Page 8 THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, November 20, 2020 Northeast Metro Tech to transition to hybrid learning W AKEFIELD – Superintendent David DiBarri reported that the School Committee at Northeast Metropolitan Regional Vocational High School (Northeast Metro Tech) voted to transition to the hybrid learning model next month. Students will transition to hybrid learning beginning on Wednesday, December 2. Northeast Metro Tech has followed a remote learning model since school began this fall as a result of a high level of positive COVID-19 cases in Revere, it’s largest sending community. Recently, the state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) and the Baker-Polito Administration announced that scientific data indicates that schools can operate safely with in-person learning if the proper health and safety protocols are implemented and being followed. As a result, DESE is urging districts to continue fully remote learning models only as a last resort. Districts and schools in communities that – under the state’s updated COVID-19 risk assessment metrics – are designated as “gray,” “green” or “yellow” communities must hold fully in-person learning if possible. Districts in communities designated as “red” – or high-risk areas for COVID-19 – are expected to follow hybrid models and provide in-person learning opportunities as much as possible for students with high needs. However, students at Northeast Metro Tech and their families who wish to continue to pursue fully remote learning may do so. “With DESE’s new guidance and scientific data that illustrates schools can operate safely with the proper precautions in place, our District will be transitioning to hybrid learning,” DiBarri said. “In-person learning is invaluable. Students, especially those pursuing career and technical careers, benefit tremendously from being able to work on hands-on projects alongside their instructors. The social emotional benefits of seeing their friends in-person also cannot be replicated.” “We’ve been preparing for this for several months now, and are ready to return to in-person learning through a hybrid model,” Northeast Metro Tech Principal Carla Scuzzarella said. “Students and staff will be expected to wear their masks, practice social distancing and practice regular hand washing and hand sanitizing. Our facilities will be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected daily and high touch areas will be re-cleaned throughout the school day. We’re excited to welcome everyone back to our facility in the coming weeks.” Students will be divided into two cohorts, which will allow for approximately 50 percent of students to be in the building at any given time on an alternating schedule. Students will be grouped into cohorts for their academic courses, and they will resume their career and technical education through their shops. The district will email students and families with their hybrid learning schedules later this month. Students and staff will be expected to follow several precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19, including: • Masks will be mandatory for students, faculty and staff at all times during in-person learning. All Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), such as masks, face shields, sanitizer, gloves, thermal thermometers, safety glasses and nurses’ supplies, have been secured and stored. • Six feet of physical distancing will be required in the building, including in classrooms. • Portable walls have been placed in the cafeteria to create extra classroom space to support social distancing. • Shops have been expanded by removing the walls to adjacent classrooms to facilitate social distancing. • Students and teachers have been provided with their own Chromebook laptops. • At each teacher and secretary desk, a Plexiglas shield has been installed. • Handwashing and sanitizing stations are available throughout the school’s facility. • Nano septic touchpads have been installed throughout the building to kill viruses on commonly used surfaces, such as handrails. • An outdoor mobile nurse’s station has been set up. • Professional disinfectant sprayers and equipment, and a UV-C high-power disinfection system have been purchased to be used for thorough, daily classroom cleaning. Air purifiers with UV lights have been placed in every classroom as well. • An airflow consultant has evaluated all the district’s shops and classrooms. • Upgrades to the HVAC system in the basement of the school have been made to improve airflow. • A staggered start and end time to the school day will be implemented to facilitate the transportation requirements outlined by DESE.
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