In the past week, Norwalk Public Schools has consulted with the Norwalk Health Department and their medical advisor about plans for the expansion of in-person learning. While vaccinations are progressing as quickly as possible, community transmission remains high.
NPS schools have been working to plan out how to move to 3 feet distancing, based on the new CDC guidelines. At this elevated status, keeping students in cohorts is required in order to operate at 3 feet. NPS is able to do this effectively at the elementary school level, but not at the middle and high schools.
The new CDC guidelines also require that schools still maintain 6 feet of space in common areas such as hallways, and when masks cannot be worn, such as during mealtime.
Based on these considerations, NPS needs to delay the switch from hybrid learning to full in-person learning for middle and high schools. Hybrid and remote learning will remain in place for now at all secondary schools.
It is a priority for the district to have as many students as possible return to full-time, in-person learning. But that can only be accomplished when health and safety conditions allow it.