After winter break, students could be back in Wiscasset schools more days a week. This fall’s hybrid model – two in-person days a week, the rest remote – might expand to four in-person days a week, if their families choose, according to Superintendent of Schools Terry Wood’s latest letter at wiscassetschools.org and information from Administrative Assistant Stacey Souza Monday.

School Committee leaders interviewed were expressing support.

Responding to questions Wiscasset Newspaper sent Wood, Souza said via email, a second semester, return to school survey showed 72% of families who responded would likely send their students to school four days a week. The first semester, about 82% of students were in the hybrid learning model, 15% remote-only and 3% were totally home-schooled, the email stated.

According to Wood’s letter dated Dec. 23, based on the survey results and information from Maine CDC and DOE, the school department “will begin the process of returning more students to in-school learning.” The department is preparing the buildings, classrooms and transportation schedules “for a staggered return to in-school learning, four days per week at both schools.”

Whether students have been fully remote or on the hybrid model, they could attend second semester two or four days a week in school, or continue remote-only, according to Wood’s letter and Souza’s email.

Wood wrote, the department will try to give at least a week’s notice for the changes.

The letter also cites a possible plan if students are not logging into their remote Wiscasset Elementary or Wiscasset Middle High School classes. If students are not logging in, “we will be looking into the possibility of retrieving their laptops and ipads and will be notifying the State of their non-attendance.” The letter offers computer help ​at TechTeam@wiscassetschools.org and offers Wood’s help. “I will be happy to clarify any issues or concerns.”

“I understand that this has been a very difficult time for you as parents trying to assist your child in their learning and also ensuring their safety as well. We understand each family’s decision, but we are also responsible for the education of each individual student,” Wood wrote.

To make sure students are ready for next school year, the department is assessing them and will address any learning gaps, Wood wrote.

School Committee Vice Chair Jason Putnam said in a phone interview Tuesday, the department is using common sense and is trying to make enough space. “We want to get the kids back in if we can do it safely ... We’re waiting to see how the post-holiday COVID surge does or doesn’t happen,” he added.

“Personally, I think it’s important to get the kids back in school, on a regular schedule, but only if it’s safe,” Putnam reiterated. “There’s kids that aren’t getting the attention they need because of the remote situation and not coming to school, and we’re really concerned about that, that they get back.”

Chair Michael Dunn responded via email Tuesday to requests for comment on the department’s efforts to expand in-person learning. “I am very pleased to see things starting to return to ‘normal.’ As we all know, the best place for the students to receive the most rewarding educational experience is in the schools. We obviously have to be aware of the obstacles involved, and remain diligent in protecting the students and staff. I believe we have the right people and policies in place to do so.”