New Britain school Superintendent Nancy Sarra expressed sadness but understanding about the announcement that in-school classes are cancelled for the year statewide.
On Tuesday, May 5, 2020, Gov. Ned Lamont (D-CT) announced his Executive Order 7II, which said that,
To promote and secure the safety and protection of children in schools related to the risks of COVID-19, cancellation of public-school classes … is continued through the remainder of the 2019-2020 school year.
“We are saddened to learn that in-person classes for the remainder of the 2019-2020 school year will remain canceled,” Sarra said, “but we also understand that because of these unprecedented circumstances, this is the only choice that could be made.”
“With so much uncertainty remaining around COVID-19, we fully support Governor Lamont’s decision,” the Superintendent added.
Sarra said that the school district’s online learning program will continue through June 12th, the last day of school. “Up through that date,” Sarra said, “we will keep working with families regarding Chromebook distribution and any other support that they may need.”
To graduating high school seniors, Sarra said, “know that we have all been brainstorming and planning to give you a graduation ceremony that is worthy of celebration.”
Sarra said that announcements about other grade promotional ceremonies are to be forthcoming.
Expressing her pride in the school district’s, “staff, families, and community members,” in the difficult times, Sarra said that, “We continue to find creative ways to solve problems while kindly lifting each other up.”
“We remain hopeful that we will be able to see your smiling faces back in our schools this coming fall,” Sarra said to students. “Until then, we will see you in your virtual classroom!”
