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Old Saybrook Students Head Back to Class Aug. 30

It’s no longer light out at 8 p.m. and the morning air has had a bit of chill lately. That can only mean one thing: it’s time for students to head back to school in Old Saybrook. Here is a rundown of what that means.

The first day of school is Tuesday, Aug. 30. Meanwhile, Superintendent of School Jan Perruccio said that teachers and faculty will start a bit earlier. Teachers will come back for convocation on Thursday, Aug. 25.

Something that might make Old Saybrook High School students, and their parents, happy is that the school has pushed back the start time of school.

“Our high school start time has been changed from 7:30 to 8:00 a.m. We are very excited to offer our adolescents and young adults this later start time. Because of this, middle school and high school students will be riding the same buses. This is a common practice in a number of other districts in the area,” Perruccio said.

Last spring, the district held a meeting with community stakeholders as well as with sleep expert Dr. Craig Canapari and District Medical Advisor Nico Condulis. Additionally, a School Start Time Committee was formed that consisted of teachers, administrators, board of education members, students, and local health experts. The group agreed it would be beneficial to have a later start time for the high school students.

While some school districts have had a heard time finding bus drivers this year and thus having to alter bus routes, Perruccio said Old Saybrook so far has been able to avoid that. “We have not had to make changes to the bus routes because of bus shortages at this time. We will continue to communicate with our bus carrier as we approach opening day,” said Perruccio.

On the subject of changes in curriculum and policy Perruccio said that the district is continuing its implementation of its 2021-’26 strategic plan.

“We are continuing our work to achieve the goals of the 2021-’26 Strategic Plan. Administrators have written goals to direct that work in each school and program. At a high level, these goals are centered around equity, high quality instruction and the creation and continued implementation of a safe and supportive environment,” Perruccio said.

At press time Perruccio said that the district is still finalizing its COVID policy for return to school so an update was not immediately available.

For more information, visit oldsaybrookschools.org.