First, let me thank our entire elementary staff for all of the work they have been doing, particularly in grades K, 1, and 2, to get ready to bring our youngest learners back to school next Monday, March 8th.  Principals, administrators, teachers, and staff have organized new classrooms, changed schedules, structured new lunch arrangements, and generally prepared for our students to return safely.  Teachers in grade 3, 4, and 5, as well as those in the Remote Learning Academy, have also been working to plan additional instructional time for our at home learners.  We are eager and excited to strengthen the elementary program for our students!

This afternoon the Massachusetts State Board of Education accepted Commissioner Riley's recommendation that he have the authority to effectively end the hybrid model of instruction for all K-5 students. The Commissioner, supported by public health and pediatric experts, believes it is critical to return as many students as possible to the classroom beginning April 5th.

So what does this mean for Needham? There are significant and important logistical issues and concerns that must be worked out, but these are key highlights and next steps:

• Beginning April 5th, students in grades K-5 will return to school for in-person learning for at least 4.5 days a week; Wednesdays would likely involve a half day to provide for staff collaboration and planning.

• Students in the Remote Learning Academy are not impacted by this change and will remain fully remote.

• The vote does not require us to change our learning models for students in grades 6-12; the issues at the middle and high schools, including large enrollment and schedules, are complex and require more discussion and thought.

• The School Committee will meet with principals and teacher leaders next Tuesday, March 9th to review these changes, discuss how we can safely implement them, and consider if it is possible and appropriate to support more in person learning for middle and/or high school students.

• We will engage in conversations with the Needham Education Association (NEA) to understand how these changes may impact our teachers and staff.

• The COVID Advisory Committee will meet on March 18th to discuss plans and provide advice and guidance on our efforts.