Skip to content
  • logo
  • logo
  • Real Estate
    • Development
  • Restaurants
  • Calendar
    • Add an event
  • Tell JP Your News
  • Advertise
  • Contact Us
    • About Us

Jamaica Plain News - Fresh News for the Neighborhood You Love

Jamaica Plain News (https://www.jamaicaplainnews.com/2020/09/10/mayor-and-superintendent-our-fall-school-plans-are-guided-by-health-safety-and-equity/236141)

  • Real Estate
    • Development
  • Restaurants
  • Calendar
    • Add an event
  • Tell JP Your News
  • Advertise
  • Contact Us
    • About Us

Mayor and Superintendent: Our Fall School Plans Are Guided By Health, Safety, and Equity

By Mayor Martin J. Walsh and Superintendent Brenda Cassellius | September 10, 2020
LikeTweet EmailPrint More
  • More on Coronavirus
  • Subscribe to Coronavirus

From the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, keeping Boston’s families safe, healthy, and equitably supported has been our top priority. That’s why we made the tough but necessary decision to close Boston Public Schools buildings in March.

In a matter of days, we began distributing Chromebooks and WiFi hotspots to students, we set up meal sites to continue feeding tens of thousands of students and families, and we transitioned to fully remote learning. It was an all-hands-on-deck effort, and one we kept up while planning the upcoming school year.

We are still facing uncertainty from coronavirus, but the values that guide us are unchanged. Our plans for the upcoming school year put health, safety, and the needs of our most vulnerable students at the center of our plans.

After conducting an equity analysis and incorporating the feedback of thousands of stakeholders, we have decided to move forward with a cautious, responsible, phased-in hybrid model for the school year. In the optional hybrid model, students learn at home three days a week and attend school in-person two days a week.

This is our plan:

  • We pushed the first day of school back to September 21, to give schools and teachers extra time to prepare. 

  • On September 21, all students will start with all-remote learning. 

  • No sooner than October 1, the option of hybrid learning will begin for students with the highest needs. 

  • No sooner than October 15, optional hybrid learning may begin for the three grades of kindergarten: K0, K1, and K2. 

  • No sooner than October 22, opt-in hybrid learning may begin for grades 1-3. 

  • No sooner than November 5, opt-in hybrid learning may begin for grades 4-8. That will include grades 6-8 in the high schools that include those grades. 

  • And no sooner than November 16, opt-in hybrid learning may begin for grades 9-12. 

In every step, families have the choice of whether to opt in to hybrid learning or stay fully remote. BPS is surveying families about their learning environment and transportation preferences for the fall. We know that many families want and need their children to be in school, but many other families are not yet comfortable with in-person learning. That’s why we are honoring family choice.

We’ve learned a lot from the spring remote learning period. This plan is an opportunity to make remote learning more robust, inclusive, and creative. We are expanding technology and internet access; creating new outreach and support plans for families; developing solutions for special education students and English learners; and talking with childcare providers.

We have also spent months preparing our school buildings and training staff to protect students’ and teachers’ health. We are working with school leaders and facilities professionals to make sure every school is safe and in compliance with DESE recommendations. We will not send students, teachers, or staff into buildings that are not safe.

We are focusing on equity and meeting the needs of our students. Our plan responds to the significant opportunity gaps facing students from low-income households, students of color, immigrants, and English language learners. Many parents are essential workers who must return to work, and cannot leave their young children home alone. For these families, opportunity gaps grow with every day students are out of school. It’s also important to remember that school is about much more than learning. For many students, it’s their place of safety, support, and social development.

Supporting students with special needs is a big focus of this plan. We are prioritizing high needs special education students by giving them the option of in-person learning, up to four days per week, starting October 1. This is the right thing to do. We are committed to meeting the requirements of every student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP).

We need to keep our communities safe, get kids back to school, and provide quality education. That’s what this plan makes possible. At every step, we will follow public health data. Every family will have the choice about when to send their children into school buildings. And we will continue the work that began long before COVID-19: to close opportunity and achievement gaps, and give every single child the quality education that they deserve. 

We are deeply grateful to all of the teachers, school leaders, staff, families, students, and public health experts who lent their time and expertise, and helped us consider all aspects of our plan. This is the most difficult chapter in our city’s recent history, and time and time again the Boston community rises to the challenge with solidarity and compassion. 

To see the full BPS reopening plan, and for more information about how to submit feedback, visit bostonpublicschools.org/reopening.

1,600 Views
Tags
  • Coronavirus
  • Government
  • Opinion
  • Schools
  • Coronavirus
  • COVID-19
  • Dr. Brenda Cassellius
  • Martin Walsh
  • Mayor Martin Walsh
Previous Post
Kendra Hicks to Challenge O'Malley in Boston City Council Race
Next Post
Jackson Square Stop & Shop Shop Back-to-School Snack Program Providing Free Snacks, Sidewalk Chalk, Hand Sanitizer

JAMAICA PLAIN EVENTS

Loading view.
  • September 2023

Calendar of Events

M Mon

T Tue

W Wed

T Thu

F Fri

S Sat

S Sun

2 events, 28

6:30 pm - 7:00 pm Recurring

Meditation Mondays at the Arnold Arboretum

August 28 @ 6:30 pm - 7:00 pm Recurring

Meditation Mondays at the Arnold Arboretum

Every Monday, July 10 through September 25. 6:30-7:00pm in July and August; 6:00-6:30pm in September https://arboretum.harvard.edu/events-2/meditation-mondays/ Unwind with this 30-minute, evening meditation under the shade of the maple collection at […]

6:30 pm - 7:30 pm Recurring

Meditation Mondays at Arnold Arboretum

August 28 @ 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm Recurring

Meditation Mondays at Arnold Arboretum

Every Monday in August, 6:30pm https://arboretum.harvard.edu/events-2/meditation-mondays/ Unwind with this weekly evening meditation under the shade of the maple collection. Facilitator Bob Linscott will guide the group through 30 minutes of […]

0 events, 29

0 events, 30

0 events, 31

0 events, 1

0 events, 2

1 event, 3

5:00 pm - 7:00 pm Recurring

In the Eliot Schoolyard

September 3 @ 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm Recurring

In the Eliot Schoolyard

June through September: Every Sunday at 5pm In the Eliot Schoolyard, 24 Eliot Street, Jamaica Plain New this year: Beer Garden by The Hive, 4-7pm Bring your own seats. All are […]

1 event, 4

6:30 pm - 7:00 pm Recurring

Meditation Mondays at the Arnold Arboretum

September 4 @ 6:30 pm - 7:00 pm Recurring

Meditation Mondays at the Arnold Arboretum

Every Monday, July 10 through September 25. 6:30-7:00pm in July and August; 6:00-6:30pm in September https://arboretum.harvard.edu/events-2/meditation-mondays/ Unwind with this 30-minute, evening meditation under the shade of the maple collection at […]

0 events, 5

0 events, 6

1 event, 7

5:30 pm - 6:30 pm

September Vigil in Support of Black Lives Matter

September 7 @ 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm

September Vigil in Support of Black Lives Matter

The September Vigil in Support of Black Lives Matter will be held Thursday at 5:30 pm on the lawn of the First Baptist Church in Jamaica Plain, 633 Centre Street […]

0 events, 8

1 event, 9

12:00 pm - 7:00 pm

11th Jamaica Plain Music Festival

September 9 @ 12:00 pm - 7:00 pm

11th Jamaica Plain Music Festival

The 11th Jamaica Plain Music Festival at Pinebank Field is Sept. 9 from noon to 7 pm. The festival is free and includes 7 hours of continuous music on two […]

1 event, 10

5:00 pm - 7:00 pm Recurring

In the Eliot Schoolyard

September 10 @ 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm Recurring

In the Eliot Schoolyard

June through September: Every Sunday at 5pm In the Eliot Schoolyard, 24 Eliot Street, Jamaica Plain New this year: Beer Garden by The Hive, 4-7pm Bring your own seats. All are […]

2 events, 11

8:00 am - 5:00 pm

Stonybrook Neighborhood Association Meeting

September 11 @ 8:00 am - 5:00 pm

Stonybrook Neighborhood Association Meeting

The SNA is made up of residents living or owning property on the following streets: Brookley, Rossmore, Williams, Gartland, Kenton, Shurland, Dungarven, Stedman, Plainfield, Meehan, Stonley, Lotus, Burnett, Rockvale and […]

6:30 pm - 7:00 pm Recurring

Meditation Mondays at the Arnold Arboretum

September 11 @ 6:30 pm - 7:00 pm Recurring

Meditation Mondays at the Arnold Arboretum

Every Monday, July 10 through September 25. 6:30-7:00pm in July and August; 6:00-6:30pm in September https://arboretum.harvard.edu/events-2/meditation-mondays/ Unwind with this 30-minute, evening meditation under the shade of the maple collection at […]

0 events, 12

0 events, 13

0 events, 14

0 events, 15

0 events, 16

1 event, 17

5:00 pm - 7:00 pm Recurring

In the Eliot Schoolyard

September 17 @ 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm Recurring

In the Eliot Schoolyard

June through September: Every Sunday at 5pm In the Eliot Schoolyard, 24 Eliot Street, Jamaica Plain New this year: Beer Garden by The Hive, 4-7pm Bring your own seats. All are […]

1 event, 18

6:30 pm - 7:00 pm Recurring

Meditation Mondays at the Arnold Arboretum

September 18 @ 6:30 pm - 7:00 pm Recurring

Meditation Mondays at the Arnold Arboretum

Every Monday, July 10 through September 25. 6:30-7:00pm in July and August; 6:00-6:30pm in September https://arboretum.harvard.edu/events-2/meditation-mondays/ Unwind with this 30-minute, evening meditation under the shade of the maple collection at […]

0 events, 19

0 events, 20

0 events, 21

0 events, 22

0 events, 23

2 events, 24

8:00 am - 5:00 pm

JPHS Presents: A History of Allandale

September 24 @ 8:00 am - 5:00 pm

JPHS Presents: A History of Allandale

The section of Jamaica Plain we refer to as Allandale has quite an interesting history. Once a rural farming area it still includes Boston’s only working farm. Centre Street has […]

