COVID – 19 Resources and Updates 4/3/2020

I am writing to share some recent developments and resources related to COVID-19.

Updates as of today:

• Governor Lamont announced yesterday that in partnership with New York and New Jersey,  Connecticut will close all schools for two weeks, after which time the situation will be reassessed.

• The state capitol complex is closed until Monday, March 30th

• The State Department of Education has been working with school districts on developing distance learning plans and ensuring students have access to nutritious meals.

• The federal government stated that public gatherings should be limited to 10 people

• For electric, gas, and water companies not municipally owned, disconnecting service will not happen during the Governor’s state of emergency

• Gyms, fitness studios, and movie theaters are closed and restaurants can only provide non-alcoholic beverage and take-out/delivery services

Resources available as of today:

• Government resources

  • School resources – CT State Government

  • Latest COVID-19 Testing Data in Connecticut

  • US Department of Education: COVID-19 (“Coronavirus”) Information and Resources for Schools and School Personnel

• Student meal information & sites

  • Manchester

  • Hartford

  • New Haven 

  • Mobile Foodshare

  • Bridgeport (see attached)

  • Waterbury (see attached)

  • If your school district is not listed here or for more information – reach out to our team via email or contact your local school district.

• Resources for remote learning

  • From Booker T. Washington: Online work by grade/subject

  • Education Companies Offering Free Subscriptions due to School Closings

  • Free internet with Comcast, Spectrum, and At&T

  • National Center for Special Education in Charter Schools: COVID and Students with Disabilities

  • Free K-5 on-line science courses

  • Home teaching schedule with links to lessons for all grades

  • Pie Network: Rapid Response Resources – COVID-19

  • 12 Famous Museums Offering Free Virtual Tours

Connecticut Department of Education – Updates from the Commissioner:

If you have not previously received these updates, let SDE know immediately by using the Superintendent Only e-mail address so that you can be sure to receive future important communications.

• March 16, 2020: Connecticut Department of Education: Superintendent update

• March 13, 2020: Connecticut Department of Education: Superintendent follow-up communication

• March 9, 2020: Connecticut Department of Education: Guidance to Connecticut School Districts

• March 9, 2020: Connecticut Department of Education: COVID-19 Guidance Related to School Closure and 180 Days

We are working to get additional information about the other impacts of closure for our schools. Our team will continue to compile and share resources with you as they become available. Because we realize this is a fluid situation, we ask that you keep us updated about your school’s status, and reach out when you have any questions.