Hartford, CT - Senator Tony Hwang (R-28) met with CT State Department of Education (SDE) Commissioner Dr. Miguel Cardona and staff to gain clarifications ahead of school’s reopening. Some districts are looking to begin as early as next week. Sen. Hwang offers the following statement:
I am thankful for all the work completed by CT SDE Commissioner Dr. Miguel Cardona and his staff. There are a number of published documents and helpful links right on the SDE website to help educate parents and caregivers. The information includes important protocols established through a close partnership between Connecticut’s Departments of Public Health and Education.
The SDE reported that over 391,000 students participated in virtual learning to finish up the 2019-2020 school year, which is over 74% of the total students in CT. With the assistance of federal and state aid, the SDE is working to get devices into the hands of students in need as well as establishing a way for these students to access the internet and educational content.
There is helpful information on the SDE website which covers:
-Interim guidance on handling Covid-19 situations
-Mask wearing policy
-How music and gym classes are being handled
I would recommend that concerned citizens access handy links to further information and resources at the newly launched CT Learning Hub.
As we enter this new school year, my biggest advice I can offer families is to remain patient, cautious and flexible. The local school, district leadership, state department and others are working hard to ensure that all children have access to the materials, technology and social-emotional support that they need following a nearly-six month break from the classroom.
In the past weeks, I have heard feedback from differing viewpoints ranging from "excitement for going back to school" to worries about “how can I send my child to school with so much uncertainty” to the practicality of “why are masks required in combination with social distancing and cohorting?”
I can appreciate the challenges the CT SDE is facing trying to put forth a clear, specific plan when the stakes are truly unknown. Fears of a second wave of the virus this fall are possible and troubling, and we need to listen to local educational shareholders as decisions are made and modified in the best interests of our students and school staff.
I am working with Commissioner Cardona and staff on the 15 questions I sent based on conversations I have had with local superintendents, boards of education, town leaders and constituents. The SDE will be providing additional written advice in the next week and I look forward to sharing it with you.
The safety of students, teachers and staff and the peace of mind of parents are not negotiable. It is my hope that we can be safe and respectful of the different decisions families must make to support their students’ learning in these unprecedented times.
Sen. Hwang Calls for Specifics and Answers following CT State Education Commissioner’s Webinar on “Back to School” Plan
July 9, 2020 https://bit.ly/2YLGdcR
Senator Hwang Insists on Caution and Local Input on Comprehensive “Back to School” Plan
July 2, 2020 https://bit.ly/2Wse0qn
Senator Hwang Offers Perspective on Just Released 1st Draft of “Back to School” Plan
June 25, 2020 https://bit.ly/3j8aKdr
State Senator Tony Hwang represents the 28th Senate District in the Connecticut General Assembly. Hwang is Deputy Minority Senate Leader and the ranking legislative leader on the Public Safety and Security Committee and Higher Education & Employment Committees and also serves as a member of the Transportation Committee.