Madison Public Schools Announce Updates, Changes In Reopen Plan

MADISON, CT — As Madison public school students enjoy spring break, Superintendent Dr. Craig Cooke reminded families about the "substantial changes" made to a number of "critical areas" the district's reopening plan.

Created in July 2020, the state Department of Education has continued to provide districts with new and updated guidance for safe instruction in the form of addendums.

Cooke said the district has "continued to adapt its initial reopening plan to meet the ever-changing needs" of the schools community.

Updated Travel Advisory

The Governor's Executive Order 9S, section 1, regarding travel restrictions, is no longer in effect
as of March 19, 2021. That means that students and staff are not required to provide evidence of
a negative COVID-19 test before returning to work/school after travel. However, the Connecticut
Department of Public Health has provided travel guidelines. We ask that all students and staff
adhere to these guidelines.

Close Contact Definition

The District has updated its definition of a close contact to the following: A close contact is
generally defined as someone within six feet of an infected person for more than 15 minutes
cumulatively, but specific parameters may vary by the nature of each case.

Quarantine

In accordance with updated guidance from the state, the district will move to a 10-day quarantine
on Monday, April 19. In keeping with both CIAC and State guidance, students will still need to quarantine 14 days prior to returning to athletics or extracurricular activities. The District will clearly communicate with families the dates for both returns if a student is instructed to quarantine.

Desk Shields

Desk shields will no longer be affixed to individual desks for grades K-5. Desk shields will
continue to be used for mask breaks as well as lunch and snack when eaten at desks.

Music Program Changes

The District will follow updated state guidance from K-12 music programs:

“The Connecticut State Department of Education (CSDE) has reviewed the latest research on
aerosols in music classrooms and CDC Guidance to revise Connecticut guidance on operating K12 music programs for students. The attached Addendum 7 has been revised to reduce the
minimum physical distance between instruments, including wind instruments with bell covers to
9 x 6 feet between instruments from a spacing of 12 feet or more.