Swampscott Schools To Go Fully Remote, Delay Winter Sports

SWAMPSCOTT, MA — Swampscott Public Schools will switch to a fully remote learning model for all students starting Monday and delay the start of the winter sports season until at least Jan. 6.

The district, which switched students at Swampscott High School to remote learning this week, will move all students to the remote model from Dec. 21 through at least Jan. 8.

Swampscott Superintendent Pamela Angelakis said the Board of Health made the recommendation to go fully remote based on rising coronavirus rates in the town, as well as increased cases among students.

She said more families are requesting to withdraw from hybrid learning and go fully remote, there is concern about transmission at holiday gatherings where the schools have no oversight and there is concern about travel over the holiday break.

"One week after break will allow for almost a 'requisite' quarantine to safely transition back to the hybrid model and minimize risk," Angelakis said in a letter to the school community.

Swampscott High Principal Dennis Kohut also sent a letter to the school community informing families of the Board of Health's recommendation to suspend winter sports until after the holiday break.

Swampscott has previously paused winter sports pending further Board of Health and School Committee input. The tentative hope is to begin indoor practices on Jan. 6.

Rising coronavirus rates, and the indoor nature of winter sports compared to fall sports that were contested outside, were cited as reasons for that delay.

"I hope that you can all understand that planning for this season required a bit more time, energy and creativity than season's past," Kohut said. "It seems prudent to postpone the start of the season until after the holiday break.

"As we mentioned in last week's school committee meeting, the decision to have a season this year is by no means an easy one. However, we are hopeful that Big Blue winter sports will begin on Jan. 6."

Swampscott became the latest Northeastern Conference school to suspend the winter indoor season — joining Danvers and Salem. Lynn has canceled winter sports for 2020-21.

Kohut said coaches will follow up with players on new schedules.

More Patch Coverage: Swampscott Joins Salem In Pressing Pause On Winter School Sports

Danvers Moves To Remote Learning Thursday, Suspends Winter Sports

No Salem High School Winter Sports Until 2021