12 May 2020

Dear Parent(s)/Guardian(s):

Unbelievably, we are in the ninth week of our school closure, and, including this week, there are six (6) weeks remaining until the end of the school year. Harnessed by a true spirit of partnership, we will continue to work together, embrace what lies ahead, and keep smiling. Click HERE to view Keep Smiling: We’re Old Tappan Proud!, a District video that was created and produced by a couple of our talented Grade 8 OTBN (Old Tappan Broadcasting Network) crewmembers. Enjoy!

At last night’s Board of Education Meeting, a revised 2019-2020 school calendar was approved and is now issued for the remainder of this school year. The two (2) unused emergency closing days have been returned in June, and due to the unexpected circumstances this year, the Board decided to adjust our usual 182-school day year to 180 school days. With this adjustment, our District will still meet the New Jersey minimum requirement established for public schools of 180 school days. Our last school day will be Friday, 19 June 2020.

HERE  is the revised 2019-2020 school year calendar for your reference.

Typically, the last two days of school are early dismissal days for students. In this e-learning landscape, the teachers and principals will plan for small close-out activities, on these final days, which will celebrate a most unusual academic year.

We are working diligently on plans to commemorate the milestones of Grade 4 Crossing Over and Grade 8 Graduation. As we solidify alternate plans for Grade 4 Crossing Over and Grade 8 Graduation, we will share them with you. In addition to virtual ceremonies, we are hoping to celebrate these milestones in postponed in-person ceremonies, but future guidelines will dictate when in-person ceremonies will become possibilities.

We continue to think through the plans for the following: CDW locker clean-out/item pick-up, TBD desk clean-out/item pick-up, emotional re-connections with classrooms and teachers, and a no-fee Summer Skill-Booster Program. As Mr. O'Neill, Ms. Boyce, and I have been doing, we will share information with you as details are confirmed.

Thank you for your continued support, ongoing feedback, and encouraging positivity. None of us could do this alone. Continue to do only what you can and know that we are always here to help you.

Stay healthy and strong.

Respectfully,

Danielle M. Da Giau, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools
Old Tappan Public School District