School Suspended In Ellington, Somers Due to Coronavirus Concerns

ELLINGTON-SOMERS, CT — Growing concerns over the coronavirus pandemic has prompted school officials in Ellington and Somers to suspend operations for a minimum of two weeks.

Ellington Superintendent Scott Nicol wrote:

Dear Ellington Family –

Since this morning’s communication, many developments have occurred regarding the Coronavirus which is now considered a pandemic. State Epidemiologist Dr. Matthew Cartter stated “It is only a matter of time before we have widespread community transmission throughout the State of Connecticut.” He indicated that taking proactive measures prior to a widespread transmission has proven to mitigate severity. Please know that the health of the Ellington Family is our main priority.

Therefore, the Ellington Public Schools will be closed for at least two weeks beginning on Monday, March 16, 2020.

School will be in session tomorrow so that parents, students, and EPS staff may make the necessary arrangements. It is my hope that school will resume on Monday, March 30th. This decision is supported by the Director of Health, Patrice Sulik, from the North Central District Health Department.

“The Board’s decision to support the closure was an informed one and was not taken in response to any confirmed cases of the virus in our community, but was enacted in the interests of the public’s safety. We will continue to monitor this emerging situation with the administration, and will keep the Ellington staff and families advised with timely and accurate information.” - Michael J. Purcaro, Chair, Ellington Board of Education

More details regarding the impact on the school district calendar and other implications of this school closure will be forthcoming. I recognize this decision has an immediate impact on families ranging from childcare to food access to mental health and other services. We will be communicating additional details as our team works with community partners to mitigate these impacts.

I would like to thank the entire Ellington Family - including our supportive Board of Education, administrative team, teachers and staff - for their support and hard work during this challenging time.

Likewise, students in Somers will have an early release day Friday, then schools will close for two weeks, according to this message from Superintendent Brian Czapla.

Good evening,

This is Brian Czapla, Superintendent of Somers Public Schools. In response to COVID -19, we will be taking the following action.

Tomorrow, Friday March 13 will be an early dismissal day.

Effective Monday March 16, all schools will be closed for two weeks. It is possible they will be closed for and additional third week. We will make that decision in the near future based on the situation in the state.

I will be sending out a more details of our plans, which will include a distance learning program by Monday.

I want to thank everybody for your patience, support and understanding during these anxious times. I hope you have a good evening. Thank you.

Brian P. Czapla