Dear Boston Families,

As we begin the month of August, we will do our best to give you as much information as possible about school reopening in Boston and how your voice might be heard.

So what do we know right now about whether Boston students will return to school buildings? 

The state asked school districts to present three plans by July 31 that cover the following:

1. A plan for sending students and staff back to school buildings to learn;
2. A plan for students to learn through remote learning; and
3. A hybrid of in-school and remote learning from home.

Among the three options, the state has asked districts to prioritize plans for in-person instruction.

Last week, Boston Public Schools announced a “hopscotch model” where BPS students in grades K-8 would attend school two days a week in smaller groups, and participate in live instruction via video on alternative days. High schools may follow a different schedule, depending on class sizes, but this is still being discussed with the district and high school leaders. Mayor Walsh followed up this announcement by stating they will watch the coronavirus case data closely this month to see whether it is safe for students to return to school buildings. At the same time, the Boston Teachers Union, along with the state teachers union, is pushing for a fully remote return to school, and school districts in Lexington and Somerville have already stated that they will return to remote learning in the fall.

For Boston charter schools, as well as area private and parochial schools, decisions are being made on a school-by-school basis, and all are expected to announce their plans for fall by August 10. The same is true for students attending schools in suburban districts via METCO; and all families should hear from their schools in the next few weeks.

As families struggle with trying to make the right decision for their own children, we want to know what you are planning for your child this fall. Please let us know your thoughts and concerns about schools reopening at info@schoolfactsboston.org.

Stay well,

Vernée Wilkinson
SchoolFacts Boston