March 10, 2020
Dear Ramsey and Saddle River Families,
As information surrounding the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to evolve, Ramsey is preparing for any potential impact on our learning community. We are being proactive in our approach to cleaning and planning for online instruction. We continue to partner with local public health authorities, update response plans, and share what we know. Until further notice, all athletic competitions, co-curricular, and curricular based trips, proms, and other programs will be allowed to go on. Of course, if the situation dictates it, we will cancel. As of now, we are not planning to disrupt schooling by preemptively closing the District.
The recent guidance from the Department of Education regarding the statutory 180-day requirement noted that “online instruction and other means developed by the district to meet the needs of its students: will be permitted to count towards the 180-day requirement when: (1) it is part of a preparedness plan approved by the Executive County Superintendent; (2) it meets the home instruction requirements of N.J.A.C. 6A:16-10.1 (6A); and (3) closure was initiated pursuant to “a written directive from either the NJDOH or health officer of the jurisdiction”.
As of now, state guidelines do not give a specific length of time students will need to participate in instruction or schoolwork. They require “a length of time sufficient to continue the student’s academic progress,” depending on their ability to participate.
In the event that local health conditions and/or the government mandates the closing of our schools, we are working on a plan to provide continuity of instruction and services.
PreK-3
Due to age, PreK-3, resources will be emailed home to the parents and posted on the schools’ website. Ideally, these resources will also be sent home in hard copy if time allows.
Grades 4-12
In Grades 4-12, the district is well equipped to deliver instruction remotely as teachers in these grades regularly utilize Schoology, our online Learning Management System, and other web-based tools to deliver class resources/activities, and assessments with great results. In the event of a mandated extended closure, teachers will continue to utilize these tools to design an online learning experience for students. We are confident that our long experience with instructional technology will benefit us at this time.
Special Education and Related Services
We will make every effort to meet the requirements for teacher-student contact time for students with disabilities via distance learning. Student progress will be monitored and feedback provided online by special education teachers when appropriate, with the opportunity to communicate directly during scheduled times. Related service providers will email resources/activities home and will be available for consultation during school hours. Upon returning to school, the IEP team will determine if additional services are required. Understanding that the closure of schools does not eliminate the support our students need from counselors, our guidance teams will be available via email and Google Hangout throughout the period of remote learning.
Food Services
The District is finalizing a plan with Chartwells Food Service to continue our free and/or reduced lunch program for qualified students. Details will be shared directly with those families.
Athletic and Extracurricular Activities
Unless otherwise directed by the Department of Education/Health and the NJSIAA, in the event of a mandated school closure, all athletic events and extracurricular activities (including field trips) will be canceled.
What can you do in the meantime?
Very simple, everyday actions can help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses like traditional influenza and Coronavirus. These include:
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
- If soap and water are not available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
If you are sick, reduce the risk of spreading respiratory illness to others:
- Stay home when you are sick; keep children home when they are sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
I want to close by thanking you for your understanding and for working with us. We are taking this very seriously. These are unprecedented times, but as I mentioned earlier, I am confident that like with other challenges, we will get through this together.
Very truly yours,
Matthew J. Murphy, Ed. D.
Superintendent of Schools
Ramsey Public Schools
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Talking to Children about Coronavirus
Tips for Caregivers, Parents and Teachers
Coping with Stress During Disease Outbreak
For any questions or concerns regarding COVID-19, call the New Jersey Department of Health’s 24-hour hotline at 1-800-222-1222.
For the most up to date information, please visit:
