Snow Days To Be Virtual Learning Days In Manchester This Winter

MANCHESTER, CT — Snow days will not be off days in Manchester during the 2020-21 academic year.

That was the word from Manchester Superintendent of Schools Matthew Geary in a letter to parents this week in conjunction of a forecast that hints of some snow Friday.

"You may have heard of the possibility that our first snowstorm of the season could arrive on Friday," Geary wrote. "Rather than cancelling classes, all learning would be done remotely in accordance with the schedule for the day."

Education officials will be notifying parents and guardians of an inclement weather remote day "as soon as possible" this year to allow time for preparation.

Starting Monday all kindergarten through Grade 4 hybrid learners are scheduled to return to school Monday through Friday with classes in school buildings running from 9:10 a.m. to 2:10 p.m., Geary said.

"As we launch into a full return to school the district will continue to have students utilize their devices to support daily homework assignments," Geary said. "Students in PK-Grade 1 will continue to access assignments and resources in Seesaw and Grades 2-4 will continue to access assignments and resources in Google Classroom."

He said the decision was made in conjunction with health officials.

"I have spent the past week reviewing options, examining classroom layouts, studying local and state-wide health trends, and consulting with the local Health Department," Geary said. "I did not make the decision to return all K-4 hybrid learners to school without thoughtful consideration of the health and safety of our students and staff."

Because small class sizes can remain at the elementary level, school officials do not have to alter any of the current precautions.

"While there have been positive cases coming into the schools, the virus has not spread within our buildings," he said.

The hybrid model will remain for grades 5 through 12

"At this time, we do not have a plan to move out of the current hybrid model at those grade levels. Doing so would increase class size to 20 or more in most cases which would allow for significantly less space for social distancing," Geary said. "While I understand the concerns regarding the amount of direct instructional time, health and safety of students and staff continue to be the top priority. A survey will be forthcoming to determine how we can improve the hybrid model and we will continue to evaluate our ability to increase instructional time as the year progresses."

Nov. 3, Election Day, is sated to be a remote day for all students. The will run "like a normal Tuesday" except all learning will be remote, Geary said.

"I appreciate the flexibility, patience, and understanding of students, parents, families, and staff as we navigate the ongoing pandemic," he added.