2 March 2022

Dear Parent(s)/Guardian(s): 

As we navigate the changing mandates and guidelines related to Covid-19, our District continues to prioritize the health and safety of our students and staff, while also maintaining reasonability in balancing the Governor’s Executive Orders, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance, the New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH) guidance, and the New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE) directives.

As you know from my 7 February 2022 correspondence, beginning Monday, 7 March 2022, mask-wearing in school will be optional for our students, staff, and visitors, which is the direct result of Executive Order No. 251 being lifted by Governor Murphy. Now that families will have the decision regarding mask-wearing in school for their child(ren), it is important to review the most up-to-date Covid-19 school protocols.

While the most up-to-date NJDOH and NJDOE guidance remains unchanged, the outlined points below should provide a helpful overview, as your family makes an informed decision regarding mask-wearing for your child(ren) in our District: 

• We will continue to implement strategies to prevent the spread of Covid-19 within our schools. These strategies include encouraging hand hygiene, distancing students as much as practicable, increasing air ventilation, and maintaining our cleaning protocols.

• A student who is masked and/or vaccinated and who is to be deemed a close contact (within 3 feet for 15 minutes or more) of someone who tests positive for Covid-19 will be permitted to continue to attend school without quarantining.

• A student who is unmasked and unvaccinated and who is deemed to be a close contact (within 3 feet for 15 minutes or more) of someone who tests positive for Covid-19 will be able to return to school after Day 5 of a shortened quarantine period; however, he/she must wear a mask in school on Days 6-10. The nurse will discuss the possibility of increased Covid testing for a student to remain in school. If a family prefers not to test and/or a student not to wear a mask, then the longer 10-day quarantine period will be imposed.

• If any student tests positive for Covid-19, then he/she will be able to return to school after Day 5 of a shortened quarantine period; however, he/she must continue to wear a mask in school on Days 6-10. If a family prefers a student not to wear a mask, then the longer 10-day quarantine period will be imposed.

• A family’s choice regarding mask-wearing throughout the school day should be discussed at home. Each family knows its circumstances and dynamics best. Your family’s choice regarding mask-wearing for your child(ren) will be respected, and your child(ren) should know your expectations. Although school personnel will not be engaging in these conversations, we are always available to help and support families if needed. Simply, let us know if you would like our help.

• Our schools embrace choice in appropriate ways. Please remind your child(ren) of this important dimension to our school environment. As with all else, please understand that the teasing or ridicule of an individual’s choice regarding mask-wearing will not be tolerated and will be addressed in an age-appropriate manner. 

• If your child is transported to and/or from school on a school bus or rides a bus for a field trip, a sporting event, or an extra-curricular activity, mask-wearing will be optional since the CDC mandate was lifted. Please review your family’s choice with your child, as we recognize your choice for a bus may be different from your choice for the school day.

• It is imperative that all families continue to endorse common sense by keeping children home from school if they are sick.

Our FAQ document remains an accessible resource on our website. As we move forward, you will be informed if there any significant changes to the above guidance and/or any issued mandates.

Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask. The school nurses and principals are always available to assist you.

On behalf of the Board of Education, the principals, and the faculty and staff, I thank you for your continued calmness and trust in our work. Your support of our efforts is appreciated and recognized. We are a strong partnership!

Respectfully,

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