by Inanna Arthen
More than 75 parents and community members joined the August 6 School Committee meeting on Zoom, which ran for nearly three hours. Many questions were asked by attendees, both school staff and parents, concerning details about the proposed learning plans and how students with specific health and academic needs would be accommodated. After a very long discussion, the School Committee voted for the hybrid model, combining limited in-person classes with a variety of remote learning plans.

Winchendon Schools Superintendent Joan Landers reported that the Chapter 70 unrestricted state funding for the school district has been level-funded at FY2020 levels, with an inflation rate still to be determined. The Town Manager has told the schools to proceed with the planned school budget previously presented. 21 of the employees who had been laid off in May have been re-appointed so far.

Tropical Storm Isaias knocked out Internet for the school buildings for several days, preventing parents from filling out the remote learning and school busing opt-out forms online. Ms. Landers stated that electronic forms would be sent out after the School Committee meeting.

Ms. Landers emphasized that all decisions about schooling plans are fluid, and could change at any time based on the rates of COVID infection and mandates from the state.

Ms. Landers presented a summary of each of the models for re-opening that districts are required by the state to develop and submit.

The full re-opening model, going back to all in-person learning with distancing, class sizes and other restrictions according to state guidelines, is not possible in Winchendon. There is not enough physical space in the buildings. At least 22 additional teachers would need to be hired--6 at Toy Town Elementary, 5 at Memorial, 7 at Murdock Middle School and 4 at Murdock High School--for which there is no funding. It would not be possible to serve lunch in the classrooms as state guidelines require.

The hybrid model will entail structured learning time, either in classrooms or remotely, for all students. Elementary school students will receive 5 hours per day of structured learning, secondary school students, 5.5 hours per day, sometimes in whole classes and sometimes in small groups. There will also be self-directed assignments and lessons. Cohorts would attend school on alternating days, two mornings per week, reducing the number of students inside buildings at the same time. "Grab and go" lunches would be distributed to students in classrooms to take home. On their non-classoom days, students not in school will have structured remote learning from home. High special needs students would attend in-person classes full time.

The fully remote model may be chosen by any family who prefers not to send their children back to school in-person at this time. Remote learning will combine synchronous and asynchronous online classes, independent study and technology-assisted learning and will accommodate all core academic areas and disciplines. Attendance will be taken daily, and the instructional day will be 5 hours for elementary students and 5.5 hours for secondary students.

School districts must submit their final plans to the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) by August 14.

The Winchendon Teacher's Association submitted a statement expressing concerns and asking that school open only in a fully remote model until the many challenges about health and safety can be completely addressed.

Parents were assured that the remote learning proposed is nothing like the hasty improvisation demanded by the sudden closing of schools this past March. Learning times will be structured tightly, with attendance taken, grades, and clearly delineated, comprehensive curricula. The schools will be holding meetings with parents to answer their questions and prepare families for the new program. Some materials will be sent home with students, including printed packets and materials such as art and science supplies or kits. Families will receive clear schedules for the use of time during the school days. Weekly conferences with teachers and families will be scheduled.

A wide divergence of views on the best model were expressed. School Committee member Greg Vine stated that he would prefer an all-remote model, based on the number of people he sees not complying with safety guidelines such as mask-wearing. Parent Kayla Maine reminded the School Committee that 68 percent of families surveyed wanted to return to in-person classes. A survey was sent to teachers asking their preference for a school re-opening model. 94 out of 103 teachers responded to the survey. 67 percent of school staff are at high risk from COVID-19 or live with someone who is. 51 percent of the school staff would prefer an all-remote model, with no in-person classes. Around 45 percent preferred a hybrid model, with the rest willing to return to full in-person classes.

The Committee voted 2-3 against reopening school on a fully remote model. The Committee approved re-opening on the hybrid model with a 4-1 vote.

The School Committee also approved the revised academic calendar for the 2020-2021 school year. Grades 1-12 will begin classes on Monday, September 14, while kindergarten will begin on Monday, September 21. Teachers and staff will have ten days of training and professional development from August 27 to September 11.

The August 6 School Committee meeting video may be viewed here. The final reopening plan for the 2021 school year may be viewed here (PDF).