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Valley School Districts begin announcing mask optional policies

Feb. 24 update: This week, the Avon School District also announced that it will move to a "mask optional" policy. See updated article in the March 4 edition of The Valley Press.


By John Fitts Staff Writer


At least three Farmington Valley School Districts have announced "mask optional" policies that will take place in schools later this month. In the last two days, Canton, Farmington and Simsbury have all announced mask optional policies to begin Feb. 28.

The actions follow Gov. Ned Lamont's recent announcement that he planned to end school mask mandates on that date.

Farmington Public Schools Superintendent Kathleen C. Greider sent a letter to parents Feb. 16. In part, she stated that the district will follow guidance from the Department of Public Health and the Connecticut State Department of Education and not require masks in the schools as of the 28th.

She did, however note that several public health experts still recommend their use.

"While DPH and the Farmington Valley Health District (FVHD) continue to encourage mask wearing as one of an array of mitigation practices we implement, it will become optional on that date," she wrote. " It is important to note that DPH and CSDE are authorized to reimpose the mask mandate, per the latest action by the Connecticut General Assembly, at any time during this school year should health conditions warrant such a change."

Masks will still be required on school buses and vans, Greider noted.

Simsbury superintendent Matt Curtis also sent out a letter on Feb. 16, according to the district web site, noting several factors including guidance by state and local agencies, high vaccination rates, the availability of test kids, and the continued employment of other mitigation strategies.

In Canton, Superintendent Kevin Case made a similar announcement on Feb. 17, also effected on Feb. 28 and also noting that, due to federal law, they will be required on buses.

"Local school districts and municipalities have now received assurance that the Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH) and the State Department of Education (SDE) are aligned with the Governor in allowing the mask mandate for schools to expire," he wrote. "We have seen a dramatic decrease in COVID positive cases in Connecticut, the Farmington Valley and in the Canton Community. Many of our age – eligible students are fully vaccinated or have initiated the process. Our district also has a supply of home test kits available. Families can request a self-test kit from any of our school nurses."

Case also noted that other mitigation strategies will remain in effect and that the guidance was subject to change.

Masks use at schools has been a flashpoint of controversy and the issue heated up again in recent weeks, with many parents speaking at recent Board of Education meetings and writing letters.

In Canton, for example, several parents spoke at a Feb. 8 Board meeting and several more wrote in as well. Many of the parents spoke against mask mandates, advocating parental choice and/or contenting they weren't effective or caused emotional harm. Some parents wrote in support of keeping the policy in place but in recent weeks those opposed to mandates have been most vocal.

The issue has been one of strong debate on social media and some community members in Canton openly defied the mask policy at recent school events.

In his letter and others, Case acknowledged it's been a hotly debated topic but urged community members to keep the conversation civil.

"We urge all of our community members to continue to be respectful of others who have a different opinion on this matter and of those who will need or choose to continue to wear masks. Let’s continue to be supportive of one another," he wrote. "This support is what makes our Canton Community a great place to live and learn."

Greider also noted questions about local control that arose after the governor's announcement.

"We have received questions about local school district control related to this decision," she wrote. "As we currently understand it, the only decision for local school districts, beginning February 28th, would be not to follow the guidance that masks are optional per the decisions of the Commissioners of the DPH and the CSDE and instead continue to require that students, faculty, staff and others wear masks when in school. However, for the Farmington Public Schools, this state-level action signals that it is time to move to a place of greater normalcy within our schools."

While the Canton Board of Education on Feb. 8 noted that the issue would be debated at their meeting next week, Case's letter states that the board does not need to take formal action.

Curtis also noted that the Simsbury Board of Education didn't need to take a vote, was supportive of the direction and appreciative of feedback. He also addressed the different reactions the announcement would bring.

"We recognize that this decision will be met with very different reactions – from celebration to sincere anxiety," he wrote. "Moving forward, we implore all stakeholders to respect those differences in opinion. Please have a family conversation about respecting the differences that exist on this issue and respect the choice of others without public judgment. As Superintendent, I have been proud of the way our community has handled the evolving controversies as a result of the pandemic. At this critical moment, that positive spirit in our community must continue."

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Valley Happenings

UPDATED:

Fighting Cancer Pasta Dinner:

Benefit for Avon Volunteer Fire Department

Deputy Chief Dave Theriault

Sunday, February 23, 2025, 3:00-7:00 p.m. 

