Vernon Schools Reopening Plan Targeted For August Distribution

VERNON, CT — The goal is to have a local "fall semester re-opening plan" to families of Vernon school-aged children by Aug. 1, education and municipal officials said Tuesday.

Vernon school officials have already received guidance from the State Department of Education and the Connecticut Department of Public Health on a fall 2020 re-opening plan for schools.

"Our district Health and Safety Committee will be working on our re-opening plans for August 2020," officials said.

The committee meets regularly throughout the year and consists of representatives from all seven schools. In addition, it includes school personnel from building facilities, health services, food and nutrition, logistics and safety, human resources, risk management, the medical staff and "all other district operations."

The target is to "successfully open schools on August 26, officials said.

Here are the main operational considerations:

• Cohorting: Emphasize grouping students by the same class/group of students and teacher (into a cohort) so each team functions independently as much as possible. Consider this methodology by grade levels. Placing students in cohorts is strongly encouraged for grades K-8, and encouraged where feasible for grades 9-12.
• Social Distancing and Facilities: Review building space and reconfigure available classroom space, such as gymnasiums and auditoriums, to maximize social distancing, consistent with public health guidelines in place at that time.
• Transportation: Local Educational Agencies (LEAs) should plan for buses to operate close to capacity with heightened health and safety protocols, including requiring all students and operators wear face coverings. Plans must be developed to activate increased social distancing protocols based upon community spread.
• Face Coverings: All staff and students will be expected to wear a protective face covering or face mask that completely covers the nose and mouth when inside the school building, except for certain exceptions including when teachers are providing instruction.