Bethel Schools Move Away From Remote Learning

BETHEL, CT — The public schools, all on full remote learning since Nov. 23 due to staffing challenges from coronavirus quarantines, will move back to a mix of hybrid and in-person education on Dec. 7.

Bethel Schools Superintendent Christine Carver said she made the determination in consultation with local health officials on Tuesday.

Carver said that contact tracing data indicates that the spread of COVID-19 in the community is primarily a result of social gatherings and transmissions through families. All virus mitigation protocols implemented by the schools, including deep cleaning regimens, ventilation systems and mask-wearing/social-distancing practices, remain in place and effective, she told families in an email Wednesday.

The superintendent cited guidance from the Center for Disease Control, The Office of the Governor, the Connecticut State Department of Education, and the Department of Public Health indicating that the "risks" associated with being out of school are greater than those created by not offering in-person learning.

"As is true across the state, we are not seeing the same number of cases among younger children, particularly with the Pre-K - Grade 2 age groups. When we are seeing cases in that age range, the children are generally asymptomatic or have very mild symptoms," Carver wrote.

The learning models effective December 7th are as follows:

• Bethel Middle School: Hybrid on Dec. 7-23, with Wednesday being a distance learning day
• Bethel High School: Hybrid on Dec. 7-23, with Wednesday being a distance learning day
• R.M.T. Johnson School: Hybrid on Dec. 7-23, with Wednesday being a distance learning day
• Anna H. Rockwell School: Full In-Person Learning on Dec. 7
• Frank A. Berry School: Full In-Person Learning on Dec. 7
• Circle of Friends Preschool: Full In-Person Learning on Dec. 7

Carver said she made the decision to implement the hybrid attendance model at BHS, BMS and Johnson for ease in social distancing, given the large class sizes.

"If our community data warrants it, we will be developing a plan to gradually increase the amount of in-person time at all schools," Carver wrote.