Elementary School Students Back Full-Time In Vernon

VERNON, CT — Elementary school students in Vernon came back to their respective buildings full-time Tuesday. It marked the first instance in which most of the students were in the schools since coronavirus restrictions were imposed last March.

"I think it's gone well so far," Vernon Superintendent of School Joseph Macary said in the midst of touring the five elementary school facilities. "We'll know more after a full day, of course, but the morning is going well."

One anticipated tricky spot was Center Road school at drop-off time. A double-lane system was employed and a police officer was stationed at the driveway and traffic seemed to flow flawlessly. The system, similar to that on busy pickup days at Rockville High School, was tested on Thursday, albeit with just half of the in-school learners.

About 20 percent of the students are still on a virtual learning schedule for the 2020-21 academic year.

The five days are full academic days with mask breaks, Macary said.

The strict limited access policy for non-staffers will remain in effect for the elementary buildings, Macary added.

One impetus for the elementary school students going back full-time is what Macary called a "huge learning loss" in kindergarten, first grade and second grade. Younger students need the hands-on experience, he added.

Meanwhile, Vernon Center Middle School and Rockville High School will continue with their hybrid schedules. Some "tweaking" has been implemented.

A positive coronavirus test related to Rockville High School was confirmed Monday evening, Macary said. School system officials were notified about the test earlier in the day. One precautionary measure announced Monday was that football practice was called off for Tuesday. The team has been playing a hybrid version of the game with limited lineups.

The person who tested positive has been instructed to remain home in self-isolation for 14 days and has been provided with additional instructions to follow prior to returning to "work," according to an email sent to families, Macary said. Family members have also been instructed to self-quarantine and get tested, officials said.

The last day the person was at Rockville High School was Oct. 8, school officials said.
Anyone who is considered a "close contact" with the person has been contacted or will be contacted by school or local health officials and provided with instructions on the appropriate steps to take, school officials said.

It's the first positive test related to one of the town's school buildings and the second overall. The first positive coronavirus test related to the Vernon public school system has been confirmed.
On Oct. 1, school officials were notified Thursday that a First Student bus driver has tested positive.

The driver has been instructed to remain home in self-isolation for 14 days. Family members were also been instructed to self-quarantine and get tested, he added. The last day the driver was on board a bus was two days earlier, officials said.