What To Expect As Burlington Middle Schoolers Start New Year

BURLINGTON, MA – As Burlington students head back to school this week, Marshall Simonds middle schoolers are preparing to learn in a whole new way.

Marshall Simonds Middle School held a "soft opening" for students last week, welcoming one cohort each of sixth grade students into the building on Thursday and Friday as a way to implement new procedures on a smaller scale.

"We are certain, despite our best efforts, there will be some unanticipated challenges in the coming days and weeks as we begin to 'live' this year's schedule and reality," school officials wrote in an update to students and parents on Sunday. "Please know that we are constantly assessing our current situation and circumstances and will make adjustments, as necessary."

Over the first two days of school, teachers familiarized students with Google Classroom, reviewed health and safety protocols and held team meetings with seventh and eighth grade students and cohort meetings with sixth grade students to review expectations for the new year, school officials said.

Start/end times

One thing that has not changed for middle school students Marshall Simonds this year is school start and end times, which remain 7:35 a.m. to 1:55 p.m. Officials said they anticipate it will take longer for students to enter the building as they practice social distancing, so students will be allowed to enter the building starting at 7:20 and homeroom attendance will not be taken until 8 a.m. Dismissal will begin at 1:45 p.m. and will continue until all students have safely exited the building.

Parents are asked to display their child's name (last name, first), grade/team, and homeroom number in large font on the passenger side of the vehicle during afternoon pickup to help school officials help students get to their cars quickly.

Class schedule

This year's schedule for students includes two cohorts, both hybrid and fully remote, which follow synchronous and asynchronous instruction. Virtual homeroom takes place at 7:45 a.m. on remote learning days, followed by a live stream of morning announcements.

Bus schedule

Students who are taking the bus will experience significant changes this year to help minimize risk and exposure. Burlington Public Schools released updated bus routes last week to help families prepare. School officials remind parents that it is important to review both the morning and afternoon bus schedules and to help their students learn which bus they will need to take home in the afternoon.

Back to school nights

Three separate Back to School Nights will be held for families this year:

• Grade 6: Thursday, Sept. 24
• Grade 7: Tuesday, Sept. 29
• Grade 8: Thursday, Oct. 1

School officials also thanked the custodial staff for their efforts to prepare the building for in-person instruction under the current health and safety restrictions.

"They quickly responded to room moves, moving 1/2 of the student furniture into storage, and increased their regular cleaning and sanitation," officials wrote in the update Sunday. "Their hard work and effort is greatly appreciated."

Officials also thanked the secretarial staff, instructional technology specialist, faculty and instructional staff for their work in preparing for the new school year.

"We continued to be impressed with their dedication to our students and their commitment to their profession," officials wrote.