Somerset bumps up its timeline for phasing into hybrid mode

SOMERSET — Somerset is turning up the speed on its phase-in.

The anticipated timetable for the preschool, middle school and elementary school switch from from essentially all-remote to a hybrid has been pushed up, according to an email from Superintendent of Schools Jeffrey Schoonover to student parents/guardians. The original plan, from Aug. 6, would have had all Somerset grades (pre-K through 8th) in hybrid mode by the start of November.

At Monday's School Committee meeting, Schoonover outlined a plan for the phasing-in to start with pre-K on Sept. 21 and to include all grades by October 13. Schooonover in the letter added that the Somerset Berkley Regional High School phase-in would follow a similar timetable. The SBR School Committee next meets on Sept. 1. Schoonover is also the SBR School District Superintendent.

Somerset Pre-K through grade 8 students begin their 2020-2021 school year on Sept. 14, with select special education programs only in the buildings.

The letter also read, "Please note that this timeline is subject to change based on factors that are not within our control, including various COVID-19 metrics."

Here is the accelerated phase-in timetable presented by Schoonover at Monday's School Committee meeting:

Sept. 21 — Pre-K.

Sept. 28 — Elementary: Kindergarten, Grade 1; Middle: Grade 6.

Oct. 5 — Elementary, Grades 2 and 3; Middle, Grade 7.

Oct. 13 — Elementary: Grades 4 and 5; Middle: Grade 8.