Vaccinating Newtown’s teachers is set to start on March 6, and, as Superintendent of Schools Dr Lorrie Rodrigue said at the Board of Education’s March 2 virtual meeting, that is a reason to be excited.

“We anticipate having most of our, if not all of our, employees vaccinated, at least one dose, by mid-March,” Dr Rodrigue updated the board, further sharing that a question and answer session was held with teachers on March 1 about the available vaccinations.

Dr Rodrigue also planned to work with Newtown Public Schools Nursing Supervisor Anne Dalton, RN, to draft an update for district staff this week regarding the vaccinations, according to meeting discussion.

“We’re just currently really excited that we will be able to reach as many staff [as possible],” Dr Rodrigue said. “This Saturday alone, we will vaccinate more than 550 employees.”

Noting the community positivity rate is “holding” around 2%, Dr Rodrigue said, “that does not mean we do not have cases.” The district continues to update its website, newtown.k12.ct.us, with cases.

Regarding the vaccinations, she said, “We’re very hopeful and really excited for all of our teachers. I know it is a big relief for all of them, and we’re happy we are moving in the right direction.”

Board of Education Vice Chair Dan Delia said the expected March 6 vaccinations are a “success.”

“It just shows the tremendous dedication we have, you have, for the staff,” Delia noted.

Mid-School-Year Reflections

Dr Rodrigue later shared reflections on her 2020-21 goals, which were previously presented to the school board, and how the school year is progressing.

In adhering to practices and protocols concerning the COVID-19 pandemic as part of the first goal, Dr Rodrigue said she has continued to respond in multiple formats to parents, teachers, and community members. The superintendent also highlighted the district’s efforts to communicate with the community, to sanitize schools, and to respond to the ongoing spread of infection and the resulting district staffing needs.

Dr Rodrigue also noted her efforts with the district’s Parent Educator Advisory Council (PEAC), the district’s programs to support social/emotional learning, and ongoing professional development opportunities for staff all as part of meeting the year’s goals.

Other 2020-21 goal updates Dr Rodrigue highlighted included efforts to communicate the district’s operational plan with the community, working with local PTAs, and developing “a systemic approach to the expectations and outcomes regarding diversity and equity.”

The past year, Board of Education Chair Michelle Embree Ku noted, has been hard for everyone, but it has been specifically hard for superintendents.

“And you have navigated this crisis, which makes the school start time change look like a walk in the park,” Ku said.

Delia emphasized that there is more work done behind the scenes than members of the public may be aware of in the district.

“And you are handling it all quite well,” Delia said to Dr Rodrigue.

Also during the meeting, the school board approved curricula for Newtown High School’s college math topics and pre-calculus classes. It also heard presentations on first grade reading, first grade writing, second grade reading, and second grade writing curricula, which are all expected to be brought up for possible approval at the next board meeting.

Speaking of the next board meeting, Ku told the board members that the meeting, set for March 16, will be in person for board members.

“So get out your formal wear and we will be back together again,” Ku said from her screen to all the others included in the virtual meeting.