Coronavirus Greenwich: Schools Consider Shortening Spring Break

GREENWICH, CT — As Greenwich students continue practicing distance learning due to the spread of the new coronavirus, the district is considering shortening this year's spring break to make up for lost time.

In an update sent to families Tuesday, Superintendent Toni Jones said the district is asking for input from families regarding the upcoming break, currently scheduled for April 10-19. (To sign up for Greenwich breaking news alerts and more, click here.)

On Monday, Gov. Ned Lamont said schools would not re-open until April 20 at the earliest. Schools were originally supposed to be closed just until the end of March to help mitigate the spread of the virus, also referred to as COVID-19.

COVID-19 is caused by a member of the coronavirus family that's a close cousin to the SARS and MERS viruses that have caused outbreaks in the past.

"Given that the extended closure now spans through spring break, the district is considering utilizing some of those days for distance learning," Jones said in the update. "There are concerns that breaking routines for a week when students must stay inside would not be beneficial, and could cause social distancing to be more challenging for our families and students. This issue is especially concerning now that school fields, parks, and beaches are all closed."

Jones also provided a survey, asking if families would prefer that spring break commence as planned or be shortened. If modified, students would be off on Good Friday, April 10, as well as Monday, April 13. Students would then continue distance learning Tuesday-Friday.

Jones said any decision on spring break would be made by the Board of Education, and the survey was provided so she could share the "general community's perspective" at Thursday's virtual Board of Education meeting and give the board an understanding of the community's thoughts on the matter before any action is taken.