Barrington Schools will take a break from in-person learning next week, and continue with distance learning in early January.

The local public school district announced the change in an email on Monday afternoon, stating that officials struggled with the decision to move to a "temporary period" of distance learning.

"We acknowledge the social-emotional and academic benefits of being in person," stated the email. "As such, during distance learning, our teachers will encourage opportunities for movement breaks and relationship-building, such as social lunchtime on Zoom and outdoor breaks."

The district is also continuing to make all of its "social-emotional staff" available to any student or family in need, and officials encouraged people to contact school counselors or building principals for support.

"We understand the challenges that the decision brings with it and appreciate the support that you have offered to our school staff and administration throughout this pandemic," stated the email.

Recent data has shown an uptick in the number of positive cases of the coronavirus among students and staff in Barrington, similar to the recent surge in the general population. According to district information, there were a total of 39 positive cases among staff and students (including some who were distance learners) recorded for all of September, October and November. Meanwhile, there were 39 positive cases in Barrington schools in just the first 14 days of December. (However, 20 of the 39 positive cases were among students and staff who were already distance learning or at home quarantining.)

"Due to safety and staffing, the district has made this decision with all of the data currently available to us," the email stated.

Calendar changes

All Barrington students will move to distance learning on Dec. 21. (Barrington High School students have been distance learning for the last few weeks, a move, officials said, that was necessary because of teachers and staff who have been quarantining.)

The district's holiday break runs from Dec. 24 through Jan. 3, and students were scheduled to return to schools on Jan. 4. Instead, students at all levels will continue with distance learning that day. It is not clear when Barrington students will return to in-person learning.

"The ability to return in person will continue to be evaluated," stated the email. "The earliest return date allowed by the Rhode Island Department of Education will be January 7, 2021. If we are able to stagger return based on staffing and quarantine, priority will go to students identified as 5 day-a-week learners, followed by elementary students."

On-site testing

Barrington schools will be included in on-site testing in 2021 for all students and staff who are interested. The district will work with the RI Department of Health during the holiday break to iron out the details for the on-site testing.