Thomas Breen photo
Superintendent Tracey at the opening of Wilbur Cross’s vaccine clinic.
After more than a year of online-only learning, local high school students will be able to return to in-person classes starting April 5, New Haven Public Schools (NHPS) officials announced on Friday.
First reported by Brian Zahn at the New Haven Register, the plan to reopen high schools gives the city enough time to hire enough nurses to staff every school. The reopening should not conflict with the vaccine clinic at James Hillhouse High School. The city may reevaluate the other clinics hosted by Wilbur Cross High School and Hill Regional Career High School.
Middle schoolers started a hybrid of in-person and virtual learning on Thursday. Younger students started their in-person classes in January, based on research that shows children to be less likely to spread Covid-19 and to get less severe versions of the disease.
Some high schoolers are already clamoring to return, like the junior at Sound School who has circulated a petition to reopen the aquaculture-focused school.
In a 2:58 p.m. email sent to members of the Board of Education, NHPS Superintendent Iline Tracey wrote, “Dear Board Members: I trust that you are well. This e‑mail is to inform you that we will be moving into our last phase of in-person opening. April 5, 2021, is the date for Grades 9 – 12 to return in-person. Thank you for your continued support in ensuring that the needs of our students, staff, and families are met. Thank you. Sincerely, Iline P. Tracey”