Dear Families,

We have as many questions as you do about the district hybrid plan. Fortunately, Central Office has seen how a variety of plans work in other districts, and they are working to create the best possible model in our district based on their research, and safety is paramount. Ms. Pierce and Ms. Aboushi care deeply about the safety of our community.

It doesn’t help that we live in a time when our physical safety as well as our social connectedness are being challenged, but this is our reality. Our school is working diligently to ensure the safest possible re-entry into the building. It is our understanding that the filtration and ventilation systems are on target to be fully operational by the time we are set to move to hybrid learning. We will look forward to hearing the specific updates from the engineers at the 10/19 Board of Education meeting.

Being in person will not be right for everyone, but it is an important option because children generally learn best when they are actively engaged and in environments where they feel safe and socially connected. The hybrid plan is not strictly based in pedagogy: this is a holistic approach that requires a personal risk assessment based on your family situation. We’ve heard from so many families; some of whom are struggling with the decision, others whose kids can’t wait to be back in the building, and yet others who cannot send their kids back. We will never know as much as we feel we need to know to make an informed decision, because this situation is fluid, ever evolving and feels constantly in flux so the best each of us can do is make the best decision for their family at this time. The current State mandate requires it as an option that could change at any moment based on the state of the pandemic.

We are all learning as we go and are called on to be adaptable during a time of uncertainty. For the moment, we continue to wait to hear detailed logistics such as scheduling info, how bussing will work, how and where temperatures will be taken, how the hallway flow will work, and how the kids and teachers will function in the classrooms. We are confident that we will learn this information as soon as it is available. We trust that Ms. Pierce and Ms. Aboushi are continuing to be as transparent as possible and will make this experience the best it can possibly be. In the meantime, we can reassure our kids that parents and the schools are doing everything they can in terms of following public health guidelines and balancing their academic and social needs.

Right here with you,

Glenfield PTA