Dear Woodcliff Lake Families,
We hope the community is doing well and looking forward to the updated NJ COVID-19 guidance from the New Jersey Department of Health. It is encouraging that our region has now reached a CALI (Covid Activity Level Index) score of green which has created an opportunity for progress toward a return to a pre-pandemic life. The Woodcliff Lake Administrative and Health Teams have reviewed the guidance and recommendations provided to us February 22, 2022, by the New Jersey Department of Health. This new guidance is intended to provide additional information pertaining to the upcoming expiration of the statewide mask mandate in schools. We have consulted with our Board of Education, School Physician, and the Bergen County Department of Health in planning for our schools. Please read this document carefully and anticipate changes based on transmission numbers. Our goal is to ensure that our students remain healthy and in school.
Important:
- As of March 7, 2022, masks will be optional for all individuals in schools and on buses.
New Guidance:
- Masking may be required at some point in the future in the event of a school/classroom outbreak or during periods of elevated community transmission:
- Red CALI score = masks are required.
- Orange CALI score = masks will be considered based on our ability to incorporate additional layered prevention strategies and their effectiveness.
- Masks are required both indoors and outdoors (except while actively eating) for the following individuals regardless of vaccination status:
- Students who are coming back from isolation/COVID-19 on days 6-10.
- Students who are coming back from quarantine on days 6-10.
- Individuals who are unable or unwilling to wear a mask after isolation or quarantine on days 6-10 will be required to complete a full 10-day isolation/quarantine at home.
Close Contact:
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Anyone who is fully vaccinated in grades K-8 and identified as a close contact, and is not required to quarantine at home, will be required to wear a mask for a full 10 days from the date of their exposure, show proof of negative COVID test between days 5-7, and remain asymptomatic.
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Students in Pre-K who are identified as a close contact will either remain home for a full 10 days, or they may return to school on day 8 wearing a mask through day 10, provided they have tested negative for COVID-19 between days 5-7 and remain asymptomatic.
- When illness occurs in school, an individual will be required to wear a mask until leaving the school.
- Physical distancing between students will be maintained to the greatest extent practicable.
Additional Information to Consider:
- When the COVID-19 risk level of community transmission is high (Orange or Red), schools will carefully consider which activities to continue, pause, or adjust based on the risks associated. Strategies to reduce risks will be employed to ensure compliance with COVID-19 prevention recommendations.
- Hand hygiene and proper respiratory etiquette will continue to be reinforced.
- Cleaning and disinfection of high touch surfaces will continue throughout the district.
- Parents/Caregivers are required to monitor their children for signs of illness each day.
- Students who are ill and not feeling well should be kept home, and the school nurse should be contacted for guidance. This will help avoid unnecessary quarantines/isolations.
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Pre-K students who test positive for COVID-19 will isolate at home for a full 10 days due to consistent mask wearing challenges presented by this developmental stage.
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Isolation and quarantine guidelines from the January 12, 2022, community letter continue to be in effect Community Covid-19 Letter - Updated guidance 1/12/22.
The decision to wear a mask or not is a very personal choice. We ask that parents/guardians have thoughtful conversations with their children regarding their expectations for mask wearing. As a school community, we must be respectful, compassionate, and understanding of this personal decision. Teachers and staff will not be monitoring students for compliance. Additionally, harassment of any type regarding an individual's choice will not be tolerated and it is our expectation that these choices will be respected. We hope that these new guidelines will help enhance our students’ experiences as we enter into the final phase of the 2021-2022 school year.
If you have any questions or concerns, you may reach out to any member of the Administrative or Health Teams.
Sincerely,
The Woodcliff Lake School District Administrative and Health Teams
