Students in Warren and Bristol will head back to the classroom Monday, Sept. 14, following Rhode Island Gov. Gina Raimondo's announcement Monday that most districts have the green light to re-open.
In Bristol Warren, elementary students will return full time. Middle school students will be broken up by last name into two groups and will return two and three days a week, alternating week to week. At Mt. Hope High School, students will again be broken into two groups, with each attending school two days a week. Mondays will be spent on "virtual support," Superintendent Dr. Jonathan Brice said Tuesday morning.
All staff will begin orientation Wednesday. And though the district is following the re-opening plan it developed over the summer, Dr. Brice said there are still details to be worked out and there could be some changes. A team from the state will be down this week to look at the district's facilities, and "we expect we'll get more information based on" that examination, he said. The Bristol Warren Regional School Committee will meet Thursday night to talk about any changes and last minute issues.
Of the district's roughly 3,200 students, approximately 26 percent, or 851 students as of Monday, will not participate in in-person education, as their parents chose distance learning.

Governor’s remarks
In announcing a full in-person reopening Sept. 14 for most school districts, the governor on Monday 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,” the 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.”

With reports from Jim McGaw.