Darien Public Schools - Administrative Offices
35 Leroy Avenue – P.O. Box 1167 – Darien, Connecticut 06820-1167
Tel: 203-656-7412

Email: aaddley​@darienps.org

March 11, 2020
Dear Families and Staff,
Earlier this evening you received notification that the Darien Public Schools is closing for fourteen
calendar days, beginning tomorrow, Thursday, March 12. The scheduled date of return to school is
Thursday, March 26. We will communicate with you throughout the period of closure as we learn
more information. The closure includes the cancellation of all academic, athletic, and extracurricular
activities. District and school facilities may not be used for any event during the period of closure. All
schools and facilities will be thoroughly deep cleaned while closed.
This decision to close schools was made late today in consultation with the First Selectman and town
and school health officials. Today, the State Department of Health shared that the spread of the
Coronavirus is not only imminent but is actively occurring across local communities. While no Darien
resident has been diagnosed with the Coronavirus, in an abundance of caution, the District is being
proactive in its response to close schools in order to prevent the potential spread of the virus.
Presently, with one snow day and ten days of closure due to the Coronavirus, the last day of school
would be scheduled for June 30. As we learn more over the next several days, the Board of
Education may be required to use some or all of the April break to make-up missed days. We will
keep you apprised of how we intend to make up the days and reschedule meetings and activities.
Our dedicated and talented staff has worked tirelessly over the past weeks to create enrichment
experiences that all students will be able to access while schools are closed. Resources are
accessible for all students in both general and special education. You will receive a separate
communication with instructions on how to access these materials, which will be available through our
website or Google Classroom beginning on Monday March 13. These activities are completely
voluntary and students are not required to participate. The activities are not intended to replace
classroom instruction. Our goal is to offer opportunities for students to access enrichment, practice
skills, and have structure to the day.
Schools will be open for students and staff tomorrow from 8:30am-11:00am. During this time,
students in grades 3 and 4, who do not have a device at home, may sign-out a chromebook at the
main office for use during this closure and other students may stop in briefly to pick up any items (i.e.,
Chromebooks and musical instruments) that they may have left behind.

 We understand that school closure affects all families, and we are committed to addressing the needs
of all our learners. Our administrators will reach out to individual families in the days ahead to explain
the process we will use to provide services to their children once school reopens.
Tomorrow, after consultation with the Connecticut Commissioner of Education, the District will decide
whether or not it meets the criteria to submit a waiver to have eLearning days count towards the 180
days of school. We will advise you of the decision.
We appreciate your patience and understanding during this difficult time. Take care of yourselves
during this time and follow the health guidance and recommendations shared with you in previous
communications. In particular, we ask parents and students to be mindful of the guidance to avoid
activities involving large gatherings.
Thank you for your understanding and collaboration as we make decisions for the health and safety
of our students. Together we will successfully navigate these turbulent and uncertain times. My
apologies for the late notice.
Sincerely,
Alan Addley, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools