BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — Massachusetts has entered it's final phase of bringing students back into the in-person classroom.
The state has been phasing students back into full time, in-person learning since April -- starting with elementary and middle schools last month.
Starting on May 17, 2021, high school students statewide are called to return to the in-person classroom -- excluding districts who received a waiver to delay the timeline.
Massachusetts education officials said on Friday that six high schools in the state were given the exemption -- and nine other requests were denied.
For schools that are returning on Monday -- Covid-19 protocols are in place to limit the spread of the virus. That includes measures like requiring face coverings and social distancing, and in some cases -- setting up desks and tents outside to promote more airflow.
The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education is strongly encouraging all eligible students and staff to get vaccinated against Covid-19 -- in order to add additional confidence in returning to the classroom.
That recommendation comes nearly a week after the CDC and FDA approved the Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine to be administered in children as young as 12 years old.
If you have not yet gotten a Covid-19 vaccine and want to make an appointment, you can visit the Massachusetts vaccine registration website.
WBZ NewsRadio's James Rojas (@JamesRojasWBZ) reports.
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Written by Rachel Armany
(Photo: Getty Images)