Western Connecticut Superintendents Association Important Message to Students, Staff, and Families

Important Communication from the Western Connecticut Superintendents Association

As we approach the holiday season this year, the Western Connecticut Superintendents Association (WSCA) wants to remind families that they can still enjoy time with loved ones while remaining focused on health and safety. Our communities are interconnected with families who work or have relatives in neighboring towns. More importantly, district leaders share a similar goal in ensuring that students and staff are able to return safely to our buildings and classrooms following the holidays. We understand that parents will be welcoming students home from college, and families may be traveling to celebrate with relatives in or outside the State. With the number of cases rising in Connecticut and the importance of keeping our students, staff, and other vulnerable populations protected this year, we want to share some relevant tips to support a safe holiday season.  Please click this link to view the CDC holiday guidelines for families. 

Each of us contributes to the well-being of our communities. This holiday season may include travel or large group gatherings (see Governor Lamont’s phase 2.1) where appropriate social distancing or mask-wearing efforts might be compromised. In an abundance of caution, if you find your family is in a situation that might pose a risk to others, we recommend that you self-quarantine for 14 days from the event or date of travel and have your child participate in distance learning. Please communicate with your child’s school if you will be making this temporary switch in learning models.

In addition, Governor Lamont’s travel advisory is constantly being updated.  If you travel to a state on the advisory and stay longer than 24 hours, you must obtain a PCR COVID-19 test three days prior to leaving the state or upon return.  A negative PCR test must be presented to the school prior to school reentry. The Department of Public Health also requires that you quarantine at home until you receive the results.

We have proudly witnessed the visible efforts of students, staff, and families in complying with the mitigation strategies in place since the school year began.  When we return to school following the holidays, we want to provide assurances that the learning environments across our buildings are as safe as they can be and that we can continue to keep our schools open for in-person learning.  Thank you for your support and understanding, and we wish you all a wonderful, safe, and healthy holiday season.

Superintendents:

Dr. Christine Carver, Bethel

Dr. John Barile, Brookfield

Dr. Rydell Harrison, Easton, Redding, Region 9

Mr. Chris Leone, Litchfield, Regional School District 6

Mr. Joseph Kobza, Monroe

Ms. Alisha DiCorpo, New Milford

Dr. Pat Coseentino, New Fairfield

Dr. Lorrie Rodrique, Newtown

Mrs. Megan Bennett, Regional School District 12

Mr. Joshua Smith, Regional School District 15

Dr. Susie Da Silva, Ridgefield

Dr. Jeff Melendez Sherman