Cristin McCarthy Vahey

Today is Teacher Appreciation Day. I have always been grateful for my teachers. I remember Sister Ann, Mrs. DeCozio, Mrs. McDermott, Mrs. Dillon, Sister Saint Monica, Mrs. Stanton, Sister Monica, Sister Celine, Miss Harrigan, Mrs. Truncellito and all of the women and men who taught me over the years. And yes, that was Catholic grammar school in case you were wondering.

We salute all of the teachers who are now teaching from home, some of whom are doing so while helping their own children learn. Thank you for helping our students to remain resilient, hopeful and engaged during these difficult days. We appreciate you more than these words can convey.

Part of what made today’s Teacher Appreciation so special was the chance to thank and celebrate a man who has been a teacher to many of us in Fairfield, Father Charlie Allen. Father Allen, a former math teacher, philosopher, priest and Fairfield Fire Department Chaplain is retiring from service to the community. His celebration was a parade of cars that lasted for over an hour. I was so grateful for the opportunity to thank Fr. Allen in person, from a safe social distance of course, something we don’t always get to do for the people who have had such significant impact on us.

Ironically, today we heard the Governor’s announcement that our schools will be closed for in person learning for the remainder of the academic year. Distance learning will continue according to Fairfield’s schedule. I have heard from so many of you that, while this news was expected, students and parents alike are disappointed that there will not be an opportunity to gather for concerts, track meets, proms and of course graduation. Let me share a few of the details shared at this afternoon’s press briefing with Governor Lamont, State Department of Education (SDE) Commissioner Miguel Cardona and Office of Early Childhood Commissioner (OEC), Beth Bye:

• They hope to provide summer school options in July
• Summer Camps can be open after June 29th. All camps will be subject to the guidance in Memo 18 as well as additional guidance that will be issued by May 15th. Guidance will be developed by SDE, OEC and the Re-Open CT Committee
• Maximum group size for camps will remain at 10, as is currently the case for daycare. This does not mean that there can be only one group in a camp.
• Childcare remains open, though supply is limited. Working parents can reach out to 2-1-1 childcare to help locate available spots.
• When asked by a reporter, the Governor said he does not see any in person graduations happening in June and that more specific information would be coming soon. It sounds like the Re-Open CT Committee is looking at the possibility of later graduations. This is what the Governor shared in his response. I do not have any more specific detail.
• Guidelines for re-opening are coming from the CDC, CT State Department of Public Health, along with the Re-Open CT committee
• State Department of Education Commissioner Cardona said that a decision will be made regarding school in the Fall relatively soon. This will be done with the full input of doctors and in communication with superintendents.

The Commissioner acknowledged that many options for school in the Fall are being considered. Input from many stakeholders will be considered.

Speaking of input, I want to thank everyone who reached out to me regarding the survey I sent out to you yesterday that was distributed by our Regional Education Service Centers (RESCs) and local school districts, including our own. Many of you were dismayed at the timing, feeling like it was a request for input when a decision had already been made. Though I have neither completed the survey myself nor seen the results directly, I learned this morning that somewhere between 25,000 – 30,000 parents had provided input. Safety was the primary concern expressed by most parents.

Although it might seem that the survey is a waste of time, I encourage you to continue to share your ideas, your feedback and your constructive ingenuity. As we navigate these changes, we will continue to need to come up with creative solutions. Life will continue, but we likely face alterations to the familiar rhythms that will feel awkward and may at times be frustrating. As I have said often lately, we will continue to need grace and mercy in abundant supply.

There are many questions and I hope you will continue to reach out to me. This week our own Superintendent, Mike Cummings, has agreed to join me for a Zoom / Facebook Live conversation about these and other issues. Look for more information on a Zoom link tomorrow.

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