Gov. Ned Lamont and Education Commissioner Miguel Cardona announced new guidelines for students returning to school in the fall.

Schools are being encouraged to have kids back in the classroom full time in the fall, but parents will have the option to keep their kids learning from home. Officials say making sure families have the equipment and bandwidth to make that work will be important.

The plan is called 'Adapt, Advance, Achieve,' and the theme is all about "learning and growing together" amid unprecedented times.

The plan was rolled out yesterday, and sent to all of the school districts.

Desks inside of classrooms will face the same direction, and will be spaced 6 feet apart when possible.

There will also be floor markings to maintain social distancing. 

Masks must be worn  unless students can't because of a medical condition.

Outdoor learning is encouraged when possible.

Buses will operate close to capacity with safety protocols in place including wearing masks.

Temperature checks won't be required for students at the start of each day, but districts can enforce them if they want.

Officials expect that parents will just keep their kids home if they're sick.

Officials also say CDC guidelines regarding closures and quarantines will be followed if a student or teacher contracts COVID-19.

Cohorting will be place so that if an individual tests positive, officials say track and trace will be much easier.

Officials say while every district should plan on fully reopening in the fall, they also need to be flexible should things change, and distance learning full-time needs to continue.

For parents not comfortable with their children going back to school in the fall, students will still be able to learn from home.

Each district will make accommodations for students learning from home.

Teachers who may have health problems that make being in the classroom risky could play a role in continuing distance learning.

Union officials say they would not mind seeing more of that option used to help kids maintain social distancing.