Glen Ridge Public Schools

Glen Ridge School Community:

Earlier this week, we received notification from the New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH) announcing the adoption of new quarantine guidelines for schools. The administrative team and the school nurses have spent a significant amount of time sorting through the protocols and their implications for our schools.

The updated recommendations for school settings from the NJ Department of Health can be found here: NJDOH Revised School Guidance for Isolation-Quarantine.pdf. Highlights of the changes are posted below:

 

Isolation for Positive Test and Symptomatic Individuals

1. Persons who test positive for COVID-19 and are symptomatic or persons with COVID-19 symptoms who weren’t tested or who are waiting for test results:

Isolate for FIVE full days (Day 0 is the first day of symptoms).

• If asymptomatic on Day 5, return to school on Day 6;

• If symptomatic on Day 5, remain isolated until symptoms resolve for at least 24 hours.

2. Persons who test positive for COVID-19 but have no symptoms

Isolate for FIVE full days (Day 0 is the day of the positive viral test):

• If asymptomatic on Day 5, return to school on Day 6;

• If symptoms develop within one week of the positive test, the 5-day isolation period starts over with Day 0 being the first day of symptoms.

 

Additional Precautions for Days 6-10

• Students need to wear a well-fitted mask (indoors and outdoors) through Day 10. Students who cannot wear a mask when around others should stay home and isolate themselves from other people for a full ten days.

• Avoid travel for ten full days.

• Avoid high-risk activities (unable to wear a mask) for ten full days. Students coming off isolation will have lunch separated at least six feet from other students. Lunch may occur in a separate area depending on the number of cases in the building.

 

Close Contacts of a Positive Case

Do Not Need to Quarantine If:

1. Fully Vaccinated and Asymptomatic -

   • • For individuals 18 years old or older, defined as completed primary vaccination + booster if eligible.

     • For individuals 5-17 years old, defined as completed primary vaccination.

2. Individuals who had confirmed COVID-19 within the last 90 days.

* Recommended to get tested at least five days after the last close contact

 

Quarantine If Not Fully Vaccinated

• Quarantine for at least FIVE days (Day 0 through Day 5) after the last close contact with a person who has COVID-19. The date of the exposure is considered Day 0.

• If COVID-19 symptoms develop, get tested (PCR) and follow isolation recommendations.

• If asymptomatic through Day 5, can return on Day 6;

 

Additional Precautions for Days 6-10

• Students need to wear a well-fitted mask (indoors and outdoors) through Day 10. Students who cannot wear a mask when around others should continue to quarantine themselves for a full ten days.

• Monitor for symptoms for ten days after last close contact.

• Avoid travel for ten full days.

• Avoid high-risk activities (unable to wear a mask) for ten full days. Students coming off isolation will have lunch separated at least six feet from other students. Lunch may occur in a separate area depending on the number of cases in the building.

• Recommended getting tested at least five days after the last close contact.

 

The new protocols are now in effect. Students and staff currently in quarantine or isolation should not report to school until their building principal or school nurse notifies them. Building principals will be communicating the lunch protocols.

 

Additionally, Governor Murphy has extended the school mask mandate. Please be advised that the District intends to require masks on school premises regardless of any State mandate while the region's CALI level is at a High or Very High-risk level.

Please continue to report students who test positive for COVID-19 or who have COVID-like symptoms to your school nurse. Virtual Instruction will be provided for students who are isolated or quarantined.

We appreciate your patience as we begin to implement these new procedures.

 

Be safe!

Sincerely,

Dirk Phillips

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January 5, 2022

During the past two days, we have been notified of additional individuals, both staff and students, who have tested positive or are waiting for test results. In order to continue a level of in-person instruction while prioritizing the safety of students and staff, the District will be moving to an abbreviated schedule for the week of January 3, eliminating lunch and recess.

The abbreviated schedule will reduce the possibility of individual transmission by eliminating lunch, the time when students are at the highest risk. The schedule change also allows our elementary school students to be properly supervised during the school day. The schools will be short-staffed, and providing supervision during lunch and recess would have been difficult.

The arrival and dismissal times for the schools are listed below:

 

School Start Time - Dismissal time

CS/FAS/LAS

8:40am - 12:55pm

RAS

8:30am - 1:02pm

GRHS

8:00am - 12:40pm

 

The building principals will send out a detailed bell schedule to their parents. Before and After Care will be available for families who registered for the service. The police department has been informed so that the crossing guards will be on duty during these times.

We recognize the value of in-person student learning, but we must also acknowledge the critical need to ensure the safety and well-being of our students and staff.

We appreciate your patience, cooperation, understanding, and support as our school community navigates this unique and evolving situation. Updates will be sent throughout the coming week.

 

Sincerely,

Dirk Phillips

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Glen Ridge School Community,

As the end of the December break approaches, I want to provide an update relating to the pandemic. We plan to reopen the District for in-person instruction on January 3rd. We will continue to follow NJDOH guidelines and remain in contact with our local DOH about the current health conditions.

