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Date: 8/10/2021
HADLEY – With the 2021-2022 school year right around the corner, Hadley Public Schools have begun planning the district’s COVID-19 procedures.
“At this time, the plan is to follow the guidance from DPH (Massachusetts Department of Public Health) and DESE (Department of Elementary and Secondary Education) issued on July 30. If we receive updated guidance we will amend our plans to reflect the updated guidance. We have communicated this to families via the Superintendent’s Weekly Newsletter,” said Hadley Superintendent Anne McKenzie.
The DPH, along with the DESE, released a joint memorandum on July 30 detailing recommended guidelines for state school districts to follow. Both departments strongly encourage in-person classes, something the Hadley School District intends to abide by.
“Per the DESE/DPH guidance instruction will be ‘in-person, full-time, five days a week this fall’ unless we receive amended guidance prior to the start of school,” McKenzie said.
Masking
In their memorandum, DESE/DPH stated, “Strongly recommend that all students in kindergarten through grade 6 wear masks when indoors, except students who cannot do so due to medical conditions or behavioral needs. Masks are not necessary outdoors and may be removed while eating indoors.” They also strongly encourage unvaccinated students of all grades and visitors wear masks indoors.
Social Distancing
The Hadley School District will also continue to practice social distancing where they can. McKenzie explained, “When possible – which is true for the majority of our classes – we will implement physical distancing; however per the guidance, we will not exclude students from in-person learning to keep a minimum distance requirement.”
Vaccinations
As for vaccinations, McKenzie said the school district encourages those eligible to get vaccinated to do so, but will not mandate getting vaccinated. However, the school district’s doing its best to boost vaccinations. “In order to increase access to vaccines, we are working with DESE to host another on-site vaccine clinic prior to the start of school,” she said.
With the spike in cases and the concern surrounding the new delta variant, McKenzie stated they are prepared for anything.
“We are prepared to implement whatever guidance is issued by our state health authorities – DPH – and DESE. The 2020-21 school year taught us how to be flexible and respond to continually evolving conditions,” she said.
For more information, visit the Hadley Public Schools website at https://www.hadleyschools.org/.