January 3, 2022
Dear Parents and Guardians,
As you may be aware, our State, Region, and County is experiencing an increase in positive COVID-19 cases. This increase has caused eleven of 21 counties to turn “red” on the NJ Department of Health’s Weekly COVID-19 Report. As of this writing, Warren County is one of the eleven that has turned “red.” Unlike last year, turning “red” does not mean schools need to or should pivot to remote instruction. Upon turning “red,” the NJ DOH issued further guidance for schools, which can be found under NJ DOH Guidance for Schools. Furthermore, the Warren County DOH does not recommend virtual learning for schools at the present time.
As we opened our school today after the Christmas break, it is critical that we continue to implement our mitigation measures with dependability from all, so we can remain healthy and continue with in-person learning.
- DO continue to emphasize mask-wearing, hand washing, and social distancing with your child. Please make sure your child attends school with a mask each day.
- Screen your child daily for symptoms. DO NOT send your child to school if they are experiencing ANY symptoms of illness. This is true for both vaccinated and unvaccinated students; COVID related or not, i.e., flu, common cold, fever, vomiting, etc.
- Contact the school nurse if your child does develop symptoms of any type.
- If someone in your household has COVID-19 symptoms or is being tested for COVID-19, do not send unvaccinated students to school and please contac:t the school nurse immediately.
- If your child has received the COVID-19 vaccine. please provide proof for our records and DOH data.
- If you have any questions, please contact the school nurse at 908-995-1999 ext. 109
Regarding quarantine timeframes, the CDC has announced changes recently. If your child has been vaccinated and exposed to someone who has COVID they are to quarantine for a minimum of 5 days. If your child is unvaccinated and exposed to someone who has COVID they are to quarantine for 10 days. In either scenario a negative test is desirable before returning to school. Mask wearing will remain in effect.
Based on current recommendations and guidance, which change with regularity, we will maintain in person learning. Please know that increases in cases creates a fluid situation, and if necessary, we will pivot to remote instruction when we are directed to do so or if we have a staffing shortage that prevents us from providing proper instruction and supervision. Until that time, all students are required to attend school.
I thank you, once again, for your ongoing patience and flexibility. I wish you and your family a happy and healthy 2022!
Dr. Randy Pratt
Executive Director