Summer Schools In CT Can Reopen, But With These Restrictions

CONNECTICUT — The state Department of Education has released guidance to every school superintendent in the state, detailing rules for operating in-person summer school programs during the coronavirus pandemic.

In-person summer school programs can begin on July 6, according to the new guidelines, provided locations comply with the now well-known mandates of wearing masks, maintaining a distance of six feet or more from others, and other health and requirements. Districts must review their safety plans with their local director of public health and school medical advisor, if applicable.

"We recognize that the way we deliver instruction will continue to evolve, whether this means hybrid models of in-school and remote learning, partial day or partial week school experiences for students, or extended remote learning," Gov. Ned Lamont said. "As we look toward resuming classes inside our school houses, we will keep the health and safety of our students and staff as our primary focus. Healthy schools will translate to healthy communities."

Some of the guidelines with which Connecticut summer schools must be prepared to comply before reopening include:

Group size in every classroom should be limited to no more than one teacher and ten additional individuals.

All students and school personnel, unless otherwise exempt, must always use a face mask while on school property or a school bus. Face covering includes cloth face covering or face masks. This requirement also applies to parents dropping off or picking up children. Educators that can maintain a six-foot distance with students and determine that removing their face covering is critical for instruction, can consider removing their face covering. Schools must provide face covering to any student or staff member who does not have one.

Six-foot distancing should always be maintained. In the few cases where distancing is not possible, appropriate face coverings and other protection (such as face shields) should be available.

Bathrooms should be sanitized at least twice a day. Where possible, schools should designate separate bathrooms for different classes or set shifts for classes to use the bathroom.

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The sharing of educational materials — such as books, computers, calculators, writing utensils, and art supplies — among people during the summer school sessions must be restricted.

The new state guidelines urge that transportation to summer school should be provided by a guardian if possible. Otherwise, bus transport will be made available, with restrictions that include:

• A bus monitor must be employed by the school district to ride on the bus at all times it is transporting students to monitor student density and ensure the use of face masks.
• Student seating must allow for social distancing and adhere to the following restrictions:
  • No more than one student seated per row, unless from the same household;
  • Students seated no closer than every other row;
  • Students seated in a diagonal formation, where if one student is seated on the right side of the bus, the next student is seated on the left side of the bus.
• Face masks for all are required on bus rides, except among those who are medically exempt.
• Cleaning protocols must be communicated to all staff, including measures to prevent harmful human exposure to chemicals.
• Bus Drivers and bus monitors must wear face masks. These must always be worn when children are in the bus.

The complete guidelines for the state's reopening of summer schools can be found online here.