Dear Students, Parents, Families and Staff:

Given the state, national and global response to COVID-19 and in the interest of the safety of our students, staff and community, I have made the decision to close schools and all Waterbury Public Schools after-school sponsored programs effective immediately through at least March 20. We will reevaluate the situation based on guidance from the state Department of Public Health, State Department of Education as well as Waterbury’s Department of Public Health. Please continue to monitor the District website (www.waterbury.k12.ct.us) as well as the District’s social media pages for updates regarding when schools will reopen. Based on the urgency of the situation, parents and caregivers should prepare long term plans for appropriate childcare in the event of an extended closure.

The City of Waterbury (https://waterburyct.org/covid-19) has activated its Emergency Operations Center, which is staffed 24 hours a day. Waterbury residents seeking information about the city’s response to COVID-19 can call 311.

Continuation of Learning:

The District has created a supplemental learning plan that will provide a continuation of  learning and keep our students engaged with school. Students will complete assignments at home. All the information regarding the supplemental learning plan can be found on the District website’s homepage (http://bit.ly/2W6VtAE). The supplemental learning plan includes an extensive list of online resources.

Continued Meal Service:

We serve thousands of students breakfast and lunch every day and we are committed to continuing meal service for our children. The Food Service Department will provide meals in a “grab and go” package for students to pick up breakfast and lunch beginning Monday, March 16. The locations will be posted on the website.

School Cleaning Protocol:

Our custodial and cleaning staff will continue to be vigilant with their cleaning protocol of the schools and buses during the closure.

Please continue to follow the advice of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/steps-when-sick.html) as well as the City of Waterbury Department of Public Health, which recommend that individuals practice every day measures to prevent the spread of germs and avoid illness, such as:

· Wash hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water  are not available, use alcohol-based hand sanitizers

· Avoid touching eyes, mouth and nose with unwashed hands

           .  Avoid close contact with individuals who are sick

· Avoid hand shaking

· Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then immediately discard the tissue in the trash

· Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces

Thank you for your patience and understanding as we continue to navigate this unprecedented time.

Sincerely,

Dr. Verna D. Ruffin, Superintendent