Farmington Polo Club, 162 Town Farm Road, Farmington

 

AVFD Deputy Chief of Administration Dave Theriault is facing a tough battle against Stage 4 cancer. The AVFD, along with Tunxis Hose Co. No. 1 and the Farmington Fire Department, is holding a pasta dinner to help raise money for Chief Theriault’s medical expenses. Cheese and crackers from 3:00-4:00 p.m., buffet from 4:00-6:00 p.m., and coffee and dessert from 6:00-7:00 p.m. In addition to delicious food, drinks, and camaraderie, the event will feature dozens of raffle prizes. Event tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for seniors and children under 10 years old. They can be purchased at the door or online at www.HometownFoundation.org Contributions can be made via Venmo @supportDave or by mail to the AVFD at 25 Darling Drive, Avon, CT 06001. 

Canton Community Health Fund Applications

Canton Community Health Fund, Inc. Opens 2025 Application Season, on March 1, 2025, for Canton Community Partner Grants & Canton Scholars Pursuing Careers in Healthcare or Public Safety Canton Community Health Fund, Inc. (CCHF), opens its grant and scholarship application season March 1. CCHF encourages State of CT certified non-profits serving the Canton community to apply for Community Partner grants. In addition, graduating high school seniors seeking higher education in healthcare or public safety are invited to apply for either a Dr. Diters Legacy Scholarship or a Pay It Forward Scholarship. Applications and informative Fact Sheets are available online at www.cantoncommunityhealthfund.org.  Community Partner Grant and Scholarship awards will be announced in June/2025.

 

Avon Library events

AVON –The following events are scheduled at Avon Free Public Library. The library is at Avon Library, 281 Country Club Road, Avon. All programs are in person except where noted. For more information on adult programs, contact Adult Services Reference Desk via avonref@avonctlibrary.info 860-673-9712 x 7203

• Antique Map Collecting 101, Saturday, Feb. 1 at 1 p.m. Registration is required: https://www.avonctlibrary.info/event/antique-map-collecting/

• Morning Book Club. Wednesday, Feb. 5 at 10:30 a.m., The Mystery Guest by Nita Prose, Registration is required: https://www.avonctlibrary.info/events/tag/morning-book-club/

• Meditation for Balance and Inner Contentment. (Virtual Event) Thursday, Feb. 6 at 7 pm.

• Eastern Coyotes in Connecticut (Virtual Event) Thursday, Feb. 13 at 6:30 p.m.

• Fashion and the First Lady (Virtual Event). Wednesday, Feb. 19 at 2 p.m.

• Hoop Skirts to Flappers: Eighty Years of Connecticut Fashion. Monday, Feb. 24 at 2 p.m.

• The Golden Age of Hollywood. (Virtual Event) Tuesday, March 4 at 2 pm.

 

Simsbury Lions Club

The Simsbury Lions Club is looking for people interested in volunteering and contributing to better our town. Our motto is “We serve,” and we do so by volunteering at local events and donating our proceeds to serving interests in our community.

If interested, please feel free to contact Sandy Kremer at Tprkremer@gmail.com or Philip Painchaud at painchaudp@gmail.com.”

 

Winter sowing workshop

The Farmington Land trust is hosting a winter sowing workshop focused on raising native plants. Make your own up-cycled greenhouse from a milk jug and prep some beneficial native plants for the coming growing season. Sunday, Feb 2 from 11a.m.-12:30 p.m. at the Farmington Senior Center. RSVP here: https://www.farmingtonlandtrust.org/event-details/winter-sowing-seminar-native-seed-planting

 

Wild Flowers from Spring to Fall

CANTON – The Cherry Brook Garden Club is hosting a lecture on “Following Our Wild Flowers from Spring to Fall” on Tuesday, Feb. 11, at 11 a.m. at the Canton Community Center, lower level, 40 Dyer Avenue. Steve Messier, Lichenologist and former Science teacher at Canton High School will discuss the topic. The lecture is open to the public. There is a $5 guest fee for non-members. Email questions to cherrybrookgardenclub@gmail.com.

 

‘Five Wishes’ at McLean

SIMSBURY – Join Kevin Baran, M.D., medical director, and the McLean Hospice Team for a special “McLean & Me Educational Series” presentation to learn how to talk about and record your wishes for care through the end of life, so those wishes can be understood and respected. The presentation will be held at McLean’s Garmany Performing Arts Center, 50 Sarah Lane, Simsbury, on Tuesday, Feb. 11, at 6 p.m. The presentation is free but an RSVP by Feb. 4 is required as seating is limited. A light dinner will be provided.

