Seekonk Schools Switch To Remote Learning Ahead Of Winter Break

SEEKONK, MA—Seekonk Public Schools announced on Monday that the district will transition to fully remote learning on Tuesday, Dec. 22 and Wednesday, Dec. 23 ahead of winter break.

The two days of remote learning are in addition to Monday, Dec. 21, which is already scheduled as a remote learning day according to the school district's hybrid learning model. Students are currently scheduled to return to their in-person classes on Monday, Jan. 4.

“Given absences across the district, as well as increasing cases both in our area and across the region, we feel it makes sense to conduct remote learning for an additional two days to give everyone time to isolate prior to the holidays,” Superintendent Rich Drolet said in a statement.

“We are also cognizant that many districts in the region are transitioning to remote learning ahead of the holidays, so we hope that this decision will help to mitigate some child care challenges for our staff members," he continued. "As case numbers continue to rise in the region during the holiday season, remote learning will also help to protect the health and safety of all members of the district community.”

As of Monday, Seekonk Public Schools have experienced a total of 57 COVID-19 cases and 76 close contacts as a result of those cases.

The school is asking students, families, and staff members to take the following precautions to prevent further spread of the virus and allow in-person classes to resume in January:

• Stay home if you have a fever or are not feeling well.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.
• Avoid close contact with others. When outside your home, please adhere to social distancing guidelines and keep a distance of at least 6 feet between yourself and others.
• Wear a cloth face covering that covers your mouth and nose to protect others when in public areas.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, then throw the tissue in the trash and wash your hands.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.

The district also encourages anyone experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 or believes they have been exposed to get a COVID-19 test through a primary healthcare provider or at one of the Massachusetts testing sites.