|
December 21, 2021
Dear School Community Member:
Good evening. I hope this note finds you healthy and preparing for the upcoming holiday season. The month of December is an exciting time to work in the district, especially since we were able to enjoy so many of our usual traditions and celebrations. If only there was some snow in the forecast ...
Unfortunately, the number of COVID-19 cases is on the rise in New Jersey and in Park Ridge. Yesterday, we were informed of eight (8) cases at the high school. Earlier in the school year we completed contact tracing on multiple cases in sixth grade at both EB and WR. It is important to note that there is no evidence of in-school transmission in any of our buildings. A large majority of these cases were from the same household and/or linked to an event outside of school.
As we move forward after the holiday recess, we expect the number of COVID-19 cases in our schools to increase. With that in mind, please be advised of the following:
-
COVID-19 Positive - Any student or staff member who tests positive for COVID-19 must quarantine for 10 days from the onset of symptoms or the positive test. A doctor's note is not required to return to in-person instruction and extra-curricular activities;
-
Close Contacts - Any student or staff member who is unvaccinated (or has tested positive within 90 days) and is a close contact to a COVID-19 positive individual must quarantine for 10 days (or 7 days with negative test results collected at 5-7 days - PCR or Antigen);
-
Home Based Testing - According to the 12/15/21 NJDOH Guidance for K-12 Schools, home based test kits may not be used to determine if a symptomatic individual can return to school or shorten the quarantine from 10 to 7 days;
-
Vaccinated Individuals - Any student or staff member who is fully vaccinated and a close contact to a positive individual does not need to quarantine, but should monitor for symptoms. Along these lines, please inform the school nurse of your child's vaccination status. This will help keep students in school for instruction and athletics;
-
"Test and Stay" - Recently, there have been some headlines regarding a "Test and Stay" option for close contacts who are unvaccinated. We are still waiting for more information from the NJDOH on how this will be implemented, but please rest assured that we will take advantage of every opportunity we are given to keep children and staff members in school;
-
COVID Compatible Symptoms - Lastly, and most importantly, please do not send a sick child to school. Individuals who are sick will need a negative test (PCR or Antigen) to return to school based on the guidance below:
-
For school settings, the NJDOH recommends that students with the following symptoms be promptly isolated from others and excluded from school:
- At least two of the following symptoms: fever (measure or subjective), chills, rigors (shivers), myalgia (muscle aches), headache, sore throat, nausea or vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue, congestion or runny nose;
- OR At least one of the following symptoms: cough, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, new olfactory disorder, new taste disorder.
In closing, with the availability of vaccinations for all of our students we are in a much better position this year to keep children in school. I know the next few months will be challenging, but we will work together to keep students and staff members healthy.
I hope you can safely enjoy the recess with family and friends.
Happy holidays!
Sincerely,
Robert M. Gamper, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools
| 
