June is here . It is the month that heralds in the excitement of the closing of the school year, field days, graduations , and celebrations. Although some events have been canceled and others are in a different format or venue, the accomplishments of our entire school community are even greater this year. Since March 13 we have worked together to find a way to keep learning– academic, social, and emotional– going strong. There have been more successes than failures , but through it all we have worked together for the good of the students. I applaud the Board of Education, the administrators , the supervisors, the faculty and the staff for their efforts. I am most appreciative of the cooperation and partnership of parents and the entire community. I am very proud of our students. They have worked hard and stayed strong during these trying times . So as the school year begins to wind down,my message to the students is to finish on a high note. . Maximize the learning opportunities presented each day and take time to celebrate your accomplishments !
I want to clarify some confusion that may have been caused by the announcement that the District will be managing the Before and After Care program offered for students in grades K-6 in 2020-2021. For many years that program was offered by the YMCA . Beginning next year, It will be a program managed by the Board of Education. In the near future, information for registering students for Before and After care will be distributed. We have already sent out a registration for the subscription/ courtesy bus . We need to be prepared for school opening in September; however, a decision on how school will reopen has not yet been made.
There are currently six regional committees working within the Department of Education to assess and plan for reopening in the fall. There are four task forces being formed in Bergen County with the same mission . In District ,we had a committee of administrators , supervisors, and teachers conduct a preliminary study regarding reopening. Once. guidelines are established on the state and county level, we will expand the District committee to include more stakeholders to plan our reopening. It is too early to speculate on how school will reopen in the fall. There are many moving parts that have to be in sync. There is the ever changing data to consider. How schools reopen will not be a local decision. So direction from Trenton will need to be followed and fit into a plan that works for us. Opening day for teachers and staff is 91 days away. Students would follow six days later. The next month will be filled with meetings, research, and consultation to come up with a plan that focuses on the health and safety of the students and staff, follows all state requirements and direction, and meets the educational needs of our students. Once again I ask for your patience and cooperation.
I will update the community as information and plans begin to take shape. .
Regards,
Jack Hurley