Coronavirus Manchester: Superintendent Addresses Cancellations

MANCHESTER, CT — Manchester Superintendent of Schools Matthew Geary has sent a letter to the community regarding Coronavirus concerns. Several events have been already been called off.

School officials confirmed early dismissal on Wednesday for conferences and not for concerns over the virus.

Here is the letter:

Dear Manchester Public Schools Community,

We continue to monitor the situation regarding COVID-19. As you may be aware the governor declared a public health emergency and civil preparedness emergency throughout the state. Additionally, the state is cancelling or rescheduling events where there are expected to be more than 100 people in attendance.

As you know, many of Manchester Public Schools' field trips, concerts, plays and other large events involve crowds of more than 100 people so we are postponing all concerts, the upcoming high school musical, the district science fair, and other larger events through the April vacation (April 10 to 17).

Also, the Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference announced that remaining state tournament games are canceled.

Events planned for after the April break will be evaluated as we get closer. Also, we are evaluating all field trips on a case-by-case basis. We have multiple international trips planned for April and we are in conversations with the travel companies about next steps regarding those plans. Specific information about field trips will be communicated from school administration in collaboration with my office.

Parent conferences scheduled for this week are still on.

Other events, including but not limited to sports tryouts and club meetings which only involve our students, are also still on.

We understand this is an extremely disappointing situation for our students and will make every effort to reschedule these events when possible. Please know that these decisions were not made lightly and that I understand that students will be disappointed. However, my obligation is to do everything possible to ensure the health and safety of students and this decision reflects that priority.

One additional precaution we are taking is turning off water fountains. Students are encouraged to bring bottled water to school.

We will continue to communicate in as timely and transparent manner as possible and keep you updated as information changes. Please contact me if you have any questions.

Sincerely
Matt Geary
Superintendent

Added Jim Farrell, MPS communications director, "We will certainly make sure water will be available to those students who need/request it. Our nurses and others are collaborating to make sure we balance lots of factors during these unusually challenging circumstances."