Back To School In Natick: 5 Things To Know

NATICK, MA — Natick students will return to class on Wednesday for the first time since last spring, ushering in a new era of learning designed to protect students and teachers as the coronavirus pandemic continues.

Like most districts in Massachusetts, Natick has chosen to resume school under a hybrid model, where only part of the student body will in school buildings while others remain at home. Here are some key things to know as school gets underway.

Cohorts

Natick students will be split into cohorts to reduce the number of students in buildings each day. The type of cohort will look different based on grade level. For example, Natick High School will be split in half: every two weeks, half of students will attend remote classes, the other half will attend in-person classes divided into one "Red" and one "Blue" week.

Symptom Checking

Each school day, parents will get a text or email from a service called Ruvna, which they will use to screen for COVID-19 symptoms. Teachers and staff will also have to screen for symptoms before the start of school each day.

Masks and PPE

The town and school district have purchased personal protective equipment for schools, but students are expected to wear their own mask or face covering each day. Students who refuse to wear a mask and don't have a medical exemption may be sent to the principal's office.

School Calendar

Although school began a little later this year, the 2020-21 school calendar is relatively the same as in a normal year. The calendar, including vacation days and early release days, is available on the Natick Public Schools website.

Coronavirus Situation

As students prepare to enter class on Wednesday, Natick is still reporting regular case increases. As of the last report on Sept. 10, five new cases had been detected in town, bringing the pandemic total to 468 since March. Any student or staff member who has coronavirus symptoms during the school year will be required to stay home and isolate. And anyone who exhibits symptoms must get a coronavirus test before being allowed back into school.

For more details, read the district's school reopening guide.