bottle fillers will be available.
- The School Committee accepted a memorandum of agreement with the teachers, an addendum to its already negotiated contract.
