Report by Paula Antolini, March 11, 2020, 11:17AM EDT
Letter to Parents, Students, and Staff, from Dr.Christine Carver, March 10, 2020:
Dear Parents, Students, and Staff,
I want to first thank you for your patience and understanding as we try to navigate the evolving situation regarding COVID-19. Yesterday all superintendents, town, and state elected officials, and emergency management operations staff were asked to participate in a conference call with the Governor, Department of Public Health, the Department of Education and Emergency Management officials regarding the virus. The State of Connecticut highly recommends a number of specific actions which directly affect the school systems. Please be assured we will always
implement recommendations which improve the safety and well-being of our students and staff.
The first recommendation is to implement a strategy known as social distancing as a mechanism for reducing the spread of COVID-19. This is a strategy, used by the Department of Public Health, to stop or slow down the spread of the disease by limiting social interactions. As a result, the
State of Connecticut strongly recommends that school districts cancel or reschedule any events with over 100 people to minimize spread of the virus. Therefore, the Bethel Public Schools, like many of our surrounding school districts, will be rescheduling or cancelling some upcoming events.
So why are we limiting school events, but not closing schools? I think it is critically important to understand the reasons why this recommendation is being made. It is important to remember that although the state may be recommending event cancellations, there is a lot of data worldwide that
indicates that children are not affected by the virus in the same way as adults. In school, we are able to effectively monitor the overall health of our children and ensure prevention protocols are properly implemented. However, we are unable to extend monitoring and prevention to other
community members attending school events, including community members that may be more affected by the virus, such as parents, grandparents, or community members with underlying health conditions.
Rather than make decisions now for the rest of the school year, we are focusing on events leading up to April vacation. We will make our best effort to reschedule each event in late May or June. We are also discussing some events scheduled for after April break that may impact students or
families financially, such as the Junior Prom, so we can try and minimize the impact. The immediate events that will need to be cancelled or rescheduled are:
• Military Ball: The NJROTC is actively searching for a date to reschedule the event toward the end of the school year.
• Parent/Teacher Conferences: We are exploring options to conduct conferences via phone and/or digital communication. More information will be communicated in the next few days.
• Athletics: The CIAC will provide additional guidance on athletic events. For now, teams will be allowed to practice only with district coaches.
• BHS and Johnson Spring Musicals: These will be moved to June.
• We will continue to hold our normal after school and evening activities for our students; however, any events that involve the general public or spectators will be suspended until further notice.
• Nature’s Classroom: Although this trip is not until May, we have a few options that we are exploring. Mr. Watson will send out a separate communication on this topic.
In addition, we will also follow the state guidance involving the cancellation of field trips. Your schools and/or teachers will communicate specific details regarding any trips that may affect you or your children. Again, we are currently focusing on trips through April break and will reevaluate the situation as we have more information.
Lastly, the probability of school closures are likely. We ask that you be prepared with family plans should such an event occur. Connecticut state law and recent legal guidance has impacted our ability to provide “distance learning.” We will send out a separate communication outlining our plans in the event of school closures.
Again, this situation is very fluid. We will provide ongoing communication to ensure that you have the most up-to-date information. As always, if you have any questions or concerns, do not hesitate to reach out to me directly at carverc@bethel.k12.ct.us or 203-794-8601.
Sincerely,
Christine L. Carver, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools
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