Supt. reviews school district Covid policy; Student Senate pushback on cell phone policy

The School Committee briefly reviewed the district’s covid policy, which School Supt. Dianne Kelly said is very similar to last year. Any student who tests positive for covid will be required to quarantine for five days. On days six to 10, following a positive test, a student will be required to wear a mask at school. Assistant Superintendent Richard Gallucci said the one big change is that staff in the school nurses’ offices will not be testing students. They will refer families to testing facilities if needed.

The Revere High School Student Senate delivered a blistering letter to the committee on the cell phone policy, which requires students to keep phones in lockers or backpacks or risk having their phones confiscated. Students called the policy irresponsible and said it failed to consider how cell phones aid education and are important safety devices. Students blasted the School Committee for not including them in a policy decision that significantly affects them.

Committee member Carol Tye said there will be more meetings on proposed changes to the policy in order to gather more input from parents and students.