GREENFIELD — The reopening of Greenfield public schools to younger students is a little more than a week away and all is going as planned, the interim superintendent told the School Committee Thursday night, saying she’s thrilled and amazed at “how close to ready” the district is after just three weeks of preparation.
“We did a virtual tour of the schools, and parents will be able to take it online,” Interim Superintendent Judith Houle said. “We also held two virtual public forums this past week.”
Houle said 112 people attended the forum held Wednesday night and another 51 attended the one Thursday.
“People got to ask questions and voice concerns,” she said. “They went well.”
All students from preschool to fourth grade will be back in school April 5, while fifth-graders through high school students will return April 28. If parents or guardians choose to keep their children in remote learning, they will have that option to the end of the current school year but will not have that option in the fall.
Houle said there are specific plans for drop-off and pickup, but as of now, there will be no dropping off before start time and there are no current plans for before- or after-school care. Mayor Roxann Wedegartner, who is a member of the School Committee, said the city will continue to look at other options for that type of care. She said she understands some parents need that kind of help.
Elementary schools will be open from 8:30 a.m. to 2:55 p.m.; the middle school, from 7:40 a.m. to 2:20 p.m.; and the high school, from 7:15 a.m. to 2:10 p.m.
All staff, teachers and students will be required to wear a mask throughout the day, wash their hands regularly, practice social distancing and stay home if they don’t feel well. Desks and tables are required to be at least 3 feet apart, Houle said.
Air purifiers have been installed in classrooms and transportation protocols include wearing masks, assigned seats, open windows and regular cleanings, while meals will be grab-and-go. Houle said she would like to see parents follow safety protocols outside of school like avoiding travel and taking personal precautions so as not to bring the virus into the schools.
Houle said there are still minor details to be worked out, but she fully expects that all will go smoothly on Monday, April 5.
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Reach Anita Fritz at 413-772-9591 or afritz@recorder.com.