Schools

UPDATE: School Start Postponed Until After Labor Day Holiday

Schools superintendent making determination on open date.

This morning met with school administrators regarding the projected start date of the 2011-12 academic year. He has determined that schools will not start until after Labor Day holiday, but not offical date has been given.

The opening of school is postponed right now, stated Hernandez. On the school’s website he posted that the buildings are closed to the public and all students and staff. Only administrators and essential facilities and technology staff should report to work today.

Thursday, Sept. 1 was the intended school opening date, however, that will be postponed, stated Hernandez. “An exact date,” the school website states, “will be determined once the community recovery efforts have been substantially completed and power restored to all school buildings.”

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This afternoon, Hernandez, released the following statement:

I hope this brief letter finds you and your family on path to recovery from the effects of Hurricane Irene.

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I continue to work with Town Officials and the Administrative Team to determine the start date for staff and the start date for students.

At this point, in the Town’s recovery operation, Branford Public Schools has limited power to school buildings, some roads remain impassable for school buses and our families are dealing with extended power outages.

Given these difficult conditions the first day of school is postponed until after the Labor Day holiday. Providing an exact start date for students at this point is premature.

The same is true for the teaching staff and 10-month-employees; however when setting dates we shall consider and include preparation and professional development dates. 

As you can imagine, Irene’s impact causes the District to modify the school calendar. Changes to the school district’s calendar shall be determined and announced after the school year has begun.

Continue to monitor the District’s website and media outlets for updates. I understand that communicating has been challenging due to power outages; however the District will continue to broadcast updates via all available means.

I thank each of you for your patience, cooperation, teamwork and understanding.

Please stick with Branford Patch for updates as they become available.


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