Superintendent’s Letter to Families

Dear Families,

I am pleased to share that the Malden Public Schools has reached a tentative agreement with the Malden Education Association regarding a timeline for welcoming back our students in grades 3-12 for in-person learning.

In making this transition, we will use a hybrid model similar to the one we have implemented for grades PreK to 2. Students will spend part of each week learning in person, with the rest spent learning remotely.

Within our buildings, we will implement CDC-recommended protocols and practices designed to keep our students, staff, and families safe. This includes maintaining six feet of distancing, requiring masks or cloth face coverings, and encouraging frequent hand washing.

We will also continue to offer a remote-only learning option for families who request it. Next week, we will send out a link to a survey, asking families to indicate whether their student(s) will move forward with our hybrid model or continue with 100% remote learning.

Below is our tentative timeline for having our students and staff in grades 3-8 return for in-person learning:

  • March 8: Staff for grades 3-4 return to our buildings
  • March 15: Students in grades 3-4 begin hybrid learning
  • March 22: Staff for grades 5 and 8 return (including grades 5-8 exploratory teachers)
  • March 29: Students in grades 5 and 8 begin hybrid learning
  • April 5: Staff for grades 6-7 begin hybrid learning
  • April 12: Students in grades 6-7 begin hybrid learning

Below is the tentative timeline for Malden High School students:

  • March 15: All high school staff return to the building
  • March 22: Students in grades 9 and 12 begin hybrid learning
  • April 5: Students in grades 10 and 11 begin hybrid learning

After each group of students returns, our Joint Labor Management Committee will review COVID-19 data in our schools and community, reevaluate the timeline, and assess how successful each return has been. The committee will then vote on whether or how to move forward with future phases.

We will share more details with families regarding these transitions, student cohorts, health and safety protocols, transportation, meal services, and other important information in the near future.

Again, thank you for your flexibility and patience now and throughout this school year. If you have any questions, please contact your child’s school principal.

 

Sincerely,

John Oteri, Superintendent
Malden Public Schools