As we prepare to return to campus following Spring Break, many of us have questions about safety measures and logistics surrounding hybrid learning. The return to campus has been much anticipated, so the UltraViolet wanted to answer some common questions and concerns to make the transition as smooth as possible.
What will the schedule look like?
The school day timetable will remain the same, with four 65-minute class periods per day. Community time will still occur from 9:40-10:25 and lunch will be an hour-long break from 11:35-12:35. ASM and other scheduled community times will occur over Zoom and the day will end as usual at 3:00. Students in the Violet cohort will come to campus on the first two school days of the week (typically Monday and Tuesday) and the Marigold cohort will attend campus the second two days (typically Thursday and Friday).
Will I still be able to access services like bus transportation and Cafe M?
Bus transportation will still be available to all students with appropriate social distancing and masking requirements in place. Bus capacity has been lowered and fewer students will be riding each day due to cohorting. Café M will also be available with complimentary breakfast and lunch, however, food service will be pre-packaged.
Will everyone in my classes be on zoom or will some people be in-person?
Classes will be divided up between cohorts so some students will be in-person and others will be on zoom. This will help accommodate the lower classroom capacity requirement and keep everyone socially distanced and safe. Things like swivel cameras and other new technological devices have been implemented to allow a smooth integration of in-person and at-home cohorts.
How are cohorts divided up? Will siblings be together?
Cohorts have been divided up based on last names, so in general, most siblings will be together. The administration has also made an effort to place siblings in the same cohort in order to make transportation and carpooling easier.
Will I have to wear a mask? What Personal Protective Equipment is required?
All students, faculty and staff returning to campus will be required to wear a mask; no other PPE will be mandatory. Double-masking will be encouraged but not mandated. If students forget a mask, disposable masks will be widely available throughout the school.
What will the schedule look like on Wednesday? Will we still have assessment blocks?
Wednesdays will continue to remain entirely online, with math and science assessments occurring over zoom. In the future, there will likely be optional Wednesday events and activities where students can come to campus to meet with teachers, study, etc. In addition, the administration has sent out a survey and is looking at potentially shortening Wednesday periods to 30-minute blocks.
Do I have to get tested? If so, where?
Testing will be required before students return to campus. The school will host drive-through PCR testing on April 8 and 9. From that point on, students will be tested weekly to help prevent the spread of the virus through any potentially infected students.
What measures are the school taking to keep the campus safe and mitigate the potential spread of COVID-19?
Marlborough has undertaken extensive preparations to ensure the campus will be safe for all returning students. Single stall bathrooms have been acquired and placed throughout campus and air filtration, sanitation systems and plexiglass screens have been installed. Additionally, universal masking will be mandatory and testing will help ensure personal safety and accountability.
