2020-11-07-COVID-19 - Updated Information

Dear Parents/Guardians and Staff:

Over the last few days, the district has sent information regarding nine individuals from the HS who tested positive for COVID-19. We have now been informed that two other individuals from the HS have tested positive.  

It is important to note these newly-diagnosed individuals were also connected to the same outside social event.  This event, which was unaffiliated with the school district, is now connected to eight individuals with positive cases. It should be noted that seven of these individuals with positive cases were under quarantine at the time they were tested. Thanks to the tireless efforts of our administrative team and the local health officials, our contact tracing helped to identify individuals prior to them becoming symptomatic.  

This incident clearly represents an example as to why our entire community needs to remain vigilant and follow the social distancing guidelines set forth by the CDC and the DOH.  Although we have determined, in consultation with the Department of Health, that all HS activities, events, and sports can safely resume effective Saturday, November 7, 2020, we should keep in mind that 85 individuals affiliated with the HS were placed under quarantine during the time the HS was closed for in-person instruction. 

The District has and continues to follow the recommendations from the NJDOE Guidelines in The Road Back, DOH, and CDC in restructuring our school schedules and facilities in order to keep students and staff safe. In short, we cut no corners and bent no rules when it comes to the safety of our school community. However, we cannot control what takes place off school grounds and we ask for the community to follow the procedures set forth in the guidelines that have been included on our website and prior communications to assist us in keeping our school community healthy and safe.  

 
As a reminder, anyone involved or determined to be in close contact has been notified and quarantined.  Therefore, as of this writing, the HS as well as all schools in the district are scheduled to be open on Monday, November 9th for in-person instruction. 

Stay well.

Sincerely,

Dr. Thomas Ficarra
Interim Superintendent of Schools