Simsbury Public Schools

The Simsbury school district continues to monitor the outbreak of coronavirus this situation very closely. We are tracking daily illness trends for both students and staff. We are also in regular contact with the Farmington Valley Health District (FVHD), the CT Department of Public Health (DPH) and the CT Department of Education. We also monitor guidance and updates from the CDC on a daily basis.

Person-to-person spread of the virus is thought to occur mainly via respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Take these everyday preventative actions to help stop the spread of germs. Teachers reinforce the following with students and we ask that you discuss these precautionary steps with your children as well:

• Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces

Please keep us informed when you, your child or a family member in your household:

• Becomes aware of exposure to an individual with confirmed COVID-19. Please call your child’s school and please also call your physician. We will call the FVHD for guidance in collaboration with the DPH.
• If you experience symptoms of illness. Please also call your physician. Again, we will call the FVHD for guidance in collaboration with the DPH.
• Students should be symptom and fever free for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing or other symptom-reducing medications before they return to school. If you have questions about whether your child should return to school, please contact your child’s physician.

Governor Lamont has asked school districts to limit gatherings of more than 100 people.

• The Simsbury school district has cancelled all school-sponsored field trips and travel through the spring recess.
• We will no longer hold school events with more than 100 people in attendance until further notice.  Please direct questions to your child’s school about specific events.
• Similarly, the Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference has cancelled all sports related winter tournaments at this time.

Regarding the cleaning of our buildings, our custodial crews are concentrating on disinfecting surfaces that are most commonly touched (door handles, table and desk tops, railings, etc.). While it is not physically possible to get to every surface every day in addition to their normal routines, please know our custodians have experience with targeted cleaning during times such as seasonal flu outbreaks. We have authorized additional hours for the weekend of March 14-15 so that our custodians can continue with a deep clean of the schools using bleach solutions, peroxide cleaners, and disinfecting wipes. Hand sanitizing dispensers are available throughout the schools, and teachers at all grade levels continue to stress the importance of frequent and proper hand washing.  In addition, Salter’s Express has implemented protocols for daily cleaning of buses and vans between runs as well as more comprehensive cleaning on an ongoing basis.

Letter from Superintendent (March 27, 2020)

COVID-19 Update (March 24, 2020)

Closure of All School Outdoor Recreation Areas (March 23,2020)

Letter from Superintendent about Distance Learning (March 20, 2020)

Update on Distance Learning Plan (March 17, 2020)

Meals to Go (March 16, 2020)

Letter from Superintendent about Coronavirus (March 13, 2020)

Letter from Superintendent about Coronavirus (March 12, 2020)

Letter from Superintendent about Coronavirus (March 10, 2020)

Letter from Superintendent about Coronavirus (March 6, 2020)

Letter from Superintendent about Coronavirus (February 28, 2020)

Go to the SPS Distance Learning website

Family First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) Provisions will apply from April 1, 2020 through December 31, 2020.

FHVD Update (March 25, 2020)

Due to the rapid escalation of COVID-19 cases across the country, in our state and our District and the proportionately small number of individuals that are actually being tested in CT, we need to move to a model that assumes that anyone suffering fever, cough or difficulty breathing has COVID-19. Please study this simple chart to help you determine what actions you and your family need to take to protect yourselves and slow the spread of this virus in our communities.

HAVE YOU BEEN IN NYC IN THE PAST TWO WEEKS?

The cases of COVID-19 in NYC are increasing more rapidly than anywhere else in the United States. This means that individuals who have spent time in NYC are at greater risk of having been exposed to the virus. If you have been to NYC in the past two weeks, you are being urged to self quarantine for 14 days from the date of your return to prevent the spread of the virus. This means:
• Check your temperature in the morning and evening
• Watch for other symptoms
• As symptoms develop—Isolate yourself from household members
• Avoid going out and being in groups

For more information about what self-quarantine means, please see the CDC website.

