Seekonk Public Schools Extend Distance Learning

SEEKONK, MA—Seekonk Public Schools announced on Tuesday that the district will extend its current remote learning model through Jan. 11.

Students at Seekonk Public Schools have been learning remotely since Dec. 21 and were scheduled to return to in-person classes on Jan. 4. However, the district decided to add an extra week of remote learning due to an expected increase in COVID-19 cases following the holidays and to make sure students have the structure they need to learn effectively.

"We are concerned that operating in our current hybrid model with high numbers of students and staff quarantining after the holiday break would negatively impact our ability to teach the majority of our students,” Superintendent Rich Drolet said in a statement.

"There is no replacement for in-person learning and the connections between teachers and students and their peers. We remain committed to in-person learning, but since August when we developed plans for all three learning models (remote, hybrid, and full in-person), we knew there would be times when our district would have to temporarily shift to remote learning if rates increased.," he continued.

Families will receive updated remote learning schedules by Wednesday, December 23 and special education students who attend placements outside of the district will continue to be transported and participate in-person unless notified otherwise.

“I have been proud of the work of our teachers, administrators, and all staff," said Drolet. "Our entire school community, which includes our students and families and staff, have done a commendable job following the rules and guidelines related to keeping our students and staff safe.”