Grades K through 8 To Return To Full Time In-Person Learning

MANSFIELD, MA — Mansfield students in grades one through eight will return to full time in-person learning on April 5, except for those who opt to remain fully remote. The move comes after the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education mandated Tuesday that elementary students return to full in-person learning by April 5, and middle schoolers return by April 28.

Superintendent Teresa Murphy made the announcement in a district newsletter Wednesday afternoon, and said she was excited to have students back in classrooms. Kindergarten students returned to in-person learning five days per week on March 1, which Murphy stated was a success thanks to the students, teachers, parents, and administrators at Robinson Elementary School.

“Since the day students left our buildings, our administrators and teachers have been working on plans to return all students and staff to our schools,” Murphy wrote in the letter. “This is an exciting time for everyone and while I realize that the past year has brought uncertainty, stress, and anxiety for everyone, walking the halls of Robinson Elementary School these past two weeks and seeing our kindergarten classrooms filled with students and conversation and laughter has reaffirmed the need for students to return to their classrooms.”

The district is hosting meetings for families to learn about scheduling and quarantine plans for in-person learners—links will be sent later, the superintendent’s letter said.

• March 22: Jordan/Jackson Elementary School
• March 24: Qualters Middle School
• March 25: Robinson Elementary School

Murphy said a decision about high school students returning to fill time in-person learning will be announced in the coming weeks.