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15 Days to Slow the Spread (Guidelines from the President of the United States)

CDC website

FVHD guidelines to protect yourself, ​your family and your community from COVID-19

CDC Fact Sheet (pdf)

Protect yourself and your family

Talking to your child about coronavirus:

• https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/schools-childcare/talking-with-children.html
• https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/en/how-to-talk-with-kids-about-covid-19/

Frequently Asked Questions

Travel

CT Department of Health

Farmington Valley Health District

Governor Lamont’s Executive Orders enact the following provisions:

posted April 1, 2020

Restrictions on Entrance to State Parks, Forests, and Other Lands. Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 23-4 of the Connecticut General Statutes or any related regulations, rules, policies or procedures, in order to limit close person-to-person contact and the formation of crowds, and thereby reduce the risk of transmission of COVID-19, the Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection may issue any orders she deems necessary to restrict or prohibit entrance into state parks and other lands under her control, and may prohibit for the duration of this public health and civil preparedness emergency the entrance to such parks or lands by anyone who violates any such an order.

posted March 23, 2020

Pharmacist Discretion in Refilling Certain Prescriptions for Longer Periods. Section 20-616(b) of the Connecticut General Statutes are modified to permit a pharmacist to exercise his or her professional judgment in refilling a prescription that is not for a controlled drug, as defined in section 2la-240, for a quantity of drug not to exceed a thirty-day supply based on the same criteria set forth in such section for a refill that was not to exceed a seventy-two hour supply. 

Restrictions on Workplaces for Non-Essential Businesses. Effective on March 23, 2020 at 8:00 p.m. and through April 22, 2020, unless earlier modified, extended, or terminated by me, all businesses and not-for-profit entities in the state shall employ, to the maximum extent possible, any telecommuting or work from home procedures that they can safely employ. Non-essential businesses or not-for-profit entities shall reduce their in-person workforces at any workplace locations by 100% not later than March 23, 2020 at 8:00 p.m. Any essential business or entity providing essential goods, services or functions shall not be subject to these in-person restrictions. Not later than 8 p.m. on March 22, 2020, the Department of Economic and Community Development ("DECD") shall issue lawfully binding guidance about which businesses are essential. Those business shall include, but not be limited to, the 16 critical infrastructure sectors as defined by the Department of Homeland Security and available at CISA.gov, essential health care operations including hospitals, clinics, dentists, pharmacies, elder care and home health care workers, companies and institutions involved in the research and development, manufacture, distribution, warehousing, and supplying of pharmaceuticals, biotechnology therapies, health care data, consumer health products, medical devices, diagnostics, equipment, services and any other healthcare related supplies or services; essential infrastructure, including utilities, wastewater and drinking water, telecommunications, airports and transportation infrastructure; manufacturing, including food processing, pharmaceuticals, and industries supp011ing the essential services required to meet national security commitments to the federal government and U.S. Military; the defense industrial base, including aerospace, mechanical and software engineers, manufacturing/production workers, aircraft and weapon system mechanics and maintainers; essential retail, including grocery stores and big-box stores or wholesale clubs, provided they also sell groceries; pharmacies, gas stations and convenience stores; food and beverage retailers (including liquor/package stores and manufacturer permittees) and restaurants, provided they comply with previous and future executive orders issued during the existing declared public health and civil preparedness emergency; essential services including trash and recycling collection, hauling, and processing, mail and shipping services; news media; legal and accounting services; banks, insurance companies, check cashing services, and other financial institutions; providers of basic necessities to economically disadvantaged populations; construction; vendors of essential services and goods necessary to maintain the safety, sanitation and essential operations of residences or other essential businesses, including pest control and landscaping services; vendors that provide essential services or products, including logistics and technology support, child care and services needed to ensure the continuing operation of government agencies and the provision of goods, services or functions necessary for the health, safety and welfare of the public. Any other business may be deemed essential after requesting an opinion from DECD, which shall review and grant such request, should it determine that it is in the best interest of the state to have the workforce continue at full capacity to properly respond to this emergency.

