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Date: 10/27/2020
CHICOPEE – Chicopee Public Schools Superintendent Lynn A. Clark has announced that Phase 3 of in-person learning will be paused.
This news comes after an uptick of cases were announced by Mayor John Vieau over the weekend. In Vieau’s COVID-19 situational update from Oct. 19 it was reported that, “There were four new cases on Saturday and 14 new cases on Sunday, and as of 9 a.m., five new cases reported today.”
Chicopee Public Schools has already successfully transitioned Phase 1 and Phase 2 students into their buildings. Phase 3 was originally set to begin in-person learning on Oct. 26. It would consist of adding Grades 2, 3, 7, and 10, and 9 and 10 from Chicopee Academy back to school.
According to a Facebook post on the Chicopee Public School’s page, Clark said, “While I know this is a disappointment, it is not out of the realm of what was predicted from medical professionals. A possible pause was planned for in the plan. The students who are currently in-person learning, will continue with in-person learning.”
At Wednesday night’s School Committee Meeting, Clark also reiterated that the pause was done with hesitation.
However, she added that, “We did always say from the start that this was a medical crisis rather than an educational one and that we would make and ensure safety the best we could for staff and our students.”
Currently there is zero transmission of the virus in Chicopee schools, but officials are taking this step to be cautious and follow guidelines from the Health Department.
There is no set date to when Phase 3 will begin again. If average daily cases are over six, then a pause must be discussed to follow health and safety guidelines. The superintendent promises that as soon as numbers are determined safe there will be additional communication put out.
As Clark stated at the committee meeting, “It’s best for us to look at the trend for a couple of weeks.”
This news was met with differing opinions from the local community on the school’s Facebook page. Some parents seemed thankful for Chicopee Public Schools valuing the safety of children and staff, while others seemed disappointed and upset over an announcement with less than a week’s notice.
Many parents and some School Committee members also worry for the social and emotional health of those students learning remotely. They expressed that they want a clear indication of when the city will be able to get back to normalcy.
Clark agreed with that concern. She said, “I can tell you that [Assistant Superintendent Alvin Morton] Mr. Morton is working with social workers and the counselors to provide additional off-school-time support for some students that need it. And certainly all of our counselors and social workers are available as they always are.”
For now, Phase 3 students and beyond will continue with remote learning. Those students who are already back in school will see no changes in routine.
In the mayor’s situational update he stated, “We do not want to add another 1,000 students into the building if there is an increase in exposures in the community.”
COVID-19 continues to add daily challenges and uncertainty to Western Massachusetts communities, with Chicopee feeling its effects today. Clark urges those who need help or have questions to reach out to their child’s building principal or central office.
Vieau is also encouraging people to be diligent in their fight to continue flattening the COVID-19 curve. At Wednesday’s school committee meeting he stressed the importance of social distancing, hand-washing, sanitation, and masks.
“As much as we’re sick of COVID-19, it’s not sick of us,” Vieau said. “I do think a lot of people have had enough and I’m sorry to say we’re not done.”
To keep those within the schools safe, Chicopee is also looking to modernize and update its ventilation systems. It is important to keep the air quality good in small spaces like classrooms. Vieau hopes to be able to fund this through the CARES Act.
Clark ended Tuesday’s public Facebook post by saying, “Thank you for your partnership – we all have important roles to play and need to work together for a successful school year.”