A group of families rallied in Fairfield on
Monday to voice their frustrations with the public school system and its hybrid
learning program.
Parents gathered with signs in
hand and masks on to send the message that they believe hybrid learning has been a failure.
Organizers of the rally admit the timing isn’t
perfect, as they are calling for movement toward full time in-person school as
case numbers around the state are rising.
Families say that while some
private schools and other communities are back in class full time, their
own kids are falling behind. They say
administrators have not done enough to chart out a path forward.
"I'm not sure how we would ever go back to
be honest with you...today was the date we were supposed to go back, which is
why we are here today," says Fairfield parent Amy
Ruggiero.
Parent Anthony DeMartino adds,
"There is no
routine…one day, they are up at 7:30. Some days, they don't have a class until
11."
Some parents told News 12 they are turning to alternatives, such
as homeschooling.
A spokesperson for the
district says there is a clear plan that has been made public, and that
more information about reopening is on the Fairfield Public Schools
website. As well, they say reopening procedures were
"discussed extensively" at the district's last Board of Education
meeting, which can be viewed
online.The spokesperson says, while these
families may be vocal, the district’s current strategy has a lot of support.
The discussion is expected to continue at the school board meeting on Tuesday night.