Bethel schools switched to full remote learning for the next two weeks because of staffing issues.  In consultation with the Department of Public Health, through contact tracing, Superintendent Christine Carver says the main source of transmissions is still as a result of  social gatherings and  within families. 

She notes that some staff have quarantined because they have a direct exposure in the community or their children are direct exposures, and just one has a compounding effect.  Bethel, like other towns in the state, does not have the substitute pool that they had in a traditional school year.  

Carver hopes that by being on distance learning through the week after Thanksgiving, all of the current staffing issues will be resolved. 

All meals continue to be free of charge to all, regardless of income, for students and their siblings age 18 and under.  Breakfast and lunch continue to be provided at the back of the High School between 11 am and 1 pm today and tomorrow, with families receiving 3 days worth of meals on Wednesday due to the Thanksgiving holiday.  Regular daily meal service pickup will resume on November 30th.

During this temporary distance learning period, the Bethel Public Schools school nurses will be in their offices during the regular school day hours. Nurses should be notified if any of the following circumstances exist: a child tests for COVID-19;  child has been asked to quarantine due to COVID-19; and/or, child has traveled to any state on the Connecticut Advisory list.  The nurse will provide information on required paperwork, return to school guidance and available resources.