Dear Parents: As we are entering the second month of school, I would like to thank all of you for your hard work in helping our students, staff, and community return to full in-person schooling. Our first month of school has been very positive as a result of the efforts of our staff in making our schools warm and inviting. As we enter the Week of Respect, we encourage all of our students to participate in this week’s activities. Participating in these events solidifies our sense of community. It also helps our students engage with other students and staff to make a more comfortable climate and culture within our schools.

As you may not be aware, the district must start COVID-19 testing for unvaccinated staff members starting October 18th. We have opted into the free state testing program for this requirement. We have been informed by the N.J. Department of Education that the company doing the testing for our region is Mirimus. As we are awaiting further details on the testing protocols to start COVID19 testing, we have also opted to allow parents to have unvaccinated students randomly tested each week. Our premise for this decision is to support our ongoing efforts to ensure a safe and healthy school environment. Once we have all of the testing protocols and forms set, we will send them out to you in a separate email. Please consider signing your child up for this testing program to ensure that we have the safest and healthiest school environment for our students and staff.

After the first month of school, we have had some issues with parents who have sent children to school while awaiting COVID-19 test results. If you are awaiting COVID-19 test results, do not send your child to school. We are reiterating to all parents that if your child is not feeling well, please do not send your child to school. Again, COVID-19 compatible symptoms are similar to the flu and other illnesses. Please be diligent in checking your child each day for symptoms. Our hope is that parents elect to have their children participate in our testing program. This will help all of us detect COVID-19 as well as keep our schools open this year.

Lastly, if your child is vaccinated and has not provided proof of vaccination, please send in copies of proof of vaccination to your school nurse. We hope this information will help all of you feel safe in school and demonstrate the intent of the district to ensure everyone’s safety. Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.

Truly,

Daniel Gallagher, Ed.D. Superintendent of Schools