Melrose parents split on pool testing for COVID in schools
Christina Rasmussen / melrose@wickedlocal.com
The Mirimus SalivaClear pooled testing program officially began at the Franklin School last week, while the CIC Health pooled testing program will begin at all schools in the district later this month.
Melrose Public Schools (MPS) partnered with the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) to implement the statewide pooled testing program after Gov. Charlie Baker announced free weekly coronavirus testing for public schools last month.
In a letter sent to MPS families and staff, Superintendent Julie Kukenberger said MPS was eager and excited to implement pooled testing in all eight of the schools in the district. As of Feb. 11, about 2,766 students and 573 staff members have provided consent to pooled testing.
Schools get creative to find space for students
Community Content
Schools across the Hamilton-Wenham Regional School District are finding ways to get creative to adhere to social distancing for in person teaching.
At the Buker Elementary School, the gymnasium is a kindergarten classroom; the music room at the Winthrop Elementary School now houses first graders; and the gallery at Cutler Elementary School is being used as a library. Desks and tables have been stored wherever there is available space.
The HWRSD welcomed back all kindergarten and first grade students at the same time for in-person learning Jan. 19 for the first time in more than 10 months.