Stamford Schools Respond To Closure For Rest Of Academic Year

STAMFORD, CT — In light of Gov. Ned Lamont's announcement Tuesday morning that he is ordering in-person classes at all K-12 public school facilities in the state to remain canceled for the rest of the 2019-2020 academic year in light of the new coronavirus, Stamford school and city officials have released a statement regarding plans for the rest of the year.

Along with Mayor David Martin, Superintendent Tamu Lucero announced Tuesday that all Stamford Public Schools will continue providing education to students via distance teaching and learning through the end of the scheduled school year. The last scheduled day for students this year is June 15.

"While we never imagined we would end our school year in a remote learning environment, this decision is in the best interest of the safety and health of our staff, students and entire community," Lucero said in a statement.

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Lucero also noted the district has already begun working with its school communities to develop plans to support this year's senior class, as well as students who would traditionally be celebrating "moving up ceremonies."

According to Lamont's announcement, schools will also be required to continue providing meals to children under the school lunch and breakfast programs for consumption at home, as they have been throughout this emergency.

The governor said he is consulting with state and local education officials regarding whether summer school programming should commence as scheduled. He anticipates having guidance on that matter toward the end of this month.

See also: CT Schools Closed For Rest Of Academic Year: Gov. Lamont

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The virus, also referred to as COVID-19, is caused by a member of the coronavirus family that's a close cousin to the SARS and MERS viruses that have caused outbreaks in the past.