• Today is the last day we will conduct temperature screenings at all schools. Starting tomorrow, the only safety protocol that will remain in place is the need for a face covering (Executive Order No. 175). This includes all students and staff who are working/attending the ESY program and Summer Owl Academy, which start on July 6^th at PRHS. If at any point in the future the mask mandate is lifted, I will inform the school community immediately;

• Once again, our schools will be under construction for most of the summer. EB and WR will have their hallway ceilings (asbestos abatement) and lighting replaced. Please note that WR will be closed to all staff and visitors from June 28th to July 15th. The same applies to EB from July 14th to July 29th. At PRHS, the last four (4) bathrooms are being renovated and all hallway ceilings and lighting are being replaced in the entire building. The high school will remain open during this time, however, certain areas might be closed due to the construction. Lastly, approximately twenty (20) classrooms in the district will be upgraded to new LED lighting, which will include ceiling replacements. Yes, Mr. Lepore and his team will be very busy;

• All indications are that we will conduct a normal opening of school in September. Full days, regular schedule, cafeteria service at PRHS … pre-pandemic norms. Of course, we will follow any new directives from state and local officials, but you should start planning on life in the PRSD as we knew it. The only variable that is yet to be determined is the future of the mask mandate. I am thinking Governor Murphy will make masks in schools optional, but only time will tell;

• On July 1^st, two new administrators are starting their journey in Owlville. Steve Fiedeldey will be our new Director of Special Programs and Student Services. He comes to us from the Ringwood School District with a wealth of knowledge in the area of student and staff wellness and mental health. Also, please keep an eye out for Dave Tashian, the new Assistant Principal at PRHS. Dave is leaving the Ridgewood School District to work with students and faculty at the high school. Please join me in welcoming both of these administrators to the district. They already have a Park Ridge email address, so feel free to reach out if you need to contact them.