School System Faculty, Staffers Get Vaccinated In Vernon

VERNON, CT — The lesson plan for the Vernon public school system Thursday revolved around the coronavirus vaccine. That's because every teacher had an appointment for a shot.

And the same went for every para educator ... and custodian ... and security staffer ... and food service staffer and bus driver ... etcetera.

In all, more than 500 school system employees received their first dose of the Moderna vaccine at the Vernon Senior Center. It was the latest clinic sponsored by the town of Vernon the North Central Health District and Ellington-Based Urgent Care, this time backed up by the local school system.

The program in Vernon, which serves several area towns as well, was recently cited at the federal level by the Centers For Disease Control on the opening day of the national vaccine forum.

"We very excited to be here and happy to be a part of this," Superintendent of Schools Joseph Macary said at the clinic. "It's part of our mitigation strategy that also include getting all students back to school in late April. "

Classes took place virtually and teachers went back and forth from their respective buildings during the day. Some Ellington education system staffers were also vaccinated.

Thursday was the school system's show. Receptionists did the intake work and the nursing staff and other volunteers administered the vaccines.

The mood was upbeat throughout the day.

Vernon Center Middle School health aide Monica Bardon said it was like one big family. Bardon was working the checkout area with Erica Piscottano, a member of the center Road School nursing staff.

"We're having a good time," Bardon said. She added that bypassing the often-cumbersome state system made things a lot more comfortable for school system staffers.

Teachers became eligible for the vaccine under the latest state guidelines. Maple Street School para educator Melanie Morganson said she was a little nervous on her way to the clinic, but added she understood the value of getting it.

"I'm nervous and excited," she said while checking in.

The procedure went off without a hitch and Morganson said she was relieved to finally get the shot.

Macary said with the teachers vaccinated, the next focus will be on getting all students back in school buildings by late April. He said that possibility will be examined.

He also said education and health officials will be discussing a program to get students aged 16, 17 and 18 vaccinated, perhaps in June.

"We're looking into it," he said.