Schools in Connecticut will reopen on May 20, and Scholastic will provide 180,000 learning materials to school districts to further aid distance learning, state officials say.

Gov. Lamont made the announcement about the new class starting date on Thursday during a press conference.

He says the decision was made out of an abundance of caution for the health and safety of students, teachers and staff who have been ordered to stay home during the coronavirus pandemic.

Gov. Lamont says in the coming weeks, Scholastic will provide 180,000 learning materials to the school districts and will work with teachers on how to use them.

Commissioner of Education, Miguel Cardona, says 100% of the districts are distance learning in some form and that several districts have provided packets to families who don’t have access to online learning.

Cardona says as May 20, gets closer the state department of education will re-evaluate if returning to school for the remainder of the year is even possible and are planning for the worst-case scenario.

But Cardona stresses that the class of 2020 will still have their graduation ceremony even if it has to be postponed.

MORE: LIVE BLOG - Coronavirus updates from the tri-state area and beyond