Covid Cases

The positivity rate is at its highest to date, and a significant number of Covid cases have been reported within the District since the start of the December break. The administrators and school nurses have been checking their emails periodically and reaching out to families as needed during the holidays. Please be patient and respectful of our nurses and the extremely difficult job they must do. They will likely be very busy as we transition back into school next week.

Schools: New Cases since Dec, 24

Central School: 1

Linden Avenue School: 5

Forest Avenue School: 7

Ridgewood Avenue School: 18

Glen Ridge High School: 38

 

Glen Ridge:

Dec. 1: 481

Dec 29: 684

State:

CALI Report. Quarantine requirements are no longer based on the specific region's risk level.

 

Quarantines

School districts continue to operate under the quarantine guidelines of the NJDOH. Currently, the guidelines include a ten-day quarantine for individuals who test positive for Covid-19. Unvaccinated close contacts are required to quarantine for ten (10) days but may return on the 8th day with a negative test result.

 

The CDC has released new quarantine guidelines CDC Quarantine Guidelines. The CDC is currently updating guidance documents for specific settings, including schools, to consider how updated isolation and quarantine timeframes should be applied in these settings. NJDOH will review and/or update N.J. guidance for schools once the CDC guidance is released.

 

Students who have tested positive or are unvaccinated close contacts should not report to school until the building principal or school nurse has provided the parent a return to school date.

Live-stream instruction will be provided to students who are quarantined for a positive test result and to unvaccinated close contacts. The school nurse or building principal will notify staff of students receiving live-stream instruction. Primary school personnel will need twenty-four hours to arrange live-stream instruction. RAS and GRHS are able to provide live-stream instruction by the next school day.

Testing

Parents are strongly encouraged to have their children tested before school reopens on January 3. Testing sites are available throughout the county, and results are typically available within thirty-six hours. Covid tests can be scheduled at Essex County Office of Health.

 

Vaccination

Students between 5-11 years old became eligible for the vaccine two months ago, and since then, the District has collected proof of student vaccination. We have received vaccination proof from 61% of this student population.

 

A survey was sent to high school parents before the start of the school year. The survey indicated that 91% of the high school students were vaccinated. So far, we have collected vaccination proof for 64% of the high school students.

The State mandated that school personnel be vaccinated or undergo weekly Covid-19 testing. 94% of our staff is vaccinated.

 

Masks

Masks are an essential component of maintaining safety protocols. Individuals on school premises are required to wear masks with limited exceptions. The local DOH recommends that when cloth masks are worn, they should be at least two layers thick. The school district will be reinforcing our mask expectations with the students. For additional information, please see the CDC guide Mask Guidelines.

 

Our building administrators will be adjusting procedures to increase distancing when possible. The District will also limit after-school activities while the region is at the Very-High Risk level. We ask that parents reinforce our safety protocols with their children and keep children home if they are ill or potentially exposed. Please reach out to your children’s school nurses with any questions or updates.

Thank you for your continued partnership.

Have a Happy and Healthy New Year,

Dirk Phillips

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Since the start of the December break, the District has received a number of reports of new Covid cases. We appreciate parents notifying the school nurse and building principal when there is a positive test result. It is essential that we have accurate information as we prepare for the reopening of the schools.

Students who have tested positive or have been in close contact are not to report to school until the school has established a return to school date based on quarantine requirements. The school nurse or building administrator will reach out to parents about a return to school date.

Please email your child’s school nurse and principal if your child tests positive.

An email will be sent later this week providing an update on the District’s pandemic situation.

Sincerely,

Dirk Phillips

December 23, 2021

Glen Ridge School Community,

I want to thank the school community for working with the District to manage the pandemic. NJDOH protocols were recently updated, and I expect we will receive additional updates concerning the mask mandate, which expires January 11th; the implementation of the Test and Stay pilot program; and the need to combat new variants.

Like most other districts, we have experienced an uptick in new cases recently. In the past two days, thirteen (13) new cases were reported; seven at Ridgewood Avenue School and six at Glen Ridge High School. Many of those new cases involve individuals already in quarantine for close contact exposure, as well as individuals who had positive family members. The increased numbers locally and statewide are a reminder to everyone to remain vigilant in practicing safety protocols.

We ask that parents keep the school informed of any new cases during the break by emailing their children’s school nurses and building administrators. We will monitor the numbers and consult with our health officials throughout the vacation. Right now we intend to reopen for in-person instruction on January 3rd, but reopening will be dependent on the conditions at that time. Prior to closing any school building(s) due to COVID-19 outbreaks, districts must consult their local health departments. This consultation determines whether or not closure is the most appropriate response to the circumstances in a given school building.

Before returning to school, we strongly recommend that your child be tested for COVID-19. Regular testing, in addition to COVID-19 vaccination, is a safe and effective way to help prevent the spread of the virus, help keep our schools open for in-person instruction, and allow your children to participate in co-curricular activities.

