Dear Ramsey and Saddle River Communities:
It’s Emotional Wellness Month and tonight is our next “Let’s Talk Mental Health” virtual event with guest Catherine Krame, co-founder of The Krame Center for Mindful Living. Ms. Krame will be sharing very specific tips for parents. Please register before joining us at 8 p.m. to learn about mental health, the stigmas that surround it, and how to support yourself and your children! https://bit.ly/2H5EkC0
As I mentioned in my last email, now that we have experienced a hybrid educational experience, we believe we can increase the amount of time that students spend in the classroom. We have never stood still during any part of my time here, and we’re not going to start now. However, we are also mindful that the pandemic is not over, and individual schools and/or entire districts may be required to transition to all-remote learning at a day’s notice. Thus, we need to contemplate this change with input from our stakeholders.
Dr. Matteo and I have met already with all teachers and administrators to ask for their input. These experts have been working tirelessly under very difficult circumstances and doing a marvelous job. I am very proud to work alongside them. Next, we are going to meet with student representatives. On Friday, it will be your turn to give feedback. We are going to ask for a quick turnaround so we bring all of this information to the District Restart Committee for a thorough discussion. My hope is that any changes will be implemented by mid-November. Watch your email inbox for instructions by the end of this week.
The safety protocols in our schools are working and everyone is adhering to them – THANK YOU. But COVID-19 does not disappear when students leave our buildings. We had six confirmed cases, we closed the high school temporarily, and multiple individuals were required to quarantine. When cases are confirmed, Hackensack University Medical Center’s Health Awareness Regional Program (HARP) and the Ramsey Board of Health begin a “look back” process that asks, among many things, “With whom have you been less than 6 feet apart for more than 10 minutes?” Our experience has taught us that it does not matter if you were wearing a mask at the time or if you were inside or outside. You will be directed to quarantine. This is something to consider when making certain choices.
Even one case can have a huge impact on staffing and our ability to open a school for live instruction. Please think about keeping your child home if he or she has been tested. I know it may take a few days to get results, but testing was done for a reason. Consider erring on the side of caution for everyone’s sake.
Communication is Key
It is critical that parents keep the school in the loop when it comes to COVID-19. If you get a positive test result, let your child’s school know ASAP.
You will be asked to put together a list of individuals with whom the individual has had close contact (less than 6 feet apart for more than 10 minutes). Please be thorough! HARP and the Board of Health need a complete list. For the schools, this impacts staffing and cohorts. An incomplete list will slow the process and could put all of us in jeopardy.
We want this endeavor to work, however, it won’t be sustainable if we don’t follow the protocols and people are not honest. It may sound tough, but we will need to be as diligent as possible as colder weather arrives and we all spend more time indoors.
Yes, we’re entering what my daughters refer to as sweater weather, which I refer to as football season. However, since our region’s professional teams are a combined, dismal 0-10, I may just look to see if I still have any Benetton sweaters in my closet. The good news is our Ramsey High School football team is undefeated! An optimistic spirit like that drives our vision for the district. It has not ended because of COVID-19, and, in fact, we are moving forward with our award-winning curriculum and programs. Please take a few minutes to learn about some of the great things happening in our district. We are determined to achieve excellence, and I defy anyone who thinks otherwise.
Sincerely,
Matthew J. Murphy, Ed. D.
Superintendent of Schools
