Stratford Sets Reopening Date For Schools

STRATFORD, CT — Stratford Public Schools will fully reopen on April 5, Superintendent of Schools Janet Robinson announced Wednesday.

The last day of the district’s hybrid model will be on April 1 with students set to return to in-person learning on April 5.

“The day we’ve all been waiting for is just around the corner,” Robinson wrote in a message to parents. “After all this time, we are nearing the day we can welcome back our students to ‘in person’ academics.

“Due to our safety success, our current mitigation protocols, and the wonderful partnership between Stratford Public Schools and the Stratford Public Health Department, we believe we can successfully and safely bring our students back to school.”

The district’s middle and high schools will return to in-person learning five days a week beginning April 5. Elementary school students will have early release days on Wednesdays, at least to start the reopening, according to Robinson.

Students who are in full remote learning will continue to do so, Robinson said since “this is a decision you have made as a parent based upon your concern in keeping your child safe.”

Parents interested in having their child return to in-person instruction can contact their school’s principal, otherwise there is “no need to do anything differently,” according to Robinson.

“We know this change will be an emotional change and will bring about excitement, apprehensions, and questions that students and parents alike may have about re-entering on a full-time basis,” Robinson said. “Our wonderful administrators are more than happy to speak with you about any concerns and assist in assuring you our safety protocols will remain in force as we continue our journey through this coronavirus pandemic. Remember, the safety of all students is our first and foremost priority.”

Each school will notify families of after-school tutoring opportunities, and an “engaging summer school agenda is being planned, if you feel your child could benefit from some extra learning time,” according to Robinson.

“We look forward to April 5th with excitement, hope and an eagerness to see our students ‘in person,’” Robinson wrote. “However, please keep in mind that we will continue to follow safety protocols such as wearing a mask, hand washing, keeping areas sanitized and many other protocols our schools have in place for the safety of our students and staff members.”