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Adapt, Advance, Achieve: Connecticut’s Plan to Learn and Grow Together
Requirements
• Develop a plan for school class cancellations and reopening to be implemented in
the event that the superintendent, their designee, or state government suspends or
cancels in-school classes for some or all participants.
• Notify and consult with the CSDE immediately if the LEA is contemplating class
cancellations.
• Assume that any decision about school closure, reopening, or cancellation of school
events will be made in coordination/collaboration with local health officials, and with
the advice of the school medical advisor (if any) and school nurse supervisor.
• Anticipate that recommendations for the geographic scope (e.g., a single school,
multiple schools, the full district, regionally), whether it will be partial or total, and
duration of school dismissals will be made on a case-by-case basis using the most
up-to-date information about COVID-19 and the specific cases in the community.
• Include a communication plan and clear policies for faculty and staff regarding
individual roles and responsibilities in the event of a shutdown occurring during the
school year.
• Prioritize ongoing educational opportunities when drafting the plan for shutdown.
Materials for continuity of learning must be made available to allow for school
sessions to continue remotely.
Guidance
• Review the CDC’s updated guidance to K-12 Schools and Child Care Programs
regarding temporary dismissal of students or staff for two to five days, if they
attended school before being confirmed as having COVID-19. Take into consideration
advice from public health officials or municipal officials, where needed or requested.
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Be aware that the initial short-term dismissal allows (1) time for the local health
officials to gain a better understanding of the COVID-19 situation affecting
the school and (2) for the necessary cleaning and disinfecting of the facility.
Appropriate next steps, may include an extended dismissal duration after
review of the circumstances and consultation with relevant experts.
• Ensure the plan addresses the impact of class cancellations on extracurricular
activities and before- and after-school programs.
• Initiate recommended CDC cleaning procedures following a confirmed COVID-19
case. Decisions on which, if any, staff should be allowed in the school should be made
in collaboration with your local health department and school medical advisor, if applicable.
When possible, allow time to lapse between dismissal and cleaning procedures.
Future Planning for Remote Blended Learning
Requirements
• Be prepared to provide remote blended learning opportunities immediately upon
cancellation of in-school classes.
• Develop a plan for extended absences and communicate it with parents or guardians
in the event of a second extended closure. Particular attention must be placed on
communicating the distribution of food and devices or learning materials. Materials
must be modified for use by students who are differently abled or multilingual.