Plans For Full Return To In-Person School In RI This Fall

PROVIDENCE, RI — The end of the school year is fast-approaching in Rhode Island, and plans are already underway for the return to class in the fall.

On Thursday, Gov. Dan McKee said he and other state leaders anticipate a full return to classes in the fall, though details are still being determined. McKee said he anticipates announcing more concrete details about what the 2021-22 school year will look like on July 1.

During the summer months, the focus will be on getting as many students as are eligible vaccinated, McKee said. At this time, COVID-19 vaccines are available to anyone aged 12 and up, and approval for younger ages is expected in the coming months. So far, the vaccine rollout in the 12-to-15 age group has been going well, McKee said.

"We are going to make sure our kids are getting vaccines," McKee said, which will allow for a safer school environment in the fall.

The Rhode Island Department of Education's goal is to get all students back to full-time, in-person learning by the start of the new school year, McKee said. As part of the effort to lessen the strain on school districts, distance learning options will no longer be required, he said.