Graphic by Dina Katz
Abby Hepner
News Reporter
Within the last few months, Newton high schools have introduced the HyFlex learning model; however, Newton elementary schools seem to be planning the next step. On Monday, March 1st, Superintendent David Fleishman shared that Newton hopes to begin full in-person learning for elementary students on either March 29th or April 5th.
Fleishman told the School Committee that the school hours are unclear, but he plans to have that information set by March 15th.
Fleishman expects that many families will be interested in switching their current distance or hybrid models. He also notes that the change from hybrid to DLA (Distance Learning Academy) is easier than the change from online learning to in-person school, as space in the school buildings is limited. Officials have emphasized that they will not be able to accommodate everyone switching to fully in-person classes five days a week. The district is making the decisions based on space and the availability of teachers.
Fleishman noted, “it’s far better for students to be full, in-person more. It’s actually better for our teachers, too.” Fleishman concluded, “like everything with COVID, there are trade-offs, and nothing is simple. We will do this and communicate more in the next couple of weeks.”
In addition, Congressman Jake Auchincloss, the representative for Massachusetts’s Fourth District, sent out an email regarding the matter on March 3rd.
The email reads, “A recent report noted that Governor Charlie Baker and top education officials have unveiled a proposal calling for full-time in-person learning to begin in April for elementary schools. I’m in support. Getting elementary students back to school in April—and everyone back to school soon after—is a matter of education, of the economy, and of equity. To make it happen, we must ensure that all teachers can get vaccinated.”
At the bottom of the message, there was a question for Newton residents to answer: “Do you support prioritizing teacher vaccinations and returning our children to full in-person learning this spring?” with the option to answer “YES” or “NO.”
Prior to this announcement, Newton families and community members criticized Newton’s lack of speed in returning to fully in-person learning, especially compared to that of neighboring towns. Brookline Public Schools, for example, declared several weeks ago that it plans to send its youngest elementary students back to school full-time in late March.
Although the return to full in-person school is likely to happen for all Newton public schools in September 2021, Newton elementary schools can expect this transition sooner.
