Marblehead Schools 'Pump The Breaks' To Maintain Hybrid Model

MARBLEHEAD, MA — Amid unprecedented pressure on teachers, a high school party with potentially dangerous consequences and rising coronavirus rates throughout the state, Marblehead Public Schools have opted to "pump the breaks and give groups across our system a minute to breathe."

Marblehead will remain in its current hybrid-learning at all grade levels when the high school is set to return on Nov. 9 after considerations to move to a full-day, hybrid model in recent weeks.

"Students deserve the opportunity to settle into and absorb the newly improved (hybrid) model before rushing into yet more change," Marblehead Superintendent of Schools John Buckey told Patch on Monday night. "In addition to this, teachers across the district provided feedback that they too would like more time to settle in before another switch.

"Our teachers have been true heroes throughout this process and we take their feedback seriously, too. So, with both of these dynamics in mind we pump the brakes and give groups across our system a minute to breathe."

Buckey said the high school remains on track to resume its previous hybrid learning schedule on Nov. 9 after the decision was made to go fully remote when Marblehead police said they broke up a large house party two weeks ago where students were not socially distanced, not wearing masks and were sharing drinks.

Because many of those students scattered when police arrived, officials were not able to do adequate contact tracing. All students who were at the party were asked take a coronavirus test, while all parents, siblings, guardians and close contacts of those at the party were asked to quarantine and get tested as well.

"I am beyond impressed with how our students and families have responded to the move to remote," Buckey said. "Principal (Daniel) Bauer's decision to return to remote using the most recently optimized hybrid schedule was based on solid logic, seeking to both maximize time on learning and minimize disruption to students and teachers."

Buckey said on testing compliance "we are expecting that they did so," but noted that the testing is outside of the school's jurisdiction.

"We have no way of knowing whether they complied as we do not know most of those who attended the party," Buckey.

Buckey said extracurricular activities — including interscholastic sports — which were suspended while the students were remote will be reinstated, and an effort will be made to reschedule games lost out of consideration for senior athletes.

"We are committed to making the most of the time remaining for the fall season," Buckey said.

More Patch Coverage: Sudden Marblehead Remote Learning Shift A 'Teachable Moment'

Marblehead High To Go To Remote Learning After Large Party