Cornavirus Vernon: Revised School Calendar Approved

VERNON, CT — Vernon education officials on Tuesday sent out a revised calendar based on a conference call with state officials regarding the "official" back-to-school target date of April 20.

The conference call took place Monday evening after Gov. Ned Lamont discussed the April date in a news conference a short time earlier. In Vernon's case, Superindedent of Schools Joseph Macary then met with the local school board after the state conference call to revise the calendar.

As that was being sent out Tuesday, Lamont mentioned schools might be closed for the rest of the academic year.

Macary said he was going with the "official" target date and said Lamont's latest comment was a "thought." He added the April 20 target could change "as we go further."

Here is Tuesday's letter:

Dear Vernon Families,

Governor Lamont announced on Monday that all Connecticut Schools would be closed until Monday, April 20, 2020 due to COVID-19 (Coronavirus). Further guidance is expected on this …

The Vernon Board of Education met last night and approved the following changes to the 2019-2020 School Calendar:

• Due to the extended school closures, the April Break will be reduced to Friday, April 10th through Monday, April 13th.Distance Learning Classes will resume on Tuesday, April 14th through April 17th.If any families have travel/vacation plans, please contact your school administrator and adjustments will be made to your child’s learning plan.
• The previously scheduled Professional Development Day (No School for Students) for Tuesday, April 28th has been postponed to Tuesday, June 2nd.The change is due to the Presidential Primary in CT being postponed to June 2nd, instead of April 28th .As you know, most of our schools are used as polling places to vote.

Just to confirm some previously established dates (by Board Actions and Executive Order):

• No school on Monday, May 25th in observance of Memorial Day
• Rockville High School Graduation is set for Tuesday, June 16, 2020
• Last Day of School in Vernon is Wednesday, June 17, 2020

The health and safety of our students and staff is our top priority. This health crisis regarding COVID-19 (Coronavirus) in the State of Connecticut is unprecedented and a rapidly evolving situation that affects our schools and community. The Vernon Public Schools will continue to closely monitor this situation and will make future decisions regarding the health and safety of our community at large.
Remember that in Vernon, our mantra is “always do what is best for kids.” Let’s take this situation one day at a time and we will get through it together. Thank you for your patience, understanding and cooperation.

Joseph P. Macary, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools
Town of Vernon, Connecticut

See also:
Coronavirus Vernon: First Case Confirmed In Town