For immediate publication
ARLINGTON – Superintendent Dr. Elizabeth Homan and Director of Health and Human Services Christine Bongiorno would like to provide an update on the draft return to school plans, as well as updated COVID-19 safety recommendations and guidelines for residents.
The draft return to school plan will focus on health and safety protocols, approaches to assessment and teaching, and the support required for the academic and mental health of students.
Arlington Public Schools is developing this return plan with the Arlington Department of Health, following the recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH).
The planning process includes an advisory committee of more than 90 family representatives, teachers, administrators, community leaders, and city officials. The committee works in sub-committees to jointly design and recommend a plan. Dr. Homan will present the draft plan at a school committee meeting on Thursday, August 12th.
“We know families look forward to learning more about our fall plans, and we look forward to sharing them in the weeks ahead. We appreciate the patience of the community as we work diligently to implement this collaboration plan, ”said Dr. Homan. “Above all, our mission is to ensure the safety of all students and staff while ensuring an inviting and supportive return to personal learning.”
The return plan may be changed based on input from key stakeholders, including parents, staff, and members of the community. Following the August 12 meeting, stakeholders will have the opportunity to provide feedback on the plan in a forum. The school committee will vote on a revised plan later in August.
The plan includes health and safety protocols for:
- Masking students and employees
- Support and monitoring of vaccination rates for students and staff
- Ventilation and air purification
- Disinfection and cleaning
- Physical distancing
- Meals, transportation and other services
Arlington Public Schools will continue bundled COVID-19 testing for students and staff this fall and is encouraging all students to participate. Instructions for parents and guardians to consent their child to participate in this program will be posted at a later date.
In addition, Arlington Health and Human Services continues to conduct contact tracing to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 across the city. There was a spike in COVID-19 cases in Arlington in July, which was similar to case trends across the state and nation due to the Delta variant.
Arlington Health and Human Services recommends residents follow the DPH’s new mask recommendation as directed by the CDC. Beginning July 30, the state recommends that vaccinated residents who are at increased risk for COVID-19 or who live with someone at increased risk wear face covering in public indoor spaces. The DPH also advises all unvaccinated residents to continue wearing face covering in indoor public spaces if social distancing cannot be maintained.
In addition, Arlington Health and Human Services is reminding residents that all persons, regardless of vaccination status, must wear a mask when using public transportation and ridesharing, health facilities and other facilities that house vulnerable populations, including community facilities.
“Getting vaccinated is more important than ever, especially with COVID-19 cases, as the delta variant is increasing across the country and affecting potentially vulnerable populations, including those with compromised immune systems,” said Director of Health and Social Services Christine Bongiorno. “We urge residents who have not yet been vaccinated to get vaccinated as soon as possible. Vaccination is the best defense against serious illness or death from COVID-19. “
COVID-19 vaccines are free and available to anyone over the age of 12. Residents who want to be vaccinated can register here.
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