A Positive Step Forward for Wakefield's Schools

Published in Wakefield Daily Item and Patch Wakefield

A few weeks ago, we marked one year since the Wakefield Public Schools closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Today brings a more positive milestone, since for the first time since last March, our elementary school students will be back in school for a full day, and high school students start an every other day in-person schedule leading up to a full schedule next month. Students at the Galvin Middle School will be following them back in a few short weeks.

As Town Councilors and parents of students in the Wakefield Public Schools, we recognize that adapting to remote learning -- and planning for reentry -- has required heroic effort, flexibility, and perseverance, as well as close collaboration with the Health Department and the Department of Public Works. We're grateful to our colleagues on the School Committee, Superintendent Doug Lyons and the administrative team, and all of Wakefield's teachers, staff, and school nurses for their tireless work to get us to this point. Wakefield's students are lucky to be served by such a dedicated and talented team.

As COVID cases continue to rise in Wakefield, we know that we must continue to be vigilant to fight the further spread of the pandemic. We also know that reopening schools is just the first step in the process of addressing the educational, social, and behavioral impacts of the past year. Supporting our children through these challenges will require the School Committee, administration, and teachers to draw upon their experience in new ways, and continue the extraordinary efforts they have made over the last twelve months. Despite the challenges ahead of us, today's return to school is a positive step forward, and a reason to celebrate in Wakefield.

Jonathan Chines Julie Smith-Galvin Wakefield Town Council