After Long Hiatus, Windsor Locks Students Return to School

WINDSOR LOCKS-EAST WINDSOR, CT — After nearly six months of relative isolation due to the coronavirus pandemic, students returned to school buildings in Windsor Locks Tuesday morning under a hybrid learning plan.

"The first morning went nearly seamless and is a tribute and testimony to the work of our reopening committee, our students, staff and families," Superintendent of Schools Shawn Parkhurst said. "I couldn’t be more pleased to welcome our students back in a healthy and safe manner."

The plan implemented by Windsor Locks school officials calls for high school and middle school students with last names beginning with A-L to attend classes in person Tuesday and Thursday this week, with remote learning on Wednesday and Friday. Students with names from M-Z will follow the opposite schedule, learning from home Tuesday and Thursday and having in-school classes Wednesday and Friday.

Beginning Sept. 14, the A-L students, known as Cohort Gold, will attend classes in person for the entire week, while Cohort Maroon (M-Z) has remote learning. The following week, the two cohorts will switch, and alternate each week until further notice.

East Windsor students went back to class last Thursday, with Superintendent of Schools Christine DeBarge reporting no major issues. She estimated about 20 percent of students opted out of attending classes at school buildings, choosing all-remote learning instead.

Students in East Windsor with last names beginning with A-K are attending school in person on Mondays and Tuesdays, with last names L-Z taking in-person classes on Thursdays and Fridays. All students will work remotely on Wednesdays with tutorial, small group, or one-on-one support available for half the day, and independent work provided for the other half.

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