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Current Learning Model:
The following Lowell Public Schools students have returned to in-person learning:
- Students in substantially separate special education programs who were previously participating in our in-person learning model (those students who were still attending in-person instruction in December) returned on campus Monday, February 22, 2021.
- Students who are not in a substantially separate special education program, but were previously served in-person this fall as part of our original school reopening plan returned on campus Monday, March 1, 2021.
- Students in Kindergarten through grade 5 returned on campus Monday, April 5, 2021.
All other LPS students are still taking part in remote learning.
Please read our information page containing important updates about returning to in-person learning.
Plan for students returning on campus:
- ✓ February 22 - Students in substantially separate special education programs who were previously participating in our in-person learning model
- ✓ March 1 - Students who are not in a substantially separate special education program, but were previously served in-person this fall as part of our original school reopening plan.
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✓ April 5th - 5 days per week in-person instructional model for elementary school students with a parental option of full remote.
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✓ April 5th - Grade 5 students will return to middle schools for 5 day per week in-person instruction with a parental option of full remote.
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April 26th - 5 days per week in-person instructional model for middle school students in grades 6-8 with a parental option of full remote.
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April 26th - Hybrid model at LHS with lunch time dismissal. (The state is still finalizing guidance for high school. As we await further regulatory guidance from DESE, the District is continuing to plan for a hybrid instructional model, utilizing a daily rotating or cascading schedule. This is being done to accommodate the unique challenges of population size and rostering continuity at Lowell High.)
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Preschool - Preschool students assigned to the Cardinal O’Connell Early Learning Center who are currently remote learners may return to in-person instruction starting April 5. Remote preschool students at all other schools will remain in remote learning for the time being. After grades K-5 return to in-person learning on April 5, LPS will reassess school facilities to determine if preschool in-person learning may occur at other schools in addition to the Cardinal.
Enrollment Statistics
- We welcomed 2,663 new students who returned to in-person learning for the first time on Monday, April 5th.
- Elementary schools are now serving 65% of students in person.
- Middle schools are now serving 37% of students in person.
- 59% of K – 8 students are now in person.
- School plans ensured quality remote experience for all students remaining remote.
- Grades 6 – 8 expansion of in person learning will occur on April 26th.
COVID Data Monitoring
Updated - 4/16/21
- 4/16/21 COVID Data Monitoring
- 4/12/21 COVID Data Monitoring
- 4/5/21 COVID Data Monitoring
- 3/26/21 COVID Data Monitoring
- 3/19/21 COVID Data Monitoring
- 3/12/21 COVID Data Monitoring
- 3/5/21 COVID Data Monitoring
- 2/26/21 COVID Data Monitoring
- 2/19/21 COVID Data Monitoring
- 2/12/21 COVID Data Monitoring
- 2/5/21 COVID Data Monitoring
- 1/29/21 COVID Data Monitoring
- 1/22/21 COVID Data Monitoring
- 1/20/21 COVID Data Monitoring
COVID-19 Testing Program
As part of the reopening process, we will be offering voluntary free weekly COVID-19 testing. This testing will lower the risk of spread of COVID-19 by helping to identify those positive cases in people who do not show any symptoms of COVID-19. In order to participate, parents/guardians will have to sign a consent form for their child. Click here for the consent form.
This COVID-19 test is quick, easy and it does not hurt. It is a nasal test that gently swabs the lower inner nostril. We will accommodate all students’ needs to help them be comfortable during the test.
The test is free. You do not need to pay for the test or have insurance to get the test.
The more students and staff who participate, the safer our schools will be. Please click here to read more about this testing program.
A consent form for staff can be found here.
COVID - 19 Vaccine
As of April 19, anyone age 16 and older is eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine.
For more information about the COVID-19 vaccine, visit the state’s website.
Additional resources:
- Massachusetts DPH: Where and when you can get your vaccine
- Trust the Facts. Get the Vax
- Center for Disease Control (CDC): Facts about COVID-19 and the vaccine
- Lowell Community Health Center: For patients of the health center
- Lowell General Hospital: For patients of the hospital
- When can I get the COVID Vaccine
- Frequently asked questions
- Know What is True and False About the COVID-19 Vaccines
COVID Protocols and Guidelines
- Potential COVID Symptoms
- Face Mask Protocol and Guidelines
- Quarantine Guidelines
- Isolation and Quarantine Resources
- Information and Guidance for Persons in Quarantine Translated in Multiple Languages
Where can you get tested for COVID
Who to contact when COVID positive or a close contact
- Who to contact for LPS employees
- Who to contact for LPS supervisors and principals
- Charts on who to contact for families and staff
Important Update About Flu Vaccinations
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The Massachusetts Department of Public Health is removing the requirement for flu vaccination for attendance in childcare/preschool, primary, secondary and postsecondary education. Preliminary data show that this has been a mild flu season to date, presumably as people have received their seasonal flu vaccine and have been adhering to mask-wearing and social distancing due to COVID-19. Given the intensive Commonwealth-wide efforts regarding COVID-19 vaccination, DPH wants to alleviate the burden to obtain flu vaccination and focus on continuing our COVID -19 vaccination efforts. DPH continues to strongly recommend that everyone age six months and older receive their seasonal flu vaccine each year.
City of Lowell COVID updates
Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
- Commonwealth of Mass COVID - 19 Travel Order
- COVID Information and Resources
- Commissioner Weekly Updates
- Guidance updates to reflect Phase 3, Step 1: Youth and Adult Amateur Sports and Activities/ Outdoor Recreational Activities
Center for Disease Control COVID - 19 Guidelines and information
