Woonsocket Students Will Learn Remotely Starting Nov. 30

WOONSOCKET, RI—Woonsocket Education Department has announced that all students will learn remotely starting November 30.

According to a statement from Woonsocket Superintendent Patrick McGee released on Friday, he has decided to move the entire district to remote learning due to an increase in COVID-19 cases in Woonsocket over the last few months and the fact that an even more significant increase in positive cases is predicted with the upcoming holidays.

The superintendent's decision comes after Governor Gina Raimondo gave Rhode Island high schools the option to shift to limited in-person plans on Thursday.

"While I respect and appreciate the governor's options, I am choosing to take a different path in the Woonsocket Education Department after Thanksgiving," said McGee. "As I have stated throughout the process of establishing and implementing the Woonsocket Education Department’s reopening plans, ensuring the health and safety of all students, teachers, and staff are my top priority."

The superintendent said both students and staff members will learn and teach remotely from November 30 through December 23, with a plan for them to return to school with their current instructional schedule on January 4.

"I realize that my decision will impact many families, however, please understand that this decision was not made lightly," said McGee. "I believe that we will see a spike in COVID-19 cases during this period and I feel that it is safer for our students and staff to not be in close contact with one another."