Business Exemptions for Coronavirus

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posted March 20, 2020

Postponement of Presidential Primary to June 2. Under my sole authority pursuant to the declaration of public health and civil preparedness emergency, and to protect the health and safety of voters, poll workers, and the most vulnerable members of our population, I hereby modify Section 9-464 of the Connecticut General Statutes to provide that on June 2, 2020 each party shall conduct a primary in each town if the names of two or more candidates for President of the United States are to be placed on such party's ballot in accordance with the provisions of chapter 154 of the General Statutes.

Restriction on Operation of Barbershops, Hair Salons, Tattoo or Piercing Parlors and Related Public Businesses. Throughout the State, effective at 8:00 p.m. on March 20, 2020, the rendering of services by barbers, hairdressers and cosmeticians, nail technicians, electrologists, estheticians, eyelash technicians, and tattoo and piercing providers is prohibited in all public settings including, but not limited to, barbershops, beauty shops, hairdressing salons, nail salons, spas, kiosks, and tattoo or piercing establishments.

Further Clarification of Limits on Restaurants, Bars and Private Clubs. Effective at 12:00 p.m. on March 20, 2020, Executive Order 70, which, among other things, restricted sales of alcoholic beverages by certain licensees, is modified as follows: Any business with an active restaurant, cafe or tavern liquor permit issued by the Department of Consumer Protection shall be permitted to sell sealed containers of alcoholic liquor for pick up at such restaurant, cafe or tavern under the following conditions: (i) the sale shall accompany a pick-up order of food prepared on the premises; (ii) the type of alcoholic liquor sold for off-premise consumption shall be the same as what the permit type would have permitted for on-premise consumption prior to Executive Order 70, and (iii) the hours of such sales that include alcoholic liquor as part of the take-out order shall be the same as those for a package store.

Delivery of alcoholic liquor by licensees with these permit types is not permitted. In addition, any business whose liquor permit allows for the manufacture of alcoholic liquor, in addition to sales for on-premise and off-premise consumption, shall be permitted to sell sealed bottles of alcoholic liquor for off-premise consumption in a manner consistent with their manufacturer permit. Delivery of alcoholic liquor by these permit types is not permitted.

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posted March 19, 2020

Governor Lamont’s Executive Order No. 7D enacts the following provisions:

●      Further reduces large crowds: Effective immediately, the order amends a previous directive prohibiting large social and recreational gatherings of 250 or more and modifies that capacity to no more than 50 people. In addition, the order adds religious, spiritual, and worship gatherings to the list of activities for which this prohibition applies.

●      Limits restaurants and bars to take-out and delivery services only: Effective at 8:00 p.m. on March 16, the order requires restaurants, eating establishments, and bars that serve food to temporarily move to take-out and delivery services only, and prohibits the sales of alcohol at these establishments.

●      Restriction on gyms, fitness studios, and movie theaters: Effective at 8:00 p.m. on March 16, the order directs the closure of any indoor gym, fitness center, or similar facility or studio offering fitness, sporting, or recreational opportunities or instructions, and all movie theaters.

All of the restrictions are enacted through April 30 unless otherwise amended by future order.

Indoor portions of large retail shopping malls, amusement parks, and bowling alleys will close by 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 19, 2020 and remain closed through April 30, 2020. Also, all places of public amusement, whether indoors or outdoors, such as locations with amusement rides, carnivals, amusement parks, water parks, aquariums, zoos, arcades, fairs, children’s play centers, funplexes, theme parks, bowling alleys, and other family and children’s attractions shall be closed to the public. This directive does not apply to public parks and open recreation areas.

