Good Morning, Reading Public School Staff and Families,

Today, Governor Charlie Baker and Department of Elementary and Secondary Commissioner Jeff Riley released Initial Fall School Reopening Guidance.  This initial guidance, which is the first of several updates that we will receive this summer, is based on the goal of a safe return of as many students as possible to in-person settings, to maximize learning and address our students’ foundational and emotional needs.  We applaud and appreciate the level of thoughtfulness and care that went into this plan, which is informed by the latest medical expertise.

Our leadership team has already done some extensive preliminary work in preparation for the fall. Over the next several days, we will be reviewing the guidance to begin to understand how it impacts what we can do in Reading.  We also acknowledge that these initial guidelines do not address every topic and that there will be additional guidance coming throughout the summer.  The full document can be found here, but here are some key components:

• Current medical research supports a safe in-person return to school – with preventive measures in place – as infection and transmission rates are lower for children than adults.
• Preventive measures include masks/face coverings, physical distancing, handwashing, and cleaning frequently touched surfaces.
• Masks/face coverings will be required for all students in Grade 2 and above and for all adults; they are recommended for students in Grade 1 and below.  Exceptions will be made for those with medical conditions, disability impact, or other health or safety factors.
• Based upon current medical research, and in conjunction with other preventive measures, a minimum physical distance of three feet has been established.

As part of our planning, DESE is asking us to develop three separate implementation plans:  one for return to full in-person instruction with safety requirements, one for full remote learning, and one for hybrid learning that combines in-person and remote learning.  Based upon the current medical situation, the expectation today is that students will return to full in-person instruction in September; however, that is subject to change based upon how the medical situation develops.

We realize that there are more questions than answers at this time, and we will continue to communicate with you in the coming weeks and months through email, social media, School Committee meetings, and other avenues.  At the Reading School Committee this evening, I will go into this guidance in further detail.   We also encourage you to read the full document, and if you have questions to please do not hesitate to contact me at john.doherty@reading.k12.ma.us or 781-944-5800.

Thank you for your patience and understanding,

John F. Doherty

Superintendent of Schools

DESE Initial Fall Reopening Guidance vFF