Norwalk Coronavirus: School Canceled Thursday For Preparations

NORWALK, CT — All Norwalk public schools will close for students on Thursday, March 12, to allow staff to prepare educational materials in the event of extended school closures due to coronavirus (COVID-19), Schools Superintendent Dr. Steven Adamowski announced Monday.

The district has not called for schools to be closed beyond Thursday, which had been scheduled as an early dismissal day for parent-teacher conferences. But in addition to no classes that day, all scheduled afterschool programs and activities also are canceled.

"During this day, teachers, administrators and districtwide staff will work together to prepare materials for students," Adamowski said. "For elementary students, this will likely include lessons that could be emailed home to students each day in the event of a closure. For middle and high school students, plans specific to each subject will be developed for delivery via Google Classrooms. Plans for special needs students will also be addressed."

On Monday morning, New Canaan Public Schools opened on a two-hour delayed scheduled to allow staff to conduct similar COVID-19 preparations.

In addition to closing schools on Thursday, district officials also have canceled schoolwide assemblies, large events and out of district travel. Athletic games will be held but without spectators, and there will be no travel to tournaments. (Don't miss updates in Connecticut concerning the Coronavirus as they are announced. Sign up for Patch news alerts and newsletters.)

Norwalk Mayor Harry Rilling is taking a similar approach with city government, he also announced on Monday, by banning "all events on City-owned property, or sponsored by the City of Norwalk" through April 30, if the event was expected to have more than 100 attendees.

Additionally, city employees are prohibited from out-of-state travel, and should be prepared to work remotely from home in the event of a closure of city government facilities.

"While these actions may be disruptive, it is imperative that we all do our part to help slow the spread of COVID-19 in the area," Rilling said. "Governor Lamont has issued similar guidance to all State employees, and has asked local employers to do the same. Also, at this moment, your supervisors and Department Chiefs are working to update their respective Continuity of Operations Plans. You may be hearing from them directly in the coming days, and please, if you have any questions or concerns, share them with your immediate supervisor."

Read Dr. Adamowski's announcement

Read Mayor Rilling's announcement