The Department of Public Health urges all hair and nail salons and other businesses that provide services that require direct contact with customers to cease operations for the time being. This is due to the fact that COVID 19 is spread mainly from person-to-person contact between people who are in close contact with one another, and the nature of hair and nail salons puts the people working there in direct contact with their clients and customers. Farmers’ markets and farm stands in Connecticut can remain open during the civic preparedness and

The state of Connecticut Office of Early Childhood is not instructing or requiring any program to close. Unless ordered by government officials, programs may remain open by their own determination which may be made considering guidance from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Department of Public Health and/or your local health department or district. Please be in direct touch with your childcare provider regarding plans to stay open or to close.

Town public meetings: Governor Lamont has suspended in-person open meeting requirements for the time being and in order to slow the spread of COVID-19. Any public agency may meet and take necessary actions without permitting in-person, public access or to hold such meetings remotely by conference call or video teleconferencing provided that (1) the public has the ability to view or listen to each meeting or proceeding in real time, by telephone, video, or other technology; 3/18/20 16 (2) any such meeting or proceeding is recorded or transcribed, and such recording or transcript shall be posted on the agency's website within seven days of the meeting or proceeding, and made available within a reasonable time in the agency's office; (3) the required notice and agenda for each meeting or proceeding is posted on the agency's website and shall include information about how the meeting will be conducted and how the public can access it; (4) any materials relevant to matters on the agenda, including but not limited to materials related to specific applications, if applicable, shall be submitted to the agency a minimum of twenty four (24) hours prior and posted to the agency's website for public inspection prior to, during, and after the meeting, and any exhibits to be submitted by members of the public shall, to the extent feasible, also be submitted to the agency a minimum of twenty-four (24) hours prior to the meeting and posted to the agency's website for public inspection prior to, during, and after the meeting; and (5) all speakers taking part in any such meeting or proceeding shall clearly state their name and title, if applicable, before speaking on each occasion that they speak.

Due to the COVID-19 Outbreak the following are closed until further notice:  All town outdoor basketball courts, tennis courts at Simsbury Farms and Tariffville Park, all non-school playgrounds, Paddle Tennis Courts at Simsbury Farms, and Memorial Park Skatepark

The following facilities are closed to the public as of March 19, 2020 until further notice:

• Town Hall
• Eno Memorial Hall
• Simsbury Public Library
• Simsbury Farms Administration building

In accordance with the executive order issued by Governor Lamont on March 20, 2020, staff in the administrative facilities listed above will be managing most operations remotely until April 22.  Town services will continue to be operational by phone, mail, email and virtually through our online services. Thank you for your cooperation and patience as we continue to address the emerging issues related to COVID-19. 

As of Friday, March 20, 2020, the following facilities will be closed as we continue to adapt to the changing environment caused by the COVID-19 virus:

• Rotary Park Playground
• Simsbury Farms Playground
• Simsbury Farms Basketball Courts
• Town Forest Park Basketball Court
• West Mountain Park Basketball Court
• Iron Horse Boulevard Basketball Court

All non-essential public meetings are cancelled from March 16 through April 22.  This includes all meetings of advisory committees and work groups. During this time, regulatory agencies (such as the Board of Selectmen, Board of Finance, and land use agencies) will be able to meet as needed for essential business, but the meetings will be closed to the public. The public will be able to view these meetings live online or on television through SCTV.  Members of the public may email statements to the Town Clerk’s Office (EButler@simsbury-ct.gov) by 4:30pm the day before the meeting to have their comments read into the record during public audience.  These actions are being taken pursuant to Executive Order No.7B.

In addition, all Town-sponsored events, and events hosted at Town facilities, that are anticipated to have an attendance of over 50 people are cancelled through May 10. This measure may be extended and/or modified as new information becomes available.

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Town Hall & Police Department

Please call 860-658-3200 to be directed to the appropriate department. Many of our services can also be accessed online; click for a resource that highlights many of our online services. For detailed information on how to apply for building permits and land use applications online and by mail, click to access this document.

A secure drop box has been placed at the Town Hall entrance for the public to leave documents for Town departments.

The Police Department is temporarily changing the manner in which some services are provided and postponing some services. The Department may take certain reports by telephone and share some information via e-mail, instead of in-person. Non-emergency services such as non-criminal fingerprinting will be postponed until the recommendation of social distancing has been lifted. The Department is also urging people to call the Police Department instead of entering the lobby for routine or non-emergency matters. The routine phone number is (860) 658-3100. The emergency number is 911. Click for more information on the Police Department's response modifications.

Community and Social Services

List of Local Stores and Services as of March 18, 2020

Gifts of Love

Gifts of Love is continuing to provide food from their pantry, and clients can call them at 860-676-2323.  We are distributing food on an individual basis, by curbside pick-up.  We also have gift cards available.  Voicemails and emails are checked daily. For folks that are having difficulties, Dial-A-Ride is still transporting clients.  For those that are able, we will transport them to the store.  If someone wants one of our food bags and a gift card, we can secure a volunteer to deliver. If a person is able to place an order at a local grocery store and pay ahead, we can arrange for a volunteer to deliver that as well.

Community & Social Services Department

Please call us at 860-658-3283 to leave a message for staff. Emails will continue to be checked and responded to, and voicemails will continue to be returned daily during limited times.  Our return call to you may have “No Caller ID”; please plan to answer as this may be us, or check your voicemail for our call.  If you are returning a call to us, please let us know when a good time would be to return your call so that we do not continue to miss you. Staff will still distribute pre-packed bags of food, toiletries, and a gift card to those in need. The Wednesday Senior Lunch at Eno will be available by curbside pick-up and with pre-order.  If you are having a financial emergency, staff will offer phone screening for potential assistance.  In order to further help meet your needs, and for your convenience, please click here for a list of services and resources.  For information regarding internet services during this time, click here.

For those members of the community who wish to volunteer or make a donation during this time, please call the Department of Community and Social Services at 860-658-3283.  Priority items include: non-perishable food items; toiletries; gift cards for grocery stores, gas stations, and laundromats.  If you are making a donation, there will be a cart on the front vestibule for drop-off during hours of operation.  There is also a secured, locked box for monetary and gift card donations.  Please call to notify us so that we can be sure to bring your donation inside.

Library

The Library is closed to the public. As always, online resources such as ebooks, e-audiobooks, e-magazines, movies, music, and online learning are available 24/7 at simsburylibrary.info.

Parks and Recreation

Cancelled programs include: Spinners Twirling; Sunday afternoon open gym. The Simsbury Farms golf course remains open. Please note the following precautionary changes: flagsticks were removed from the practice putting green; restrictions are in place for removing the flagsticks on the greens; bunker rakes have been removed; golf carts are being cleaned after each use; pro shop is closed, all transactions are being handled through a window; food and beverage service is suspended; restrooms are open and are being cleaned during the day and at night; ball washers have been covered up; water fountains are disabled.

At this time, the CIAC is not canceling the spring sports season. Like everything these days, this is subject to change. There will be no spring sports practices until further notice.

While CIAC rules do not prohibit student-athlete participation with outside teams prior to the school's first scheduled game, endorsing such participation at this time would contradict best practices for student-athlete and community safety. While our schools are closed, the CIAC recommends that member schools strongly discourage student-athletes from engaging in any organized athletic activity. Social distancing is the best course of action that we can collectively take to prevent further spread of COVID-19. Our common goal is to return to normal classroom instruction, league play, and CIAC tournament action. We cannot accomplish this goal if we do not stand firm on the importance of everyone doing their part in social distancing. While it is not a CIAC rules violation to participate with outside teams prior to your school's first game, the CIAC recommends that member schools voluntarily instruct their student-athletes to not engage in organized outside team practices, workouts, or individualized instruction until the guidance on social distancing is relaxed.