Back on March 11 Greenwich Schools Superintendent Dr. Toni Jones announced that all Greenwich Public Schools would close the next day to slow the spread of COVID-19.
On Friday Dr. Jones announced via email to families that Thursday’s virtual Board of Education Meeting resulted in a vote to modify spring break.
She said 3,750 people completed the survey about modifications to the calendar, and 80% of those surveyed said that they wanted to have Friday, April 10 off, Monday, April 13 off, and then continue with distance learning for the remainder of the week: Tuesday, April 14 – Friday, April 17. (Spring recess was originally to be April 13-17).
Jones said while making the decision, the Board discussed the importance of maintaining distance learning routines and guidelines urging people not to travel to slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus.
Jones said school days in June will be determined once the Governor provides more direction.
She noted that since the Governor announced the Presidential Primary was moved from April 28 to June 2, should schools physically reopen by then, and trigger a school closure, students could resume distance learning on that day.
This week Governor Ned Lamont said it might be necessary to keep schools closed until fall. However, officially the emergency school closure has only been extended through April 20.
April 3 will be another “Flex Day,” something of a catch-up day, which is intended to make distance learning manageable for all parents, students, and teachers.
Also at their virtual meeting, the Board of Education voted to support the formation of a Special Education Advisory Council.
“While a little more challenging to do right now with a school closure, we are excited to provide this new opportunity to hear from our families,” Jones said.