Good Evening Secaucus Families,
Due to the overwhelming number of staff members who have tested positive for COVID-19 over the last few days, in conjunction with an increasing number of positive student cases, the Secaucus School District will move to utilize the approved Emergency Virtual/Remote Instructional Plan beginning Friday, January 7, 2022 until Friday, January 14, 2022.
As stated at last night’s board meeting, we are experiencing challenges associated with faculty shortages at each school building in our district, in addition to an inefficient number of transportation and custodial staff. The principals and administrators have been covering classes and, often, combining them in large available spaces in order for the school buildings to operate. I feel that this is neither a sustainable practice going forward, nor is it educationally sound. Although I do believe these infection rates are community-driven, and few, if any, are contracting COVID-19 in our classrooms through our “no mask removal” procedures this week, we are struggling to operate our schools in a safe and effective manner when they are not adequately staffed.
Please be advised that we will revisit our situation in the district early next week to determine whether we can return to full-day instruction on Tuesday, January 18th. We will re-examine our cases and staffing issues some time next week to see if that is a feasible plan. As I do every week, I will be sending out a “District Health Report” with our positive case numbers, as well as the updated FAQ from the “Parent Communication Form” this Friday afternoon.
There will be a meal distribution for all students at each school building (Clarendon, Huber Street, and the Middle/High School) during the following dates/times:
Monday, January 10th from 1pm to 4pm - Breakfast and Lunch for Monday and Tuesday
Wednesday, January 12th from 1pm to 4pm - Breakfast and Lunch for Tuesday - Friday
These will be cold, grab-and-go meals that meet the requirements of our free lunch program, the “Seamless Summer Option”.
Students that are eligible to receive in-person Occupational and/or Physical therapy services will be able to do so at Millridge school by setting up a schedule with the therapists. For more information, please contact Mr. Viggiani, the Acting Director of Special Services at sviggiani@sboe.org.
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation during this difficult time. I wish you and your families the best of health.
Regards,
Dr. Daniela Riser
Acting Superintendent
