Temporary Remote Learning Makes Sense [OPINION]
Thomas Anderson, the Superintendent of New Bedford Public Schools, has decided to shift from a hybrid-learning situation to a fully remote situation for the days leading up to and immediately following the Christmas break.
At first, the decision seemed to make little sense. We ve been told that our schools are fairly safe and not likely to be the source of COVID-19 clusters. That is still the case, according to Mayor Jon Mitchell. Mitchell tells me the homefront is still the most likely place where COVID would be shared and then spread.
So why close the schools in favor of remote learning from home? It s simple. There is not enough staff without having to rely upon substitute teachers. And Mitchell says the pool of subs is fairly depleted right now.
New Bedford Public Schools to Go Full-Remote Before Vacation
According to a recent press release, New Bedford Public Schools will switch to all-distance learning from Monday, December 21 to Wednesday, December 23. This is just before the holiday vacation. All-distance learning will continue for the first week after break, from Monday, January 4 to Friday, January 8, 2021.
“New Bedford Public Schools, currently using a hybrid model to serve almost 9,000 students in-person and another 4,000 remotely, will convert the last 2 and a half school days leading up to the holiday break to full distance learning days.” Wednesday, December 23 is a half-day. Superintendent Thomas Anderson announced the change at the December 14 meeting of the New Bedford School Committee.
New Bedford Schools Closed on Thursday, No Remote Learning
NEW BEDFORD Even in the time of remote learning, there is still such a thing as a snow day.
According to a release, New Bedford Public Schools will be closed on Thursday, December 17, as a result of the impending snowstorm.
There will be no in-person classes, and no after school activities; but in addition, there will also be no distance learning/remote sessions occurring either, and no virtual meetings.
“We are using our ‘traditional’ snow day model and there will be no in-person classes and no distance learning/remote sessions occurring,” Superintendent Thomas Anderson said. “This full cancellation is out of concern for the safety of both our students and our staff who must drive in these conditions.”
NEW BEDFORD Gym and arcade owners in the city can breathe a sigh of relief.
While some cities are breaking with the state and choosing to revert to previous phases of Gov. Charlie Baker’s plans to reopen the economy, New Bedford is largely following state guidelines.
Boston Mayor Marty Walsh announced Monday that the capital city would roll back to a modified version of Phase 2 Step 2 of Baker’s reopening plans.
Baker recently announced that the state would roll back to Phase 3 Step 1.
Phase 2 Step 2 requires businesses such as museums, indoor and outdoor gaming arcades, aquariums, bowling alleys, movie theatres, gyms and fitness centers to close on Wednesday.
NEW BEDFORD This week, New Bedford Public Schools announced a shift to fully remote learning from Dec. 21 to Jan. 8 in a letter that was emailed to parents.
The letter, signed by Superintendent Thomas Anderson, states that over the last few weeks, staff and student absences have increased for a variety of reasons, including waiting for COVID test results and/or quarantining because of being in close contact of someone who tested positive.
“This is impacting our ability to effectively deliver instruction and engage in the teaching and learning process,” according to Anderson.
Moving to fully remote learning is meant to assist in that, Anderson said.