Students Return To School In Wallingford

WALLINGFORD, CT — Whether it was in-person or distance learning, students had a successful first day of school Thursday in Wallingford, according to parents and school officials.

In the district’s reopening plan, elementary school students are returning to the classroom full time while middle and high school students are operating on a hybrid model. The students are divided into two groups (cohorts) and alternating between in-person attendance at school and virtual learning at home on a two-day rotation — two days in school followed by two days of virtual learning.

The middle and high school students are also operating each day on a three-hour early release schedule. There are also students who opted for voluntary distance learning.

“I want to thank everyone for a successful first day of school,” Superintendent of Schools Salvatore Menzo said in an email to parents. “I know there are areas that we will continue to improve, but I do appreciate everyone’s patience and support. Our staff has spent some time this afternoon debriefing on the day, and that feedback will be integrated into our plans.”

Along with mask wearing and socially distanced classrooms, long lines of cars at drop-off and pick-up is another sign of the times.

“We know that there are more people transporting their children to and from school this year,” Menzo said. “We continue to ask for your patience as we try to have students enter the building as quickly as possible while following health and safety protocols. We know this will improve over time, but your patience and support is truly appreciated by all staff.”

Menzo also said students did a “great job” with mask wearing and “we know that this will continue to be a positive experience.”

Several parents shared their family’s back-to-school experience on the Wallingford Patch Facebook page.

Dina Ycaza has three kids distance learning, with two starting on Thursday, and said “it was very positive!”

“Plenty of screen breaks, and both teachers were very organized!” she wrote. “My kids were really happy!”

Kelly Farrell-Ginter said her daughter started middle school Thursday and “came home all smiles! She had a great 1st day!”

Jessica Palmieri said her two children, in second and fifth grade, had “a great day! Came home all smiles and excited for tomorrow!!”

It was a positive experience for teachers, as well.

“This teacher had a great day,” Anne Varrone-Lederle wrote.

Despite a transportation issue, Michelle Carella Geoghan said all four of her kids did well.

“Youngest's bus left him at school, but he survived, he had a good amount of mask breaks and loved his teacher!” she wrote. “I heard middle school was very hot, but despite that, day went well! Great reports from the high school as well! So glad to be back.”