Wayland Schools Go Remote Due To Coronavirus Cases

WAYLAND, MA — Two Wayland schools switched to remote learning on Monday after several students tested positive for coronavirus, according to town officials.

The remote learning switch affected only high school and middle school students. One student from Wayland Middle School tested positive on Sunday. Another probable case was detected in a high school student, the fourth in that school so far this year, according to letters sent to parents on Sunday by Superintendent Arthur Unobskey.

The remote learning switch was done to allow time for contact tracing at both schools, Unobskey's letters said. Wayland High School will return to the hybrid format on Tuesday.

"This evening the Wayland Health Department completed its contact tracing for the potential positive COVID case discussed in my letter [Sunday] evening," a letter sent by Unobskey to parents Monday night said. "Those who are potential close contacts have been identified and will quarantine for the appropriate amount of time."

Wayland Middle School will be remote on Election Day because the building will be used as a polling place.

Wayland students entered a hybrid learning model on Oct. 19. Since then, the number of coronavirus cases in Wayland has grown. On Thursday, the state Department of Public Health moved the town up from low-risk to moderate-risk for virus transmission.

Districts across Massachusetts have moved between remote and hybrid models as cases have creeped into school buildings. Franklin is extending remote learning for high school students after a weekend Halloween party, and nearby Lincoln-Subdury High School had to postpone the start of hybrid learning due to a large party.