Fall River Public Schools issues update on student trips, upcoming out of state trips canceled

Fall River Public Schools has issued an update concerning student trips.

Based on the declaration of the State of Emergency in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts by Governor Baker due to concerns around COVID-19, Superintendent Matthew Malone issued a statement concerning student trips following collaborative discussion with the Director of Human Services for the City of Fall River.

Malone has issued the following decisions.

• Fall River Public Schools will cancel all previously approved and future Out-of-State travel through May 1,
2020. This includes all Out-of-State travel for students and staff/faculty.

• We will revisit previously approved and future Out-of-State travels that are to occur after May 1, 2020, and make informed decisions for the remainder of the school year.

• We are presently monitoring all school events with large crowd gatherings and will make decisions on future cancellations on a case by case basis depending on event participation.

• Parents may use their discretion on whether or not to send their child on an already scheduled field trip or future field trip. If you make this choice, your child will receive an alternate learning plan in school on that day.

• In-State field trips and travel will proceed as planned until further notice.

Due to the unpredictability of the virus cases, Malone will be monitoring the situation.

“We are monitoring all events and are working with state partners on all decisions to cancel and/or postpone said events based on updated information. I encourage students and chaperones to bring hand sanitizer on all In-State bus trips, and to wash hands regularly.”

Malone also understands that the decisions made will likely upset some students.

“Although the decision will likely upset many who were looking forward to these trips, the risks are too high and I don’t want to place anyone from our school community at unnecessary risk of becoming ill.”

Malone states that the moves have been approved by the School Committee and are effective immediately.

Fall River Public Schools are continuing to advise students, families, and staff to:

• Wash your hands regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol based hand sanitizer.

• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.

• Avoid touching your eyes, mouth, and nose with your hands.

• Stay home from work, school, and errands when you are sick. In doing so, you will help prevent others from catching your illness. You should be symptom free for at least 24 hours, without the use of fever reducing medication, before returning to school/work.

• Additionally, avoid close contact with people who are sick.