UPDATE : SNOW DAY 1/3/22
Dear Millstone Families,
I am sure the decision to reopen schools tomorrow has been met with jubilation among some families and trepidation among others. Please know that this is not a decision that has been taken lightly. It has been made with input from medical advisors and other superintendents along with guidance from the Department of Health and the Department of Education. Based on this input and guidance, the district has recommended that teachers take additional precautions to try to slow in-school spread, reduce the number of close contacts, and keep our schools open.
As a result of increased vigilance with safety protocols, your children may experience a few changes when they return to their classrooms. The district will try to maximize social distancing whenever possible, which is three feet when students are masked and six feet when they are not. That may mean that circle time, carpet activities, small group instruction, etc. are reduced or temporarily suspended. Classroom seating arrangements may also be adjusted to limit proximity until the number of positive cases subsides. In addition, teachers in the lower grades may also adjust snack schedules and/or go outdoors for snack time if/when the weather permits. To assist our mitigation efforts, please reinforce with your children the importance of wearing their masks correctly when around others.
Regarding quarantines and isolation periods, the CDC has yet to apply the recently revised isolation and quarantine timeframes for the general population to specialized settings such as schools. As a result, the NJ Department of Education has recommended that schools continue to follow the existing guidance that was in place prior to winter break until further notice. These timeframes are: 10 days of isolation for infected individuals and 10 days of quarantine for in-school close contacts which can be reduced to 7 seven days with a negative PCR test. Close contacts among members of the same household, however, must continue to quarantine for 14 days as COVID has been shown to spread quite consistently among household members. As per the CDC, fully vaccinated individuals are not required to quarantine as close contacts. Notification will be sent regarding updates to this guidance, and the related district protocols, if/when changes occur.
Please remember to screen your child(ren) in the morning for any COVID or cold-like symptoms. If any symptoms are present, please keep your child at home and contact his or her primary care physician for further guidance. Also, please understand that these plans for in-person learning may change on short notice if outbreaks occur among classes, grade-levels, or schools. As always, your continued patience and flexibility during these uncertain times is much appreciated.
Sincerely,
Dr. Chris Huss
Superintendent of Schools
#Proud2bMillstone
P.S. There is a possibility for snow tomorrow morning which may require a delayed opening or school closure depending on the severity and timing. The situation will be monitored throughout the evening and early morning; and notice will be made via robo-call, if any schedule changes become necessary.
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