Editorial Staff.
At the end of May, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) published guidelines for schools to reopen. Among the guidelines are that desks should be spaced 6 feet apart, all desks should face the same direction (vs. face to face), and students should not share any items (such as pencils, calculators, or books). Since then, states have come out with guidelines for the reopening of school, and Connecticut has not released their’s yet, however, it is likely that masks may be required at least some of the time.
Amy Perry, of Killingworth, has been making fabric face masks during the COVID-19 pandemic that are adjustable and washable, so she reached out to Killingworth First Selectman, Cathy Iino, and another Selectman, then reached out to Holly Hageman, the Superintendent of Schools for Haddam Killingworth with an idea.
Together they formulated a plan to provide masks for all students and staff of our school district. Amy said she would spearhead the project and coordinate the volunteers. Sharon Timek, also of Killingworth, volunteered to help. Sharon and Amy will put together tote bags which will include blue and gold fabric (school colors) and supplies to make 50 masks (elastic, metal nose guard, thread, and of course, instructions). They are looking for 20-40 volunteers with sewing machines to take a tote bag and sew 50 face masks then return them to Amy. Amy is estimating that it will take 10-15 hours to sew 50 masks from start to finish.
To provide masks for students, staff, and bus drivers, they will need at least 2,400 masks.
“If we get started now, I am hoping by August 15, we will have at least 2,000 so we can arrange for students to pick them up and be ready to get on the bus the first day of school,” said Amy. “I feel if we all do a little, we will get it done!”
Holly Hageman said, “I am very grateful to Amy and the team of volunteers who will apply their skills to make beautiful masks for students and staff so that everyone has at least one for school if state guidelines or mandates indicate that they need to be worn.”
If you are willing to help in this effort, please call Amy at 860-398-0215 or email her at Yourpersonalseamstress@gmail.com.
Wow!! This is so amazing! Thank you for being there for our kids and district!