Throughout the COVID-19 crisis, Hartford Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Leslie Torres-Rodriguez has been an advocate for open schools whenever conditions allow.
On March 1, the schools will move closer to a full opening. K-9 students whose families chose in-person learning will return to school buildings five days a week (with a half-day on Wednesdays).
In a statement, the school system sites the dropping rate of positive coronavirus tests.
“Operating in a hybrid status has placed significant burdens on our students, families, and staff," writes Torres-Rodriguez. "We know that daily in-person instruction, and social-emotional and mental health supports in a safe environment, are what’s best for many of our students.”
K-9 students shifted to hybrid learning on Nov. 12.
High school students will remain on hybrid learning for now.
"The key COVID-19 metrics in Hartford and the region are now far below what they were when Hartford Public Schools shifted to the hybrid model," says Mayor Luke Bronin, "and we need to reverse the disruption and disconnection that comes with remote learning for the children in our community."