15 June 2020
Dear Parent(s)/Guardian(s):
This certainly is a year-end that none of us hopes ever to repeat. However, despite the challenges, it will be forever memorable in its own way. Since mid-March, one constant remains: the support of our remarkable community anchors our schools and will support us going forward. We are so fortunate to have each other.
The Old Tappan School District, along with all other Bergen County and New Jersey schools, are planning for the return to school in September for the 2020-2021 school year. Depending on the directive from Governor Murphy and the New Jersey Department of Education, our District is pre-planning for three possible scenarios: 1.) a regular return with in-person classes; 2.) a hybrid model with in-person classes and e-learning; and 3.) e-learning only. We want to be prepared for whatever directive we eventually receive. Therefore, our District is conducting “Your Voice Matters” surveys to gather input from all of our families, our students (Grades 2-8), and our teachers regarding their experiences during the school closure, which will help us inform our planning.
The links to our District’s “Your Voice Matters” surveys are below. Please take the time to let us know your thoughts. The surveys will close at 11:59 PM on 23 June 2020.
On Friday, Governor Murphy and the NJ Department of Education issued notification that, at this point, schools are able to conduct in-person summer programs, with adherence to guidelines that include social distancing and wearing masks. Within the family-version of our “Your Voice Matters” survey, there is an interest-question about participation in a no-fee, in-person Summer Skill-Booster Program in August in our schools. It is important that you answer this question so that we get a gauge on the volume of families interested in participating in this type of summer program.
As we close out this unusual school year, the principals' communications include information about the collection of student materials, the return of school materials, and the return of borrowed Chromebooks. Although we are trying to make these processes as streamlined as possible, they still may seem overwhelming. Please do not hesitate to contact either school’s Main Office for help.
Even though this school year is coming to close, you will continue to hear from me throughout the upcoming weeks and summer months. In addition to posting the highlights of the findings from our “Your Voice Matters” surveys, there will be ongoing OT Connections sessions offered for wellness support, and I will be sharing re-opening information with you as it becomes available to me throughout the summer months.
The teachers, principals, and I look forward to seeing you at this week's good-bye wave parades. We hope you enjoy the virtual-editions of our milestone events, as well. Thank you for your strong and continuous partnership with our school community!
Respectfully,
Danielle M. Da Giau, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools
Old Tappan Public School District