5:00 pm - 7:00 pm Recurring

In the Eliot Schoolyard

September 24 @ 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm Recurring

In the Eliot Schoolyard

June through September: Every Sunday at 5pm In the Eliot Schoolyard, 24 Eliot Street, Jamaica Plain New this year: Beer Garden by The Hive, 4-7pm Bring your own seats. All are […]

1 event, 25

6:30 pm - 7:00 pm Recurring

Meditation Mondays at the Arnold Arboretum

September 25 @ 6:30 pm - 7:00 pm Recurring

Meditation Mondays at the Arnold Arboretum

Every Monday, July 10 through September 25. 6:30-7:00pm in July and August; 6:00-6:30pm in September https://arboretum.harvard.edu/events-2/meditation-mondays/ Unwind with this 30-minute, evening meditation under the shade of the maple collection at […]

0 events, 26

0 events, 27

0 events, 28

0 events, 29

0 events, 30

0 events, 1

August 28
August 28 @ 6:30 pm - 7:00 pm Recurring

Meditation Mondays at the Arnold Arboretum

August 28 @ 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm Recurring

Meditation Mondays at Arnold Arboretum

  • There are no events on this day.
  • There are no events on this day.
  • There are no events on this day.
  • There are no events on this day.
  • There are no events on this day.
September 3
September 3 @ 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm Recurring

In the Eliot Schoolyard

September 4
September 4 @ 6:30 pm - 7:00 pm Recurring

Meditation Mondays at the Arnold Arboretum

  • There are no events on this day.
  • There are no events on this day.
September 7
September 7 @ 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm

September Vigil in Support of Black Lives Matter

  • There are no events on this day.
September 9
September 9 @ 12:00 pm - 7:00 pm

11th Jamaica Plain Music Festival

September 10
September 10 @ 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm Recurring

In the Eliot Schoolyard

September 11
September 11 @ 8:00 am - 5:00 pm

Stonybrook Neighborhood Association Meeting

September 11 @ 6:30 pm - 7:00 pm Recurring

Meditation Mondays at the Arnold Arboretum

  • There are no events on this day.
  • There are no events on this day.
  • There are no events on this day.
  • There are no events on this day.
  • There are no events on this day.
September 17
September 17 @ 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm Recurring

In the Eliot Schoolyard

September 18
September 18 @ 6:30 pm - 7:00 pm Recurring

Meditation Mondays at the Arnold Arboretum

  • There are no events on this day.
  • There are no events on this day.
  • There are no events on this day.
  • There are no events on this day.
  • There are no events on this day.
September 24
September 24 @ 8:00 am - 5:00 pm

JPHS Presents: A History of Allandale

September 24 @ 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm Recurring

In the Eliot Schoolyard

September 25
September 25 @ 6:30 pm - 7:00 pm Recurring

Meditation Mondays at the Arnold Arboretum

  • There are no events on this day.
  • There are no events on this day.
  • There are no events on this day.
  • There are no events on this day.
  • There are no events on this day.
  • There are no events on this day.
View Calendar

Recent Comments

Tweets by @02130News

ABOUT JAMAICA PLAIN NEWS

Jamaica Plain News is an independent online news source and community platform for the Jamaica Plain neighborhood of Boston, Massachusetts.

David Ertischek

Our publisher David Ertischek has been a community journalist for more than 18 years. He has been the editor and reporter for local newspapers and websites. He has lived in Jamaica Plain since 2002. His favorite thing about Jamaica Plain is the Arnold Arboretum.

Jamaica Plain News is supported by advertising from local businesses. Please click here to learn more about advertising on Jamaica Plain News or email David Ertischek at david@jamaicaplainnews.com.

Other Recent Posts

  • Proposed Renovations to Centre Street Apartment Building Would Keep 97% Affordability

  • Mario’s Restaurant Coming to Hyde Square

  • Photo: Raccoon Bumbling Along in Sumner Hill

  • National Women’s Soccer League Announces Boston Franchise to Play at White Stadium

  • This Weekend: 30th Jamaica Plain Open Studios Includes 30 Public Art Installations

  • Photos: Construction of the Southwest Corridor Rail Lines from 1980s

  • The Footlight Club’s ‘Stepping Out’ Opens Sept. 16

  • Bridle Path Reimagined: 2023 Hunnewell Internship Project

  • FoMu Closing Jamaica Plain Store on September 18

  • Weber and King Advance to Face Off in November 7th Election

  • Jamaica Plain Pianist Olivia Perez-Collelllmir’s Latin Jazz Album Debuting Sept. 15

  • What You Need to Know: Boston City Council District 6 Election

  • Councilor Lara Says Report Shows She Was Driving Half The Speed Police Allege When She Crashed

  • Opetubo’s ‘Wallpaper’ Exhibit Now on Display at Jamaica Plain Branch Library

  • Boston’s Latin Quarter Welcomes Latinx Heritage Month with Comparsa and Outdoor Theater

Get Our Free Daily Newsletter

© Copyright 2023, Jamaica Plain News

Built with the Largo WordPress Theme from the Institute for Nonprofit News.

Back to top ↑