AE/MS to Maintain Hybrid Model of Learning for Now

Change depends on level of community transmission

January 27, 2021 • Saved under AE/MS
By Adam Jones
State of New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services charts show how schools determine when to hold classes in-person, remotely, or a combination of both. **Important note — if any of the six variables labeled in the metrics fall in the “Substantial” column, that triggers the entire category (Level of Community Transmission or Level of School Impact) as “Substantial” in the colored matrix’s recommendation.

Last spring, Superintendent of Schools Mark MacLean communicated with Andover families that AE/MS would be moving to a fully remote instructional model given the realities of the developing COVID-19 pandemic. With a few educational and schedule adjustments throughout the spring, AE/MS maintained a successful remote learning model for the balance of the 2019-2020 academic year. 

After weekly meetings of various stakeholder groups, on July 22, 2020, Superintendent MacLean outlined to the Andover School Board (ASB) the District’s plan for a phased-in approach to safely reopening AE/MS in the fall of 2020. Central to the reopening framework was offering families the option for their child to be fully remote (5 days per week) or for their child to be in-person (2 days per week) and remote for the remaining days (3 days per week). The presentation also highlighted survey data from the community, resources from state and federal agencies, shifts in the academic schedule and transparently laid out a timeline for the ASB to reconsider the educational model. 

The first such reconsideration date was scheduled for October 6, 2020. On that date, the ASB determined that AE/MS would maintain its existing remote/hybrid model, continue to research and purchase any necessary equipment in preparation for an eventual shift to in-person learning (if possible). It was also established at this meeting that the ASB would reconsider its educational model on January 5, 2021.

During the November 10, 2020 ASB meeting and in preparation for the January 5, 2021 reconsideration date, ASB Vice-Chair Adam Jones formed the School Reopening Workgroup. The group had three goals: 1) develop (adopt) a metric to evaluate any potential reopening models; 2) support AE/MS’ Administration with brainstorming and the development of models for reopening that meet the group’s standard established in Goal #1; and 3) present the group’s findings to the ASB in December and January. The group consisted of six members: Katie Caron (parent); Stephanie Bendixsen (teacher); Dennis Dobe (Principal); Mark MacLean (Superintendent); Theresa Georges (ASB); and Adam Jones (ASB, Committee Chair). The group met on four occasions: November 23, December 1, 7, and 14, and met all stated goals.

In reference to the first goal, the group elected to recommend endorsing the guidelines set forth by the New Hampshire DHHS in its document “Considerations for Transitioning Between School Instructional Models Based on Level of Community COVID-19 Transmission and Impact on Local Schools,” which is summarized in the three charts that accompany this article. 

With respect to the second goal, the group recommended that the next phase of the AE/MS School Reopening Plan should maintain a fully remote option for the balance of this school year. Additionally, all other students would have the option to transition to a four-day hybrid model (Tuesday through Friday), with all students remote on Mondays. 

The group recommended that the next phase of the AE/MS School Reopening Plan would be triggered when the external factors Level of Community Transmission and Level of School Impact recommend “in-person” and/or “hybrid learning.” It was estimated that AE/MS staff would need a week’s time (five days) to prepare the facility and staff to transition to the next phase of reopening. 

When the group presented its findings at the ASB’s January 5 meeting, the ASB voted unanimously to accept the group’s recommendations.

The process of considering and selecting a path to full school reopening during a time of pandemic is exceedingly challenging. The stakes are high, and the factors to be considered are complex and frequently at odds with each other. From the outset to the latest conversations on this topic, the best interests of students staff, and the greater community of Andover have been at the fore; keeping safety considerations first, while continuing to balance many other important factors which cannot be discounted. 

Looking back on the July 2020 decision to move forward with two options for families, it proved to be a very wise move for the Andover community. This current model, although imperfect, has offered a very consistent educational experience for the town’s children. As of this writing, there have only been very minimal disruptions in the established school schedule for AE/MS families. Many of the surrounding school districts have had to oscillate between remote, hybrid, and various in-person models from week-to-week.

As the winter progresses and the level of community transmission shifts from Substantial to Minimal or Moderate, AE/MS looks forward to welcoming students back into the building four days a week. Until then, AE/MS will maintain its current educational model, which provides the safest learning environment for students and staff.