Photo Courtesy of Trista LeBlanc-Serbyn ’22/The Choate News
Following the emergence of several Covid-19 cases in Wallingford Public Schools and a shortage of teachers willing to teach in person, Lyman Hall High School and Mark T. Sheehan High School temporarily switched to online classes from October 30 to November 5.
Upon returning to in-person learning on November 6, Lyman Hall students were informed that the schools would once again close and return to virtual classes at least until November 16.
As of November 5, 49 Covid-19 cases were confirmed at several Wallingford Public Schools, with 37 students and 12 faculty members testing positive. During the schools’ closures, any student who tested positive or was suspected of having close contact with those who tested positive, were asked to quarantine for two weeks. Close contact individuals were determined by a team composed of a school administrator, the school nurse, the nurse coordinator, and the local health department.
Mr. Stephen Civitelli, the Wallingford Health Director, said, “We’re finding that there are a lot of private gatherings in homes that are becoming what are known as ‘super spreader’ events that we’re trying to avoid.”
He added, “The unfortunate thing of those events is it’s having a negative impact on not only our businesses, our schools, and our community, but also on the ability to provide services on the municipality side, as well as the school side.”
According to Lyman Hall students, a large Halloween party and several other close contact gatherings are to blame for the spread of cases among the student body. “I am glad the school closed for the week. There is no way to monitor who bumps into who in the hallways, so there is no 100% guarantee that contact can be traced,” said McKenna Neeman, a senior at Lyman Hall.
Although many students have apparently chosen to disregard Covid-19 guidelines outside of school, Wallingford Public Schools have set a strict standard of expectations during classes.
Neeman said, “In school, the virus is handled seriously. Masks are required to be worn at all times — covering the nose — unless we are outside for gym class. Antibacterial wipes are used by all students at the end of each class on desks, chairs, and any shared supplies. We have one direction hallways and a one person per bathroom rule. So, in-school precautions are the best that can be done for the situation.”
While Wallingford Public Schools are working hard to safely remain open, faculty and administrators continue to request that Wallingford residents work to mitigate the spread of infection to ensure both individual and public safety. To further inform the community about Covid-19 prevention methods, the Town Health Department hosted a virtual information session on November 9 covering general Covid-19 guidelines and restrictions.
A statement on October 29 by Wallingford Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Salvatore Menzo urged for the cooperation of the town.
“Your cooperation is the key to keeping our schools open,” the statement read. “Without your due diligence, with your students, with your families, with your community, we cannot maintain the resources to have our schools open every day.”
