Danvers Moves To Remote Learning Thursday, Suspends Winter Sports

DANVERS, MA — Danvers Public Schools will switch to remote learning and delay winter sports through the end of the calendar year.

The Danvers School Committee voted to switch to remote learning as of Dec. 17 and continue until at least through Jan. 8. The hope is to return to the hybrid learning model on Jan. 11.

Winter sports, which began tryouts this week, were also suspended until at least Jan. 6.

"This decision was made based on a number of factors," Danvers Superintendent of Schools Lisa Dana told Patch, "including the review of the public health data, anticipated gatherings over the holidays and an uptick of cases in the community and schools, resulting in significant staffing challenges."

Coronavirus cases in Danvers surged in last week's state report — putting the town in the "high risk" category for community spread for the first time since the state started releasing town-by-town data this summer.

Danvers joins Salem and Swampscott as Northeastern Conference schools delaying the start of the winter indoor season.

More Patch Coverage: Danvers Enters 'High Risk' Category For Coronavirus Spread

Swampscott Joins Salem In Pressing Pause On Winter School Sports

'Snow Day' No Longer Means Day Off For Danvers Schools