ANSONIA PUBLIC SCHOOLS

42 Grove Street TEL (203) 736-5095

Ansonia, CT 06401 FAX (203) 736-5098

Joseph DiBacco, Ed. D.

Superintendent of Schools jdibacco@ansonia.org

November 9, 2020

Dear Ansonia Parents and Guardians:

We hope that this message finds you all safe and well. As a school district, we have been closely monitoring
local, state, and federal public health guidance and data regarding the spread of the coronavirus disease
(COVID-19). The recent rise in cases throughout the state has impacted staffing in our district. Staffing is
essential in our ability to safely keep our schools open with the personnel necessary. As a result of our lack of
staffing for in person learning, Ansonia Middle School will transition to remote instruction from Tuesday,
November 10th to Wednesday, November 18th. During this closure students will engage in remote
instruction from home.

We must share that Ansonia Public Schools is doing everything possible to mitigate the spread of COVID in our
schools. As a school district we evaluate each situation according to the CSDE recommendations, the CDC
guidelines, and advisement from the Naugtuck Valley Health District. We also evaluate to the best of our ability
the potential risks and circumstances in each school in an attempt to determine in-person or fully remote
learning.

Please know that Ansonia does not want to shift to full remote learning – but it may be an inevitability. It is our
belief that it is much safer and educationally sound to have everyone in school, however; the new state
recommendations may force us into this scenario. If this were to happen, we would need to address countless
absences of both children and staff due to required quarantining. The best way to ensure that we avoid these
absences and continue with in-person learning, is to take the necessary precautions and plan accordingly. It is
very important that if you do plan to travel, that you act responsibly and upon your return, take the necessary
test to avoid the need to quarantine.

We cannot oversell the fact that our best protection from broad transmission of COVID-19 within our schools and
community is a knowledgeable and attentive population. You have a part to play in keeping everyone safe by
performing a daily health screening.

Families should err on the side of caution when deciding whether or not to send children to school if symptoms
develop. Health screening should happen each day with your child prior to sending them to school. You may
always contact our nursing staff if you have questions or concerns.
We will keep you up-to-date on any further developments as they happen. We will also continue to follow all
recommended safety protocols. Finally, please remain Ansonia Strong as we all face this national health crisis
together.

Sincerely,

Joseph DiBacco, Ed. D.

Superintendent
42 Grove Street  Ansonia, Connecticut 06401  Phone: (203) 736-5095  Fax: (203) 736-5098
www.ansonia.org