25 March 2020
Dear Parent(s)/Guardian(s):
Thirteen (13) days ago, I informed you that the Bergen County Executive announced all Bergen County schools would be closed for a minimum of two (2) weeks. Thirteen (13) days later, I do not have much more information regarding a re-opening date, which will be issued by Governor Murphy. However, the Bergen County Department of Education directed school districts to continue to plan in two (2)-week increments until further notice.
With that said, we will continue with e-Learning next week (3/30 – 4/3). Our dedicated and talented faculty will continue to provide for the continuity of instruction through e-Learning Activities. Our sophistication with e-Learning is sure to develop over the coming weeks, as we all gain more experience with it. That will be followed by April Break (4/6 – 4/10) when there will be no e-Learning, but we will have some activity ideas to share!
In my upcoming communications and the principals’ upcoming communications, we will be sharing information with you regarding: the cancellation of New Jersey’s standardized testing; our report card information; field trip reimbursements (we are holding on as long as possible with still ensuring full refunds); student wellness resources; and at-home spirit weeks. Nothing will thwart our creativity and spirit!
As the principals and I are working on these school items, it is imperative that during the next two (2) weeks, you and your child(ren) continue to practice social distancing –- remaining 6 feet from others. Remember, the more we do now, the sooner we will be able to return to school and our routines.
- Joining together with friends and for play-dates, inside or outside, may only cause the situation to worsen. We all need to do our part to help “flatten the curve” of this outbreak.
- You may be carrying the virus and not know it. Even if you or your child(ren) do not show symptoms of COVID-19, you could be a carrier of the virus to others. So, you can give the virus to another without being sick yourself.
Please know that, at this point, there continue to be no known cases of COVID-19 among our students, faculty, and staff. If that were to change and a case were to trace back to our District, the Health Department would notify the individuals involved and/or me, and I would, in turn, follow their directive to send notification. Continue to contact our school nurses to ask advice, as you have been doing. Ms. Lehmann (TBD) and Ms. McCarthy (CDW) continue to be available for you.
If, at any point during our school closure, you find that your child(ren) would like to talk with someone from the school, please know that we are always available. Aside from the teachers, our principals, counselors, and nurses are available to support our students. Please email any of us, and we will get back to you quickly. Also, I will be in the Board Office every day from 8:00 AM – 12 noon.
Thank you, again, to all of you for submitting letters for our New Jersey CareOne Assisted Living and Senior Living facilities. I am putting together our digital bundle at the end of the week. If you are still interested in participating, please send submissions to [email protected] by Friday, 3/27/20.
Your ongoing partnership is invaluable to us. We could not do this without you! Thank you for everything, as you are juggling so many responsibilities from home. Continue to do only what you can; it will be more than enough.
Stay healthy and safe.
Respectfully,
Danielle M. Da Giau, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools
Old Tappan Public School District