To register, visit McLeanCare.org/Events, email Margaret.Clark@McLeanCare.org, or call 860-658-3718.

 

‘Art Throb!’ Exhibit

Gallery on the Green presents “Art Throb!” Exhibit plus a Solo Exhibit by Kathi Packer Friday, Feb. 14 through Saturday, March 15. An opening reception is on Saturday, Feb. 15 from 6-8 p.m. and will include refreshments. The show and reception are free.

“Art Throb!” is a heartfelt Valentine’s Day celebration presented by the membership of Canton Artists’ Guild. The artists use a wide range of media including painting, prints, drawing, photography, sculpture, ceramics and mixed media to represent the emotional intensity, joy and complexity of love.

In the upstairs Gallery, Kathi Packer has a solo show, “Another Tale.”  Packer notes that a friend’s casual invitation to go on safari in 2008 substantially changed the direction of her artistic journey.The gallery is located near the intersection of Dowd Avenue and Route 44 at 5 Canton Green Road in Canton. Hours are Friday – Sunday, 1-5 pm. The main floor gallery is handicapped accessible.

Website: http://www.galleryonthegreen.org; Phone:  860-693-4102

 

TABLESCAPES fundraiser returns to benefit the new

Avon History Museum

AVON – The Avon Historical Society invites the public to its sixth TABLESCAPES event showcasing up to 30 creative and original table settings on Friday, March 14 and Saturday, March 15 at the historic North House, 1 Nod Road, Avon.

This event will feature themed table settings from local professional designers, florists, businesses, individuals, artists and others featuring fresh floral arrangements, centerpieces and accessories. Proceeds will benefit the installation of professionally curated exhibits in the new Avon History Museum scheduled to open on Friday, July 4, 2025.

Back by popular demand will be a “Table and Barware Tag Sale” on both days. Admission to TABLESCAPES includes the tag sale. Tickets are $20 each pre-sale and at the door. Tickets can be purchased online at www.avonhistoricalsociety.org or by calling Mary Harrop at 860-670-3225 before March 8.

Those interested in sponsorship opportunities can also call Harrop.

 

Alzheimer’s Support Group

FARMINGTON – Hearts, Hugs & Hope: An Alzheimer’s Support Group takes place Feb. 20, 2025, 6 p.m. at Farmington Station Assisted Living and Memory Care Community, 111 Scott Swamp Road, Farmington. Dealing with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia isn’t easy, so it is helpful to share your concerns and personal experiences with others who completely understand what you’re going through. You will also learn about proven strategies to help you better care for your family member. This group is being offered both in person and via Zoom on the third Thursday of each month. If you plan to attend, contact Director of Compass Programming Katherine Jedynasty at kjedynasty@farmingtonslr.com.

 

Used book sale

AVON - A huge book sale will be held Feb. 28 and March 1 in St. Ann’s Church Hall, 289 Arch Road at Route 167.  Hours are Friday, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. ($5 adult admission) and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. (no admission fee).

Thousands of books will be organized in separate sections, including Fiction, History, Biography, Politics, Children, Music, Cooking, Sports, Art, Vintage, and more!  A large selection of Children’s books will be available.  Fiction books will be divided by hardcover, paperback, and trade paperback and sorted alphabetically by author.  DVDs, CDs, books on CDs, Vinyl records, and puzzles will be available, also.  Most books will be $3 or less with vintage and specialty books priced higher.

 

Daisy Days: All-Girls Summer Day Camp Experience

FARMINGTON – Miss Porter’s School, a renowned institution with a legacy of empowering young women, is excited to announce the launch of Daisy Days, an all-new day camp for girls entering grades 3-5 this fall. Starting this summer, Daisy Days will offer a unique, joy-filled experience designed to spark creativity, build confidence, and inspire self-discovery in an empowering all-girls environment.

For additional details, visit pcgl.porters.org/daisy-days.

 

Artist demonstration

Avon Arts Association will hold a guest artist demonstration featuring  Granby artist Laura Eden on Tuesday, February 18 at  Avon Town Hall, 60 W. Main St., lower level, at 6:30 p.m. Ms. Eden will demonstrate egg tempera painting.

The demo is free and open to the public ($5 suggested donation). A workshop with Ms. Eden will be held at the same location in the Avon Room on Saturday, Feb. 22, 10-2 with  set up at 9:30. Fee: $45 for members, $55 for nonmembers). www.AvonArts.org

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