The Darien school district won’t sponsor any out-of-state travel for students or staff. In-state field trips, athletic or extra-curricular activities will have to have fewer than 100 participants, as will school gatherings of any kind. Space rented from the district can’t have more than 100 people in it.
Those are the new restrictions announced by schools Superintendent Alan Addley at 10:02 p.m., Tuesday night to slow the spread of COVID-19 if it should enter the student body or staff of the district.
Addley also pointed out that the state Department of Education is requiring school districts to get a waiver for distance learning programs put in place when schools are closed. Districts without the waivers will need to make up any closure days by June 30, the department has mandated. Addley did not say whether Darien has applied for the waiver or plans to do so.
Why Anti-Coronavirus Measures Are Being Implemented: A Reminder
- Health experts have said that slowing the spread of the virus can save lives by avoiding or shortening times when hospitals and medical providers become overwhelmed by more cases than can be adequately treated (see the “What May Happen” section of this Centers for Disease Control and Prevention web page).
Addley’s Letter to Parents and Staff
Here’s the full text:
Dear families and staff,
Yesterday, Governor Lamont, the Department of Public Health and the Connecticut State Department of Education made policy recommendations in response to the spread of COVID-19 in Connecticut.
In response to these recommendations, the Darien Public Schools will be implementing the following practices and protocols beginning Thursday, March 12, 2020.
● All out of state travel, including field trips; athletic and extracurricular activities; and professional learning for staff and students are cancelled. This provision does not apply to staff living out of state;
● In-state field trip trips; athletic and extracurricular activities; and professional learning for staff and students will be limited to events under 100 participants;
● School functions/ gatherings (plays, concerts, etc.) of more than 100 participants (students, families or community members) will be cancelled or rescheduled; and,
● The rental and use of Darien Public Schools facilities will preclude the use of the facilities for large gatherings or functions.
As outlined by the Commissioner of Education, the restrictions on limiting gatherings to approximately 100 people apply to nonacademic settings; hence, school can still be in session. Each school principal or district administrator will communicate guidance on specific events affected by the recommendation.
The Commissioner of Education also shared requirements around eLearning for students in the event of school closings. Any district seeking to implement eLearning must first seek approval from the Connecticut State Department of Education via a waiver application. In absence of an approved waiver, school days missed due to school closings must be made up by June 30.
Additionally, please see attached updated travel and exclusion guidelines for students, staff, families and visitors from Alicia Casucci, Supervisor of Nursing. Please read this information carefully as it delineates when parents, students and staff should seek medical advice and/or stay home from school or school events.
Thank you for your continued understanding and cooperation as we respond to the latest information. Please do not hesitate to reach out to your building-level principal with any questions.
Sincerely,
[signed] Alan Addley
Dr. Alan Addley Superintendent of Schools
Darien Public Schools