Portsmouth schools to open Sept 14 with ‘partial/hybrid scenario’

PORTSMOUTH — Now that Gov. Gina Raimondo has cleared the way for most Rhode Island school districts to welcome back students to classrooms starting Sept. 14, Portsmouth announced Monday that it will be phasing in a partial return over a three-week period.

“This afternoon, Gov. Raimondo announced that based on the metrics established for the safe reopening of schools, most districts throughout Rhode Island, including Portsmouth, can begin to welcome students and staff back into school buildings for the start of the school year,” Superintendent Thomas Kenworthy stated in an e-mailed message to the Portsmouth school community Monday afternoon. 

“Today I am announcing that for Portsmouth, our safest reopening pathway will be our partial/hybrid scenario. This plan, and the procedures that will be enacted at each school, will  allow us to ensure at least six foot distance in all classrooms, proper ventilation for instructional areas, and  keep hallways and other areas free of congestion.”

The R.I. Department of Education and the R.I. Department of Health are expected to do a walkthrough of Portsmouth school facilities on Friday, Sept. 4, Mr. Kenworthy noted. 

“We have followed the updated guidance closely throughout the summer but if any adjustments to our plan are needed, I will communicate that information out as soon as possible,” he stated. “While full in-person learning remains our goal, this plan represents the safest scenario for us at this time. We will be assessing, evaluating, and adjusting our plans based on our reopening and will continue to do so throughout the school year.”

Phasing in a partial return over a three-week period will allow the district to ensure the procedures it’s established for a safe return are properly implemented, he said

“As students return under this phased-in approach, this will also enable us to work out any final details needed in relation to transportation, distance learning, and health and safety precautions. As we work through this phased-in return, all (Portsmouth) students will start with at least distance learning on Sept. 14. And, as previously communicated, any families that would prefer full distance learning have that option through this form,” he said. 

Online forums

More information will be shared by individual schools and at the district’s building reopening forums this week. Here is the schedule for those forums (click the name of school for the forum link):

• Portsmouth Middle School: 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 1

• Portsmouth High School: 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 2

• Hathaway: 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 3

• Melville: 7 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 3

Governor’s remarks

In announcing a full in-person reopening Sept. 14 for most school districts, the governor cited the state’s five COVID-19 metrics — or checkpoints — she said those districts have cleared. 

Providence and Central Falls were the only two districts that didn’t meet those metrics and therefore will not be reopening in person on Sept. 14, she said.

“You have a green light to open Sept. 14 for full, in-person school, and it’s our expectations and hope that is what you will do,” Gov. Raimondo said.

Some districts are taking more of a cautious approach than others, she acknowledged, including the use of a “staggered” opening. Of course, some families have also opted for full distance learning.

“No one’s going to force you into school. Do what’s right for your family,” he governor said. “We’re saying, open as much as you can Sept. 14.”

Schools can use up to four weeks to “ramp up” to an in-person opening, she said. 

“It’s not going to be everybody all at once on Sept. 14,” she said, referring to those students who have chosen to return to classrooms. “It’s our expectation that you begin getting kids into school Sept. 14 … and that all kids are in school by Oct. 13 … if that’s what parents want.” 

During the question-and-answer session, the governor was asked whether the state has any authority to compel those districts that are planning to start school with remote learning only — Coventry, Cranston, Johnston, Lincoln, Pawtucket, West Warwick, Warwick and Woonsocket — to change course.

It’s a tricky question, Gov. Raimondo responded, adding the state doesn’t not want to get heavy-handed with districts. With Monday’s news that the state is confident most school buildings can safely open Sept. 14, she’s hoping those districts will reconsider. 

She also cautioned that those districts may face legal action from parents who are demanding in-person learning for their children. 

Testing, supplies

The governor said school districts need not worry about running out of supplies, or whether they can provide enough testing. The state will make sure schools have enough supplies, and “we are handling all of the testing,” which should guaranteed results back within 48 hours, she said.

“We know children will test positive. We know people who work in the schools will test positive. But we have a plan for it,” Gov. Raimondo said.

The Department of Health, National Guard and other state officials will be doing walkthroughs of every school building with a detailed checklist before any student steps through its door, she said.

“If our team goes in there and does the walkthrough and finds it’s not up to snuff,” the governor said, referring to inadequate social distancing layouts or poor ventilation, “then we will not allow the facility to be open.” 

She also encouraged educators to bring teaching and lunch outside whenever possible during the warmer months. Last week she launched the state’s “Take it Outside” campaign, which challenges residents to bring meetings, classes and other normal indoor activities to the outdoors. The state is even arranging for people to reserve space for free at state properties, most of which will also have free WiFi, she said.

“We went to make land available for you and encourage everyone … to get creative and take it outside.”

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