Windsor Locks Schools To Close Due To Coronavirus Concerns

WINDSOR LOCKS, CT — Windsor Locks public schools will be closed for at least two weeks due to concerns about the spread of coronavirus.

The district released the following statement:

Dear Windsor Locks Families,

Since last evening’s communication, many developments have occurred regarding the Coronavirus which is now considered a pandemic. State Epidemiologist Dr. Matthew Cartter stated “It is only a matter of time before we have widespread community transmission throughout the State of Connecticut.” He indicated that taking proactive measures prior to a widespread transmission has proven to mitigate severity. Please know that the health of the Windsor Locks family and our Windsor Locks Public Schools staff is our main priority.

Therefore, Windsor Locks Public Schools will be closed for at least two weeks beginning on Monday, March 16, 2020 for all staff and Tuesday, March 17, 2020 for all students (since Monday was a scheduled non-student day). During this closure all school buildings will be closed and all extra-curricular events, including Spring Sports practices are cancelled to create social distancing to limit the potential spread of COVID-19. It is my hope that school will resume on Monday, March 30th. Parents who have medications for their child(ren) in the nurse’s office at schools are asked to make arrangements with the school nurse to obtain those today before the end of the day as all buildings will be closed with no access to these medications. This decision is supported by the Director of Health, Patrice Sulik, from the North Central District Health Department.

At the current time the 19-20 calendar will be impacted by moving our last day of school from June 17, 2020 to June 30, 2020. I want to clarify what the Governor’s executive order of the 180 days means.

• All schools in CT cannot go beyond June 30, 2020.
• With that in mind, prior to this cancellation our last day of school was June 17th in Windsor Locks, leaving 9 days between the last day and June 30th that can be added to the end of the year.
• In the event that we require additional closures beyond March 30, 2020, then the Governor’s executive order would allow the additional days to be waived and not made up.
• For the Class of 2020 the graduation date will not change and remains, June 11, 2020.

At the end of this letter I am providing you again with the calendar events that have been postponed or cancelled through April 30, 2020, for your reference.

I recognize this decision has an immediate impact on families ranging from childcare to food access to mental health and other services. We will be communicating additional details as our team works with community partners to mitigate these impacts.

I would like to thank the entire Windsor Locks families - including our supportive Board of Education, administrative team, teachers and staff - for their support and hard work during this challenging time.

Sincerely,

Shawn L. Parkhurst
Superintendent