Ridgefield School District

July 14, 2020

Dear Ridgefield Families

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Here we are, in the middle of July, with long summer days and relaxing cool nights.  I hope you are finding time to escape, rejuvenate, and unwind.  \r\n

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When I wrote to you on June 18, I was optimistic that we would be opening the 2020-2021 school year in a “traditional” fashion.  Now, nearly a month later, I am less confident that a “traditional” start is possible.  \r\n

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I empathize with and share everyone’s desire to know more about what school will look like for 2020-2021.  Please know, the Ridgefield School District continues to prepare for a safe and sensible in-person start, albeit today that looks like it will be in a hybrid learning model.  Please also know, at least for the beginning of the year, a remote-learning model for all students remains a possibility.         \r\n

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Hopefully, you have heard the news; the District is also committed to running a distance-learning model.  We sent the distance-learning option notice early because there are families that have already shared with us that they:\r\n

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• do not want their children attending schools until there is a proven vaccine; \r\n
• do not want their children to attend schools wearing face masks.  \r\n

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It was important to make sure families knew there would be a distance-only option.  Naturally, this still leaves many unanswered questions.  The District is working as quickly as possible to finalize details.  I am immensely grateful for the talented team of administrators, teachers, and staff working collaboratively on our reopening plans.  \r\n

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The first question many ask is, will more information be forthcoming before families have to decide on the learning model for their children?  Yes, more specific information will be coming, and relatively soon.  I can assure you that the distance-learning model will be far more robust and predictable (day-to-day fidelity) than the model we rolled out this spring.  We have gained valuable experience and more preparation time that we did not have in March.   \r\n

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If you are interested in this option for next year, please click here to complete the registration process by July 31.  We will extend the deadline if we need to give families sufficient decision-making time.     \r\n

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Thank you for your patience as we complete the process of putting the hybrid and distance-learning models together.  As I mentioned above, I am optimistic we will have more information to share soon on each option available to families. \r\n

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 I hope this helps to alleviate some of the anxiety around the many unknowns for the upcoming 2020-2021 school year.  As always, stay well and remain #RidgefieldResilient.     

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Sincerely,\r\n

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Dr. Nathan McCann

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Superintendent\r\n