Malone issues update including bringing back hybrid model this month for Fall River high school students

High school students in Fall River will be back to hybrid learning this month.

Since early February, Fall River Public Schools have been welcoming back students to in-person learning in the fully hybrid model. Along with our Cohort A students, students have returned on alternating weeks with K-8 students in Cohorts C and D.

A letter sent by Superintendent of Schools Matthew Malone states that mid-March will begin the next phase of the full hybrid model. On March 15, 2021, FRPS will begin welcoming back hybrid-cohort students in grades 9-12 – beginning with Cohort C students on March 15, followed by Cohort D students on March 22.

Malone expects teachers to soon be able to get the COVID-19 vaccine.

“Over the next six weeks, we are expecting to see an increase in the administration of vaccines to include our staff that has been on the front lines of service, meeting the needs of our students in-person since September 16, 2020. In the coming weeks, we also expect additional guidance for reopening schools provided by both the federal and state governments, and regulatory agencies. As we plan for the eventual full return to in-person learning in our schools, we will use all available guidance and the important metrics of science and best-practices to make decisions. Additionally, beginning with Cohort B, we will survey students and families with regard to their intentions as we plan for this full reopening.”

Malone states that 6-foot social distancing will remain in place for the time being and a decision will be made concerning full in-person learning.

“As we transition back to our full hybrid model, we will continue to use the 6-foot distancing we have used since the first day of school. This practice will continue until we are able to reduce spacing distances from 6-feet to 3-feet or less. The Department of Education has mandated increases in both in-person and synchronous learning hours, therefore, we will also be making future decisions with respect to returning to a full five days per week of in-person learning in our schools. Although we are not prepared to make any formal announcements with regard to these anticipated changes, we have begun our planning process and look forward to using your feedback to inform our planning.”