Woburn Reopening: Hybrid Model, More Detailed Plan Soon

WOBURN, MA — Woburn Public Schools officials are recommending a hybrid learning model for the fall reopening, Superintendent Matthew Crowley said in a letter to the school community Friday.

Crowley told the Woburn School Committee Thursday that district officials found fully in-person reopening unfeasible while a remote return is the "least favored option," currently. In all scenarios, some students will be learning remotely.

The proposed hybrid model would split students into two groups. Each would spend two days per week learning in person and the other three learning remotely. All students would be remote on Wednesday, allowing for deep cleaning and for the two cohorts to come together as a full class remotely.

"We will be providing you a significantly more detailed plan in the near future," Crowley said in his letter.

>>Hybrid Model The 'Preferred Model' For Woburn Schools Reopening

The district has also created a question and comment form that will be reviewed and used to generate a Frequently Asked Questions document.

A separate letter from special education director Maureen E. Ryan outlined special education plans for the fall.

"When school resumes, students with disabilities will be closely monitored to determine if skill regression has occurred, beyond those of typical peers," Ryan wrote. "In addition, special education data will be reviewed to assess each student's current level of performance in accordance with the objectives and benchmarks on their IEP."

The district is setting up special sanitary assessment spaces for in-person assessments, while all IEP meetings will be held via Google Meet or Zoom, whether school is held in person, hybrid or remotely. There will be some exceptions, Ryan said.

Out of district programs will continue based on the programs' individual plans and circumstances.

Christopher Huffaker can be reached at 412-265-8353 or chris.huffaker@patch.com.