Superintendent's Update 3/6/2020
Dear Lawrence Families:
As information about the coronavirus continues to dominate the news, I want to reassure you that, as always, the safety of our students and staff is our top priority. We are closely monitoring the spread of COVID-19. At this time, two cases tested positive in New Jersey. There are no known cases in our area.
First and foremost, all our actions are guided by the local, state and federal health authorities who are the experts in keeping our communities safe from public health threats. We monitor the agencies’ guidance daily and are in particularly close contact with our local health department.
We are taking extra precautions when cleaning our facilities to limit the spread of germs. Commonly touched areas are given special attention.
We are developing contingency plans so we are ready to respond if widespread illness causes greater impacts, such as school closures. Our administrative team met last night and continued planning ways learning can continue in the event we should close.
We received a communication from the New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE) late yesterday. The broadcast gives guidelines, although vague, on what home instruction would count toward a district’s 180-day attendance requirement during a public-health related and directed school closure. We are hoping to get more guidance today.
There is no talk of closing our district at this time. Additionally, there are no plans to limit field trips or cancel events. However, issues surrounding this virus change rapidly. In the event of closures or cancellations, we will contact you via our notification system and as we do for snow days. Thus, as always, it is extremely important that we have your accurate contact information. Contact your school’s main office if you are not sure how to change your information within Genesis.
Although the spread of COVID-19 appears to have started in China, it is important to remember that Coronavirus infection is not connected to any race, ethnicity, or nationality. We should not make assumptions about a student’s or staff member’s risk of illness based on any of these factors. Misinformation about coronavirus can create fear and hostility that harms people and makes it harder to keep everyone healthy.
If you are traveling out of the United States, please contact your school nurse prior to your child’s returning to school to discuss your child’s re-entry into our district.
We will continue to keep you informed as things change. In the meantime, continue to follow the guidelines we routinely emphasize as with other respiratory illnesses:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after coughing or sneezing.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Stay home while you are sick and avoid close contact with others.
- Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze and throw away tissues.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces.
It is natural to feel apprehensive when facing a challenge like this one. We understand that you are concerned and encourage you to be well informed. Below are a couple resources to help you do that. Thank you for working with us to keep everyone healthy.
Ross Kasun
Superintendent
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019- ncov/index.html
New Jersey Department of Health https://www.nj.gov/health/cd/topics/ncov.shtml