Malden In-Person Learning Brings Added Staff, Meal Changes

MALDEN, MA — The Malden Public Schools began full in-person instruction for students in grades K-5 Monday. In a letter to families last week, Superintendent John Oteri said he is "confident that our school buildings are very safe and that the measures we have in place will help prevent the spread of COVID-19."

Families of K-5 students now have two options, either fully in-person or fully remote. There is no longer a hybrid model offered at those grade levels.

In order to effectively transition to in-person learning, the district is hiring multiple Learning Support Assistants. These are temporary, flexible, part-time positions of up to 19 hours per week. Assistants will work with teachers to implement simultaneous learning while some students are remote and others are in person. Interest Form - Learning Support Specialists.

Meal distribution is now taking place at the Salemwood School and Malden High School only. Families whose students are engaged in fully remote learning can pick up meals Monday through Friday, from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Processes and Procedures For In-Person Learning:

• Before students leave their home in the morning, families should conduct a self-check to make sure their child is free of any COVID-19 symptoms. If they do have symptoms, they should stay home and consult a healthcare provider.
• When arriving at school, students should only be dropped off at the time indicated by the building principal. This ensures we remain in compliance with DESE guidance related to social distancing and other safety precautions.
• At lunch, students will report to a large space, such as the gym or cafeteria. There, they will be spaced six feet apart as they eat. Once they finish eating, students will put their masks back on and stay within their six-foot area until the lunch period is over.
• At dismissal at the end of the day, families are asked to pick up students and exit the common areas as quickly as possible.