Students in Robin Morin’s first grade class were excited to return to class at the Alice A. Macomber Primary School this week. (Photo courtesy Westport Community Schools) 
Students at the Alice A. Macomber Primary School returned to in-person learning this week, practicing proper social distancing and health guidelines. (Photo courtesy Westport Community Schools) 
Students at the Alice A. Macomber Primary School returned to in-person learning this week, practicing proper social distancing and health guidelines. (Photo courtesy Westport Community Schools) 
Students at the Alice A. Macomber Primary School are directed to their buses at the end of the school day. (Photo courtesy Westport Community Schools) 
Students at the Alice A. Macomber Primary School returned to in-person learning this week, practicing proper social distancing and health guidelines. (Photo courtesy Westport Community Schools) 
Alice A. Macomber Primary School student Charles Merchant takes his first bus ride at the start of the new school year. (Photo courtesy Westport Community Schools)
WESTPORT — Principal Cheryl M. Greeson is pleased to report that in-person classes successfully resumed this week at the Alice A. Macomber Primary School.
As part of the district’s return-to-school plan, pre-K/pre-school, kindergarten and first grade students at the Macomber School began fully in-person classes on Wednesday, Sept.16.
Due to smaller classroom sizes and larger enrollment numbers, second grade students at the school are following a hybrid model where students are put into two groups (Cohort A and B) and will be in school two days a week and remote three days a week.
To view the Macomber Primary School’s return-to-school plan, click here.
“We had a very successful first week of classes,” Principal Greeson said. “Parent drop-offs went smoothly and our students are already starting to settle into their new routines while following the health and safety restrictions we have put in place. We are working hard as a school to iron out some details, but overall we are so pleased to see our students back in class again.”
The school has instituted a new routine for dismissal that takes longer than previous years, in part due to more parents choosing to pick up students as opposed to using the buses. The school will continue to make modifications to the process in the coming weeks. This includes asking parents not to line up much earlier than their designated time (3 p.m. for kindergarten and 3:10 for first grade).
Students are also following strict social distancing guidelines and using hand sanitizing stations as much as possible. This includes on school buses, where each student is required to wear a mask and use assigned seats.
Other health and safety protocols in place at the school include:
Bathrooms: A limited number of students will be allowed into a bathroom at any one time, depending on the size of the bathroom. Classroom teachers will bring all students to the bathroom at one time, unless in the event of an emergency, and will supervise how many students are in the bathroom.
Recess: The school is committed to students accessing recess. Each class will have a 25 minute recess during the day. There will be no more than three classes out at recess at a time. There are three spaces for recess, including the playground, blacktop and field area. Students will have the opportunity to utilize each of these spaces on a rotating basis and students will not have to wear masks while outside at recess.
Water: All of the water coolers will need to be closed down for safety reasons. Students should bring enough water to meet their needs throughout the day.
Social-Emotional Learning: Macomber has always been committed to ensuring that Social-Emotional learning is provided for students of all ages. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the school’s intent is that each teacher will include explicit instruction and learning opportunities to ensure that students have their emotional needs met.
“This is a work in progress, and as always we appreciate the patience of all parents and community members as we get used to our new normal,” Principal Greeson said. “I am reminded each day why the Macomber is such a special place to learn and to teach, and I look forward to a successful year despite all of the challenges we will face.”
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