Thursday, March 12, 2020

Wilson: Seymour public schools to close for 2 weeks

Sharing from Seymour Public Schools' Facebook page:

March 12, 2020
Good Evening Seymour Families,
As you are all aware, we have been closely monitoring the current COVID-19 virus concerns and have been in constant contact with our Director from the Naugatuck Valley Health District. 
Over these last several days, we have seen an escalation in the concern across the state. Late this afternoon, I again took part in a conference call with all State Superintendents where the Commissioner of Education alerted us of new information around the concern for the virus and about being proactive.
The Director of the Naugatuck Valley Health District has stated that as of this evening, there are no confirmed cases in the Valley. While this is positive news for us, the threat of the virus impacting the Valley is still potentially there. 
Therefore, in an effort to be overly cautious and to take on an abundance of precautionary measures to help ensure that our students and staff remain healthy, we will be closing schools for two weeks (Monday March 16, 2020 through Friday March 27, 2020). 
The plan is to reopen on Monday March 30, 2020. Throughout this time, we will remain in constant contact with our local Health District, community stakeholders, head nurse, as well as review updates from the CDC (Center for Disease Control) every day in order to respond safely and responsibly to the new information as it becomes available.
We understand that an extended closure of schools can place a burden on families and we empathize with you on that. To reiterate, since there are no confirmed cases in the Valley, we jointly decided with the Naugatuck Valley Health District to have tomorrow be the last day of school so that our students and staff can take home any materials that they deem necessary for their continued learning during this period.
We also want to convey that it is the State Department of Education’s recommendation to close schools outright and to not implement a distance learning model at this time. The rationale is that providing educational access to the curriculum for all learners is very difficult to accomplish through a digital platform. As a district, we will continue to work as a team with our State Department of Education with the potential for distance learning opportunities in the future. The Governor and the State Department of Education did agree to relief with respect to the number of school days needed and stated “that at no time will the State of Connecticut go past June 30, 2020”. Any days where the schools are closed due to COVID-19 concerns prior to the June 30, 2020 date will have to be made up as if they were used during the year for inclement weather. As a result, every attempt must be made to use the days up to and including June 30, 2020 for the waiver to be considered. To summarize, we will use the next two weeks as inclement weather days, thus placing our last day of school on June 25, 2020.

Please continue to look on the following mediums for any communications from our schools:
• Seymour Schools Facebook
• Seymour Schools website
If you have any questions about COVID-19, please call 2-1-1. My team will continue to monitor the situation daily and will keep you informed as changes occur. We will get through this together as a team. We remain positive and hopeful that we will resume our normal school routines on March 30, 2020.
Please make every effort to keep your families safe and healthy.

Sincerely,
Michael Wilson
Superintendent

Shelton Public Schools are closed Friday

Sharing from Shelton Public Schools' Facebook page:

"For the safety of our students, staff and community, the Shelton Public Schools will be closed tomorrow, Friday, March 13, 2020, until further notice.
"Administrators and Twelve month staff should report to work on a regular schedule. Any family that contacted their school and stated they have internet, but do not have access to a computer and did not receive a device today from your school and would like a device, should call the HelpDesk at 203-924-6530 option 1. 
"Further information regarding supplemental learning will be available on the Shelton Public Schools website and District Facebook pages. Please check them frequently for updates. Please continue to take care of yourself and your family during this crisis."

Ansonia Public Schools cancelled Friday



Sharing from the Ansonia Public Schools' Facebook page:

"Ansonia Public schools will be cancelled tomorrow, Friday, March 13th for all students. All faculty and certified staff will report to work 9:00am to 3:00pm."

Conway: Derby schools to close until March 30 beginning Friday


Sharing an email from Derby Town/City
Clerk Marc Garofalo this evening:

Message from Derby CT Superintendent of Schools Dr. Matthew J. Conway, Jr.:

“After participating on a call with our State Epidemiologist Dr. Cartter, as a precautionary measure to reduce further spreading of COVID-19, Derby Public Schools will be closed beginning tomorrow, Friday March 13, 2020, for two weeks with plans to return on Monday March 30, 2020.”

Dziekan announces closings in Derby


"Derby Public Library will be closed to the public as of 6 p.m. today (Thursday) until further notice as a response to the coronavirus crisis.
"Derby City Hall will be closed to the public as will the Senior Center, Community Center, and Payden Field House."

Ansonia cancels Irish flag raising ceremony


Seymour Community Center to close at noon Friday; programs canceled


Sharing today's post on the Seymour Community Center Facebook page:

"Good Morning,

"Due to COVID-19 the Community Center will be closed from Friday (3/13) 12:00 pm until further notice. Recreation and Senior programs/activities will be canceled at all locations.

"If you are currently enrolled in a program/activity you will receive an update by email within the next week. In addition, we will continue to update our website and Facebook page with program information.

"While this was a difficult decision the health and well-being of our residents is our utmost concern. We appreciate your understanding."

Mary, Zack, Lucy and Tara



Ansonia Library cancels events through March 31; remains open to public


Public health officials offer tips to prepare for spread of coronavirus

Sharing from a Facebook post:


Cassetti, Dziekan to tend bar for GOP event at Tipsy Tomato in Derby


Klarides-Ditria shares update on state's coronavirus strategy


Dear Neighbors,

I wanted to take this opportunity to give you an update on the Coronavirus (COVID-19) given the news that has come out over the past several days. 
The Governor and legislative leaders have been monitoring the situation and are determining the next steps as we balance doing our work as your elected officials and keeping our members, staff, and members of the public safe.
Earlier this week it was decided that activity scheduled for Thursday (March 12) and Friday (March 13) in the Legislative Office Building, including public hearings and committee meetings will be POSTPONED to allow crews to clean public spaces and staff offices.
There is an official state web page that offers comprehensive information, resources and guidance related to Coronavirus. 
Click here to go to the page where you will find information on what you need to know about the virus, public health resources, information on schools and local communities, and the latest news from the Connecticut Department of Public Health and the Centers for Disease Control.
Below are a few additional links you may find useful:
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact me at Nicole.Klarides-Ditria@housegop.ct.gov or call 860-240-8700.

Sincerely,

State Rep. Nicole Klarides-Ditria