Use this search box to find articles that have run in our newspapers over the last several years.
Date: 9/15/2021
WEST SPRINGFIELD – On Sept. 2, the West Springfield Public Schools welcomed the entirety of their students, faculty and staff, fully back in-person, five days a week.
Since the schools reopening, Superintendent Tim Connor said, “[Everyone has been] extremely excited across all academic and school communities. The teachers, staff, parents, kids – [it’s] such a great climate.”
Due to the mask mandate per the decision of the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) and its Commissioner Jeff Riley, masking is mandatory until Oct. 1, regardless of vaccination status. After Oct. 1, districts with at least 80 percent vaccination rates for its eligible school population can apply to allow vaccinated staff and students to unmask.
Connor said everyone has been complying with the mask mandate. “I think they fully understand and everyone is doing a super job.”
As discussed in School Committee meetings over the summer months, tents have been brought back to each of the West Springfield schools. The tents are utilized for both outdoor classes and lunches. In addition, auditorium space at the middle school and the gymnasium at the high school has been utilized in an effort to ensure everyone’s safety.
“We are taking advantage of all mitigation strategies,” said Connor.
Regarding testing, a new “stay-in” testing option is in the works. Connor informed Reminder Publishing that this form of testing will strictly be optional and a parent must consent before their child is tested. He said there will be more information on this to come, as training for the testing must be done beforehand with the school nurses, etc.
Connor concluded, “I’m really appreciative of the support of the community and faculty/staff, where we have kids back in school five days a week. Yes, [there is] masking, but the goal is to continue keeping kids healthy and in school five days a week.”