When It Comes To Returning To School, Families Are Making Their Own Plans

It’s mid-July and there are no real answers. What is certain is that families across Massachusetts are making their own decisions.

Trump Sounds Off On Harvard's 'Ridiculous' Decision: Patch PM

Also: Agreement reached to replace Cape Cod bridges, transfer to state​; Red Sox Opening Day starter tests positive for coronavirus​; More.

Trump Says Harvard 'Ought To Be Ashamed' For Online-Only Approach

The president said Harvard's decision to offer only online courses for the 2020-21 school year is "ridiculous."

Harvard Holding All Courses Online For 2020-21 School Year

The university said it will welcome 40 percent of students back to campus, but they won't be attending in-person class.

MA Patch Survey: Pessimism About Schools Reopening In Fall

The survey shows that despite the eagerness to resume normal school life, grave doubts remain about the safety of doing so this year.

BU Re-Examining Mascot Name Over 'Gone With The Wind' Connection

The Boston University Terriers' main terrier goes by the name "Rhett," after the character in "Gone With The Wind." Therein lies the issue.

Should MA Schools Reopen This Fall? Take Patch's Survey

How do you feel about sending your kids to school in the fall as the coronavirus epidemic worsens in other parts of the country?

Greater Boston Parents Grapple With Back-To-School Plans

While some parents are excited by children returning to classrooms, others worry about the spread of the coronavirus.

'Defund The Police' Grabs Foothold Across Communities: Patch PM

Also: A preschooler remains shaken, but OK, after being attacked by a lion's mane jellyfish | An outage forces hospital to close | More.

Some Educators Concerned About New School Guidelines

“It’s still kind of an 80 percent guideline," one principal said.

MA School Reopening: Masks, Remote Learning Plan Required

The state-issued school reopening guidance mandates face coverings, frequent hand washing and social distancing among students and staff.

2,000 Massachusetts Teachers Get Layoff Notices: Union

Delays in the state and federal funding process mean school districts can't guarantee they'll have money for the positions this fall.

Harvard Professor Pleads Not Guilty To Hiding Ties To China

Lieber was arrested in January on allegations that he hid his involvement in China's Thousand Talents Plan.

College Vows Never Again After Cops Use Bathroom

The Berklee College of Music allowed Boston police officers to use bathrooms that were closed to students and the public during a protest.

Teachers Push Back Against Early Guidance For Reopening, Brace For Layoffs

The Massachusetts Teachers Association is pushing back against the state’s early guidelines for re-opening schools.

Teacher Worries Masks, Distancing Will Lead To Stressful Learning Environment

“Now, in a time of crisis, when we’re laying off people like educators, we’re gonna ask less educators to do more, enough, we’re tired."

Back-To-School Plans Take Shape In Massachusetts

The state education commissioner is telling school systems to begin ordering the supplies they will be required to have in September now.

How MA Colleges, Universities Plan To Reopen

The plan to bring students back on campus relies on widespread testing, which college presidents aren't very confident they'll be ready for.

Superintendents Face Big Challenge With Reopening Schools

“This is the most disrupted school year anyone who is living has seen."

Aim Is To Have Schools 'Up And Running' In Fall: Ed. Commissioner

In addition to uncertainty around what a fall term will look like, local school districts are still facing an unknown budget picture.

Saluting The Class Of 2020: MA Patch Virtual Yearbook

Patch is recognizing the senior class of 2020.

MA Education Officials Say School Will Look Different In The Fall

The state's top education official told Massachusetts lawmakers that remote learning "will be a much larger factor" in September.

MA Coronavirus: State Modifies MCAS Graduation Requirement

Officials will use transcripts instead of the 10th grade MCAS test in a move expected to impact about 1,000 students in Massachusetts.

Boston Schools Expected To Reopen In September, Walsh Says

Mayor Marty Walsh said a second surge in the fall could impact that, but for the time being he intends for schools to be back in September.

MA Students' Reading, Math Scores Dropped With Common Core: Study

The study suggests common core standards are not living up to its promise of improving international competitiveness of U.S. students.

School Canceled In MA For Rest Of Year Due To Coronavirus

Gov. Charlie Baker on Tuesday called off classes for the remainder of the 2019-2020 school year. Classes were supposed to resume on May 4.

Boston University May Delay Fall Semester Due To Coronavirus

Boston University says students may not be allowed back on campus until January 2021.

MA Coronavirus: State Not 'Writing Off' School Year Yet

Massachusetts schools are set to reopen May 4, a date districts are eyeing with skepticism amid the seemingly endless coronavirus crisis.

MA Coronavirus: All Schools Closed Through April

Gov. Charlie Baker extended the statewide school closures through at least May 3, almost a month longer than initially expected.

Coronavirus MA: Schools Closed, Restaurants Takeout-Only

Coronavirus forced Gov. Charlie Baker to close Massachusetts schools, restrict restaurants to takeout-only, and limit public gatherings.

MA Coronavirus: Schools Closing For Up To Month

Massachusetts, along with the rest of the country, is grinding to an unprecedented halt due to coronavirus fears. Here's the latest.

A Look At The College Admissions Cheating Case 1 Year Later

The case has put a spotlight on the cut-throat admissions process and the lengths some wealthy parents will go.

Loughlin, Giannulli Lawyer Is Prosecutors' 'Worst Nightmare'

Sean Berkowitz and the other high-powered attorneys are hoping to keep Lori Loughlin and her husband out of prison.

Harvard, Others Ask Students Not To Return From Break, Go Virtual

Harvard University is the most high-profile school to take the bold step of moving classes online through spring.

Coronavirus School Closings In MA: List

Several Massachusetts schools are closing for more than a week and a number of colleges are going online because of coronavirus.

Baker Urges Schools To Cancel Trips Amid Coronavirus Fears

Gov. Charlie Baker encouraged high schools and colleges to cancel any international trips in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak.

Coronavirus Disruptions For Students In Massachusetts

Some students in Newton and Bellingham were told to stay home over coronavirus fears. There's been only one coronavirus case in Mass.

High School Staffer Self-Quarantines, Reason Unclear: Patch PM

Also: MSPCA rescues horses from 'worst conditions they've ever seen'​ | ​Baker opposes gas, corporate tax increases​ | More.

Hot Pockets Heiress Gets Prison For College Scam

Michelle Janavs, whose father and uncle invented Hot Pockets, apologized for abandoning her moral compass and hurting family and friends.

2 Brockton Elementary School Staff Hailed As Heroes For Saving Child From Choking

Tayla Santos and Jasanay “Jazzy” Manley say they were supervising second grade lunch when it happened.