March 6, 2020
Dear EB/WR School Community Member:
The New Jersey Department of Education has released requirements regarding a potential health-related (COVID-19) school closure.
The guidance emphasizes that the most important thing for schools to do now is plan and prepare
. The NJDOE communication states, “schools may be asked to close preemptively or reactively, therefore schools should be making plans for what to do if there are recommendations for closing schools or cancelling events."
As a proactive measure, Principal Kirkby and Principal Stokes met with all teachers this morning. Staff members are beginning to prepare for these potential school closures. Should the closures happen, there would be direct communication on how students can complete work and get “credit” for these “virtual” school days.
Students in the upper grades with their own 1:1 laptop computer would be communicated with directly by their teacher and assignments would be completed through Schoology, Google Classroom, and various links and websites. Students are already familiar with their online textbooks, as well.
Students in the lower grades, would receive a combination of work through online links/activities, as well as work sent directly home with them ahead of time (packets). If and when you start to see these packets arrive at home, please do not have your child start work on them, they should be saved for any virtual school days. Links /activities would be communicated through teacher emails, posted on teacher websites, or distributed through mass email.
All related service accommodations and modifications would be made to the best of our ability, with the help of our special education teachers. It is important to note that they have been collaborating with the general education staff, in order to meet the needs of all learners. Also, all of our special area teachers would additionally provide online resources for students.
Our staff will continue to organize these materials so that we are prepared, should the need arise for school closures.
We thank you, in advance, for your help as we navigate this unusual situation occurring well beyond our school community.
For those of you with children at PRHS, Mr. Lederman will be meeting with his faculty on Monday after-school and a similar email to all MS/HS parents/guardians will follow.
As always, please feel free to reach out with any questions or concerns.
Sincerely,
Robert M. Gamper, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools
