Methuen Public School officials have decided to push back the start of the school year and adopt a staggered reopening schedule in an effort to avoid coronavirus outbreaks.
The school committee voted to have some students start school in September and others in October under a hybrid learning model during a meeting Monday night.
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People who are considered high risk will start school on Sept 21. Students in kindergarten through grade 4; as well as those in grade 9 will return Oct. 5 and the rest of the students will come back on Oct. 26.
The decision from the district marks a change from last week, when school officials sent a note to families with a plan to start on Sept. 14 with a remote-only learning model. At that time, the school has also planned to implement a hybrid schedule for 70% of students to possibly start in November.
Every student will be given Chromebooks and iPads for remote learning and parents will be provided with technology guides, according to officials.
