‘We Need Your Help’ To Keep COVID Out Of Schools: Superintendent

WALLINGFORD, CT — After reporting four confirmed cases of the coronavirus in Wallingford schools already this week, Superintendent Salvatore Menzo sent a message to parents Tuesday asking for help with preventing the spread of COVID-19.

“We need your help,” Menzo wrote in the message. “We are in a very precarious position as a school district due to the recent community spread of COVID-19. As you can see, every day we are reporting new positive cases to families. The virus continues to be spread through community contacts which then enter our schools. We need your help in honoring quarantine requirements. We also request that you limit unnecessary travel and engagement with other families and friends. I know this may be a big ask as the holidays approach; however, we will not be able to keep our schools open without everyone taking a step back and adjusting some of what we are doing socially.

“I cannot mandate how families conduct themselves, but I can stress the fact that each new case puts a burden on our resources (teaching staff and substitutes) and inevitably may result in school closures if we do not see a lowering of the cases being reported and a reduction in the numbers needing to be quarantined.”

Menzo also asked that families continue to notify the school nurse if their child or anyone they have come into contact with has tested positive, is being tested, or is showing symptoms. The information is needed to “reduce the impact and notify any close contacts immediately,” according to Menzo.

“I do not mean to provide you with a lecture on the need to reduce and stop community spread of COVID-19; however, I would not be effectively leading the district if I did not share my concerns and express my feelings so that we can maintain the opening of schools,” Menzo said. “Our staff at all levels are working hard and doing a wonderful job to mitigate the virus spread in our buildings. Now, we need all families to help us in doing what you can at home and the community to support our efforts.”

Related:

• Coronavirus Case Reported At Sheehan High School In Wallingford
• 2 More Coronavirus Cases Confirmed In Wallingford Schools
• Coronavirus Case Confirmed At Lyman Hall In Wallingford
• Coronavirus Cases Reported At 3 Schools In Wallingford