Darien Students Return To School Sept. 3 & 4 Under Hybrid Model

DARIEN, CT — When students return to Darien's public schools on Sept. 3, they will do so under a hybrid model, but not all parents and staff appear to be comfortable with the plans.

During a special Board of Education meeting this week, Schools Superintendent Dr. Alan Addley said that the plan, which was initially released in late July, already has undergone revisions, and it may undergo more in the coming weeks.

As mentioned above, the plan, which Darien and all districts in the state are formulating under guidance from Gov. Ned Lamont, calls for students to return to school on Sept. 3 under a hybrid model. This means a combination of in-person and remote learning, with half of the district's elementary students in-person on Mondays and Wednesdays, and half on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Fridays will be a half-day of all remote learning.

Middle school students also will be in-person two days a week, either Mondays/Wednesdays or Tuesdays/Thursdays.

High school students will be in-person Mondays/Tuesday or Wednesdays/Thursdays.

On Sept. 29, all students would return to in-person learning. In both the hybrid and in-person models, masks will be required as will social distancing for students and staff. Additionally, there will be increased cleaning of the buildings.

Parents can decide to opt-out of the hybrid or in-person models and have their children receive remote education.

"I'm not going to advocate a plan that puts our students or staff at risk, I'm just not going to do that," Addley said.

Not all parents and staff were convinced, however, as some expressed concerns despite Lamont's desire for students to return to in-person schooling while the coronavirus pandemic remains a threat to public health.

"Even in a hybrid model, we are worried that the district cannot truly guarantee the safety of our buildings," said Joslyn Delancey, president of the Darien Education Association, which is the union representing teachers. Because of this concern, some teachers for medical reasons are choosing not to return this year, she added.

To view the plan, click here; to view video of the special meeting, click here.