Medford Schools Plan Multi-Model Approach This Fall

MEDFORD, MA — As the Medford Public Schools fleshes out its plan for the upcoming school year, the district made one thing clear Friday: families will not have to send their kids to school. In their weekly update Friday, the task forces developing models for in-person, hybrid and remote learning said that families will have the option to be fully remote.

"Here in Medford, there is no single model that will work best for all children, families, and teachers," the district said.

Families will be asked to identify which of the three models will work best for them. The district said there is the potential that Gov. Charlie Baker will issue an executive order dictating a particular approach, but it is currently figuring out how to make the three models fit together.

"We believe that our decision to offer three models will allow us to most easily and seamlessly move between models should that become necessary during the school year," the district said. "The instruction teams are also working tirelessly to build plans that ensure that regardless of which plan your child experiences, there is consistent instruction that delivers high standards for learning."

The district is currently examining building spaces to determine where adjustments are needed. This could include moving classrooms, accommodating slightly less physical distance and other scenarios. State guidelines would reduce Medford's bus capacity from 77 students per bus to 24 students, meaning the district would have to reduce service wherever allowed by law.

Bus transportation must be provided to students who reside further than 1 ½ miles from their school. The district does not have an option to triple its buses, so families are asked to think about carpooling, walking or finding another manner to come to school.

Most of the PPE described last week is in-house, but there is some plexiglass still on order. Additionally, a technology Chromebook order is pending, but that is expected to be received before the start of school.

Important dates for families:

Friday, July 31: Draft plan released

Monday, Aug. 3: Public session at 10 a.m.

Tuesday, Aug. 4: Public session at 6:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Aug. 4: Deadline for feedback

Other updates:

• Facilities and Operations Guidance: The DESE provided additional details for school facilities and grounds as well as operational protocols based upon the most recent information on COVID-19. The full guidance can be found here.

• Protocols for responding to COVID-19 scenarios in school, on the bus, or in the community settings: The DESE released a comprehensive set of protocols for responding to specific COVID-19 related scenarios this fall. This information was released with the understanding that CDC protocols may be released in the coming weeks and the guidance may be updated accordingly. The full release from the DESE can be found here.

• The Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA) Board of Directors unanimously recommended to push back the start date of the fall sports season to Sept. 14: State officials are expected to release more information, guidance, and updates in the coming weeks. The MIAA COVID-19 Task Force Meeting Highlights from July 15th can be found here.