Parents Weigh In On Worcester's Back-To-School Plan

WORCESTER, MA — Up to 1,000 people participated in a public hearing Monday night about Worcester's back-to-school plan. The district is considering several types of hybrid learning, where students spend a portion of the week in class, and a portion learning online.

Districts across Massachusetts are under an upcoming deadline to submit plans on how to hold school during the pandemic. Worcester is one of the largest school districts in New England, serving some 25,000 students.

Under one model, about half the district's students would be in classes, while the rest would be learning at home. That would mean students would spend two days in classes, and three days at home. Worcester school officials have said most students will be given a laptop or iPad for online school work.

During Monday's nearly four-hour meeting, school officials showed off pictures of what classes might look like with students spaced 3 feet apart — the minimum set by the state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) — and 6 feet apart.

While in school, students and staff will be required to wear masks and maintain social distance. But some parents wondered if that would be feasible, especially as students pass between classes, or socialize after school.

By the end of July, Worcester and every other district in the state will be required to submit three plans to DESE for the 2020-21 year: an all-remote plan, a hybrid plan, and an in-person plan.

Worcester will hold another forum for parents on school reopening on Wednesday.