The Latest COVID-19 Information For Greenwich Public Schools

GREENWICH, CT — With the first day of school in Greenwich just three weeks away, the school district is preparing for another challenging year.

"The delta COVID variant is posing some challenges across the country and we are watching closely," Greenwich Public Schools said in the latest COVID-19 update on Aug. 6. "It is difficult to know exactly what September will bring as each week the Connecticut Department of Health, Connecticut State Department of Education, and the Governor’s Executive Orders can update and change."

The following is the latest update from Greenwich Public Schools on COVID-19 protocols and guidance.

1. Physical distancing of three feet, if possible, is the guidance from the CT Department of Health and CDC. GPS is anticipating continuing our mitigation strategy of three feet.
2. By law, the mask mandate for schools in Connecticut is in place through Sept. 30 via the Governor’s Executive Order No. 13. In fact, [last week], Gov. Lamont issued a press release restating that everyone must wear masks regardless of vaccination status while indoors in certain settings, including schools. We are aware of the many opinions on this issue, and we will continue to monitor information from all viewpoints. The Office of Early Childhood offers tips about mask wearing for young children.
3. GPS is planning on having our doors open for PK-12+ every day.
4. We will ask our students, staff and families to once again complete the COVID Symptom Self Checklist before attending school each day.
5. Full-time Remote School options will not be allowed for the 2021-2022 school year. The CSDE has made it clear that as of today, school days will not count unless they are in person. However, as a reminder, the Governor could provide a new Executive Order which could update this at any time. As always, the District will work with families who need homebound or unique instruction for significant medical challenges.
6. Cohorting for GPS will still be in place for PK-8, but in a less restrictive environment. GPS wants to operate as close to normal with students having more flexibility to move around the buildings for participation in art, music, world language and other activities. At GHS, the building will honor social distancing to the greatest extent possible.
7. Quarantine protocols have been updated, and will continue to evolve. As of today, students seated three feet or more from another student who tests positive will not quarantine if they remain asymptomatic and a mask was in use. The CT Department of Health has stated that more guidance will be issued, and the focus is more on the identification of close contacts versus inclusion of the entire classroom when a case is identified. GPS will work with our local health officials to continue refining the process. GPS utilized a 10-day quarantine process (cut to seven days after a negative test result on the fifth/sixth day) for summer school students and expects to do the same in the fall.
8. Fall sports are anticipated to begin on time this year and plan for full seasons. Fully vaccinated students and staff will not need to quarantine from sports or activities provided they remain asymptomatic after close contact. This information was provided by the CT Department of Health.
9. Cleaning in GPS will remain at a high level. Equipment for GPS was already in use pre-COVID to assist with combating the flu season. This is a long-term commitment to healthy and clean schools.
10. Voluntary testing is being prioritized by the DPH and CSDE for public school students in K-6 and unvaccinated staff. More information will be provided on this issue in the coming weeks.
11. Music will continue the use of special bell covers, distancing, and other mitigation strategies.
12. Buses are still recommended to run with social distancing. Currently, the CDC Order requires masks on public transportation (per CT DPH document), including school buses.