nothin Summer School To Be Online-Only | New Haven Independent

Summer School To Be Online-Only

Emily Hays Photo

Outside Hillhouse High School.

Interim Superintendent Iline Tracey and her team have decided not to risk opening up New Haven public school buildings this summer for classes.

The jury is still out on if and how many summer camps will be allowed on school grounds.

The Board of Education discussed this update on Tuesday evening.

I’m very concerned about opening up our buildings for summer school, knowing that we are still in the height of this pandemic. I wouldn’t want it to be on my watch that students come in and are sick,” Tracey said.

Instead, Tracey said that the schools are planning to have virtual classes for the students they normally target for summer school, plus seniors who still need a few credits to graduate.

Tracey said that parents will get more summer school information next week.

In response to a question from board member Darnell Goldson, Tracey said that the decision not to open summer schools was based on data and advice from medical professionals — as well as the difficulty of fulfilling state reopening guidelines.

The school district is not ready to erect dividers within buildings and limit the number of students per teacher to 10, as would be required, Tracey said.

New Haven Public Schools administrators are currently planning to allow city-run summer camps into school buildings but not programs run by nonprofits and other private groups that would normally use school space. The state released guidance earlier this month that would restrict all camp sizes.

We recognize this is a balancing act. A lot of folks rely on camps for summer daycare. However, managing numerous mom-and-pop-type camps will be really difficult this summer,” said Chief Operating Officer Michael Pinto.

Zoom

The Board of Education deliberates on Zoom.

Multiple board members pushed back on the idea of allowing in any camps if privately-run camps are not allowed.

Unless we can test everyone for Covid-19 or guarantee through the physical environment that kids cannot be near each other, then to me it’s absolutely ridiculous to even consider opening the doors. It’s like a lethal game of tag, and you don’t know who’s it,” said board member Edward Joyner.

Mayor Justin Elicker asked the board to provide some flexibility for parks and recreation and police-run camps. He said that city staff is still finalizing safety plans for those programs.

Our kids have been out of school for months. It is important to find safe ways to engage them,” Elicker said. I share your concerns about the spread of the virus. I’ve been really vocal about that.”

The board plans to discuss summer camps again at the next full meeting when they can hear more information about how the camps would work.

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