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HVRHS expected to reopen to all April 19

HVRHS expected to reopen to all April 19
Although there are students on campus at Housatonic Valley Regional High School, the halls are still relatively deserted. 
Photo by Ian Strever

FALLS VILLAGE — The Region One Board of Education voted to accept Housatonic Valley Regional High School Principal Ian Strever’s plan to reopen the high school to all students starting Monday, April 19.

Strever said the school will keep the current schedule, with no students in the building on Wednesdays to facilitate cleaning.

Strever added that having Wednesdays open has also been helpful in facilitating teacher/student meetings, professional meetings and independent learning by students.

Students and teachers who wish to continue the remote learning option will be able to do so.

Strever gave a number of reasons for the move — among them the creation of a more productive academic setting and giving students more of a chance to interact with their peers and teachers, thus improving their social well-being.

Strever said the plan was prepared after conducting a series of surveys of parents, students and teachers. He said the survey results represented a wide variety of views.

The school will maintain the COVID-19 mitigation measures in place: masks, 6-foot distancing, and frequent cleaning.

Region One Superintendent Lisa Carter said the plan was approved by the district’s medical advisor and by the Torrington Area Health District.

The vote was 5-1, with Brian Bartram of North Canaan opposed. Bartram questioned the reopening timeline as compared with when teachers were likely to get their vaccines.

Patrick L. Sullivan

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