Westport Coronavirus: Delayed Opening Tuesday For Public Schools

WESTPORT, CT — Public schools in Westport will open on a three-hour delayed schedule on Tuesday, March 10, to allow for staff to prepare instructional materials for students in the event of an extended school closure due to coronavirus (COVID-19), announced Interim Schools Superintendent David Abbey.

"I realize this is a schedule disruption and I am sorry for the inconvenience; however, given the rapidly moving environment associated with Coronavirus (COVID-19), it is essential that we prepare for the possibility of home-based learning," Abbey wrote in a message to parents on Monday.

The move is similar to actions taken by the New Canaan and Norwalk public school districts, which either delayed or decided to close for an entire day for COVID-19 preparations.

Additionally, the district sent Chromebooks home with students in grades 3-5 on Monday as part of the preparations for possible home-based online instruction.

"Having Chromebooks available to students will assist the District in providing a continuity of learning in the event there is a prolonged school closing," officials wrote. Read the Chromebook memo.

On Sunday, town, health and school district officials updated residents on COVID-19 preparations in Westport. Watch video of the meeting.

Below is Mr. Abbey's announcement:

Dear Westport Families,

The Westport Public Schools will operate on a 3 hour delayed schedule for students only, tomorrow, Tuesday, March 10, 2020.

All staff should report at their regular times.

This delayed opening will provide additional planning time necessary for staff members to complete much of the work associated with developing instructional materials, including on-line lessons, in the event of a prolonged school closing.

All schools will open 3 hours later than usual for students and all buses will run 3 hours later than usual. For Stepping Stones, our preschool, please consult the school’s website for the standard delay information posted online. http://ssp.westportps.org/

I realize this is a schedule disruption and I am sorry for the inconvenience; however, given the rapidly moving environment associated with Coronavirus (COVID-19), it is essential that we prepare for the possibility of home-based learning.

Sincerely,
David Abbey
Interim Superintendent of Schools