Madison Will Reopen Schools With 'Hybrid' Model Sept. 3

MADISON, CT — In a letter sent to parents Friday evening, Madison Public Schools announced it is using the "hybrid" model for the Sept. 3 return to school.

The hybrid model divides each school’s population into two groups, Group A for students with a last name that begins with A-L and Group B, students with last names that begin M-Z. Students in Group A will typically attend school in person on Monday and Tuesday while students in Group B will participate in live-streamed instruction at home. Group B with last names that begin M-Z, will attend school in person on Thursday and Friday, and students in Group A will participate in live-streamed instruction at home.

On Wednesday, both groups will participate in blended learning and small group sessions for distance learning. It's also the day for a deep-cleaning of schools.

"We realize the hybrid model may pose an inconvenience to some families, and we are working with interested providers to secure licensed child care in our community," wrote interim schools superintendent JeanAnn C. Paddyfote.

"The hybrid model provides an opportunity to have students, teachers and staff transition back to school in a controlled and managed setting," she wrote.

The district will make a decision by Oct. 9, based on how things go, on whether to return to full in-person instruction.

"We believe a successful re-entry back to school will help the district to stay open longer and enable the district to return to full in-person classes in mid-October if the metrics in Connecticut and Madison warrant the transition," Paddyfote wrote.

The schools' parent questionnaire, available online through Aug. 12,"will assist the district in planning for students who will be in person for the hybrid model and those students who will temporarily opt into voluntary distance learning."

Parents have the choice opt in to voluntary remote learning for their kids but need to "read and acknowledge" the Notice to Temporarily Opt In to Voluntary Remote Learning Due to COVID-19.