Coronavirus Hamden: Public Schools Closing Until Further Notice

HAMDEN, CT — Hamden Public Schools will be closed beginning March 13 in an effort to help mitigate the spread of the new coronavirus, officials announced Thursday. All before-and-after school and adult education programs are also canceled.

Officials said parents and other caregivers should expect an “extended closure.” The district will provide more information on when it will be “appropriate for school to resume” based on guidance from state and health officials.

“Because we know that many of our students rely on school to provide breakfast and lunch, we will be implementing a program similar to our Summer Meals program,” according to a post on the district’s website. “Starting on Monday, March 16, we have made arrangements for any child ages 5-18 to pick up ‘To Go’ meals at one of our three distribution locations: Hamden High, Hamden Middle and Church Street Schools. Meals will be available between 9:00-12:00, Monday-Friday. No identification is required to receive these meals.”

Although schools will be closed, district and school offices will reopen March 17 for “business that can be conducted by phone or electronically.” All of the school district buildings are closed to the public indefinitely, officials said. (To sign up for Hamden breaking news alerts and more, click here.)

Starting March 18, packets of educational materials to “help keep students’ minds and bodies engaged will be available at HHS, HMS and Church Street School. Anyone is welcome to pick up packets for their children.”

“We understand that closing schools will be difficult for many families, but this is an unprecedented situation that requires a community response,” officials said. “As part of our community, Hamden Public Schools will do all we can to support our families during these challenging times.”