Stamford Sheds Light On Hybrid Model For Schools Reopening

STAMFORD, CT — District officials have recommended Stamford students return to public schools in September following a "hybrid model," allowing for approximately half the number of students to attend school in person every other day. Students will learn remotely on days when they are not physically in the school building.

The goal of this hybrid model is to have 50 percent of students in school buildings and classrooms each day, which will reduce building capacity and allow students, teachers and staff to adhere to social distancing guidelines.

A lengthy document detailing this back to school plan was shared this week by district officials, and included an executive summary from Superintendent Tamu Lucero.

"I am sure that many of you are asking, 'Is it safe?" Lucero said in the summary. "At the moment, the answer is 'yes.'" (To sign up for Stamford breaking news alerts and more, click here.)

Under this hybrid model, all students in grades K-12 will be divided into two groups: blue and green. On a distance teaching and learning day, students may still participate in scheduled instruction in their classroom virtually.

Students needing extra support, including special education students and English language learners, may be provided additional in-person school days.

The document also indicates families will still have the option to select a 100 percent distance learning model for students with underlying health conditions or who simply prefer this model at this time. A process will also be put in place that allows families to adjust their preference "when circumstances change."

Lucero said schools can reopen if they are able to mitigate the risk of transmission of the coronavirus through various health measures, such as social distancing, wearing masks and practicing a regular hand washing and sanitizing routine.

In a post on the district website, officials noted students and staff will adhere to the following guidelines while in school buildings under the hybrid model:

• Students will be assigned to classroom(s) and be socially distanced (6 feet apart) as much as possible.
• Students and staff must wear a mask or protective face covering when inside a school building, allowing for certain exceptions. The mask must completely cover their nose and mouth.
• Students and staff will hand wash and sanitize regularly.
• Students and staff will have access to a variety of desk barriers, face shields and other personal protective equipment (PPE) as deemed appropriate and necessary.

Since May, the district has had eight different committees working on a plan to reopen schools. These committees looked at every aspect of reopening, including health and safety, teaching and learning, food service, transportation, technology and facilities, among other aspects.

Committee members included parents, teachers, staff, administrators, city officials, community members and others.

"We have been reviewing and evaluating procedures, standards and best practices from across the state and country," Lucero said, "while developing the best solutions for our school community and individual buildings."

According to the summary, district officials decided on the hybrid model after "listening to families and conferring with Dr. Henry Yoon," the medical advisor for the city of Stamford, as well as medical professionals from the Stamford Health Department and Stamford Hospital.

If in-person classes are at any point deemed unsafe by either school officials, city health officials or state health officials, classes will transition to a 100 percent distance learning model, which will include both live and recorded classes.

"One of the main reasons that I believe that we need to announce this decision now is that I recognize how complicated it can be for many families and staff to manage the fluid scheduling associated with a hybrid model, including arrangements for childcare and transportation," Lucero said. "While families begin their planning, we will continue to finalize the details to reopen our schools."

The district will host a "Parent Pop-up Webinar" on Aug. 17 to answer families' questions regarding the reopening plan.

"In closing, please know that the entire Stamford Public School community is working together to create a solution that will work for our students," Lucero said. "I am confident that by working together and embracing the opportunities presented by the hybrid model, we will provide all students with a safe and successful school year."

In a post on the Stamford Public Schools website, Lucero noted she was not calling the comprehensive document the district's "final plan," as it will continue to be a working document.

"As we have shared from the very beginning of this COVID-19 pandemic, circumstances change rapidly, and we may need to revise our plan as updated information and guidance is received from state and local health care professionals," Lucero said. "The goal is for the plan to serve as a reference document, providing guidance in as much detail as possible to help ensure a safe and smooth transition into the school year, while still allowing us the flexibility to change our approach at a moment's notice."

The 45-page document, which includes a breakdown on aspects such as health and safety, transportation, nutrition, facilities and more, can be read in full here.