Manchester Schools Starting Year With 'Minimal' Virus Restrictions

MANCHESTER, CT — Students in the Manchester public school system will be returning to classes next week under "minimal Covid-19-related restrictions," Superintendent of Schools Matt Geary said.

Geary outlined the guidelines in a letter and accompanying safety plan document sent to parents this month.

Sept. 6 is the first day for students in grades K though 5 and in grades 5, 7 and 9. Sept. 7 is the first day for those in grades 6 and 8 and 10 though 12.

Masks will remain optional everywhere except the Manchester Preschool Center, where they are mandatory, he said. State officials last week said guidelines have been set to get students back in the buildings, citing statistics that show in-person learning is key to student success. Remote learning has caused many students to lag in terms of progress, they said.

"We are hoping that the impact of Covid-19 on student attendance will be minimal," Geary said, while adding the guidelines are based not only on state requirements and guidance, but current health conditions, advice from the local health department and input from staff members, students and families as well.

"We have learned a great deal since March 2020, when with little lead time we quickly found new ways to teach, learn and stay connected as a community," Geary said.

The Manchester public school system has discontinued:

• Cohorting
• Contact tracing
• Desk shields
• "Directionals" in hallways and stairwells
• Mandatory masks
• Remote learning
• Social distancing

The school system will allow:

• Alternative seating
• Cafeteria usage (In some instances, breakfast and lunch may still be eaten in classrooms)
• Classroom pods (desks in small groups)
• Field trips
• Music instruction and programs
• School-wide gatherings
• Sports
• Supply sharing
• Travel
• Visitors
• Volunteers
• Water fountains

In an effort to "continue the practice of good hygiene and maintain cleanliness," all schools, classrooms and departments will be supplied with:

• Hand sanitizer
• Wipes
• Access to disposable masks

The quarantine policy reads:

• "Regardless of vaccination status, individuals who test positive for COVID-19 should isolate at home for at least 5 days from the first full day following the onset of symptoms or positive test whichever is first. If symptoms develop or persist, individuals isolate for an additional 5 days. A mask should continue to be worn for an additional 5 days once an individual returns. (including in school) Negative test not required to return."

See the full set of safety guidelines here.