Thank you to the parents who have shared their children’s vaccination information with the schools. We ask that you complete the previously sent Google Form as your children become fully vaccinated. Proof of student vaccination is extremely helpful to our nurses as they do contact tracing.

 

Have a Healthy and Peaceful Holiday Season,

Dirk Phillips

December 21, 2021

Glen Ridge School Community,

The District has been notified of six (6) new positive Covid-19 cases. One case is at Linden Avenue School and five at Glen Ridge High School. We are working closely with our local health department, following our contact tracing protocols, and informing our school members who had close contact with the individuals.

Parents should contact their child’s school nurse if their child tested positive, is symptomatic, or has potential close contact with a positive individual.

Any student, staff member, or other individuals who experience symptoms associated with COVID-19 should contact their health care provider immediately. If you have any questions, please call NJ COVID-19 & Poison Center Public Hotline at 1-800-962-1253 or 1-800-222-1222 or visit The CDC website or the NJ DOH.

As a reminder, the Center for Disease Control always recommends everyday preventive actions to limit the spread of respiratory viruses, including:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

• Stay home when you are sick.

• Wear an appropriate face covering.

We must all contribute to keeping our school community and the broader Glen Ridge community safe and healthy. We will continue to provide all Glen Ridge families with information about COVID-19 cases reported in our schools. Please remember we must do so while respecting the confidentiality of our students and staff.

 

 

Sincerely,

Dirk Phillips

December 20, 2021

Dear Glen Ridge School Community,

As we head into our last week before our December break, I want to share several school updates and wish everyone a restful and peaceful vacation. This school year has had its challenges, but I am pleased that through the efforts of our dedicated school staff we have provided our students with in-person learning and have kept most of the schools’ co-curricular programs up and running. We have asked our teachers not to assign work over the break so our students can take a break from academics and enjoy their time with their families.

Pandemic

The District and the State (NJ CALI Report ) have experienced an increase in Covid-19 cases over the past few weeks, but our numbers have still remained relatively low. As a reminder, school districts throughout the State are required to provide in-person instruction. Parents do not have the option to choose a virtual experience for their children. In order for a school to go virtual, outbreak conditions must be present. None of our schools are currently experiencing outbreak conditions.

We have had twelve (12) Covid cases throughout the district over the last two weeks. A number of those cases involved individuals who were already quarantined because of close contact with family members. We are reviewing the District’s wellness protocols and closely monitoring conditions. The school community will be notified of any changes to school protocols relating to the increased cases within our region.

The NJDOH quarantine guidelines were recently updated NJDOH Guidelines. The most significant change in the update is the close-contact guidance. Close-contact for unvaccinated individuals results in ten (10) days in quarantine, with the possibility of returning on the eighth day if the individual submits a negative test result. This rule applies to all risk levels.

The District is continuing to collect proof of student vaccination. A third notice will be sent out this week. We appreciate families sharing this information.

 

School Calendar

The board has approved an adjustment made on the 2022-2023 school calendar. The original calendar listed November 3-4 as the NJEA Teacher Convention. The correct dates of the convention are November 10-11. The calendar was updated on the website.

 

School Safety

The Michigan school shooting and the recent national threat on social media have refocused attention on school security. Although some of our safety protocols were tweaked because of pandemic protocols, our District has continued to address school safety over the past two years. The safety of our students and staff always takes priority.

Security cameras have been upgraded in each school building, with additional cameras added. New emergency notification systems were also installed in each building. Our staff receives regular security training throughout the school year beyond the mandatory two emergency drills held each month. This past Wednesday, the District had a representative from the Office of School Preparedness and Emergency Planning (OSPEP) make a presentation on school safety to our new staff members. The administration also meets periodically with the Glen Ridge Police Department to review school security. Additional Automated External Defibrillators (AED’s) were added to the buildings, and older AED’s were replaced with new models. Several pandemic-related protocols, such as limiting the number of visitors in the buildings during school hours and hiring extra school counselors to address social and emotional learning among our students, have also been helpful in our efforts to maintain safe buildings.

School safety starts at home and is most effective when parents and schools work collaboratively. We ask that parents keep the schools informed if they notice changes in their children’s behavior, or if other concerns are raised. The District has partnered with Peace at Home, Peace at Home, to provide parents with additional resources.

During this past summer, the Glen Ridge Police Department hosted Be Smart at National Night Out. This organization raises awareness about safe gun storage. The Be Smart website provides a wealth of information, Be Smart. OSPEP has also released a public service announcement around the theme, ”See Something Say Something that parents can view with their children.

December 17, 2021

Glen Ridge School Community,

The District has been notified of two (2) new positive Covid-19 cases at Ridgewood Avenue School. We are working closely with our local health department, following our contact tracing protocols, and informing our school members who had close contact with the individuals.

Parents should contact their child’s school nurse if their child tested positive, is symptomatic, or has potential close contact with a positive individual.

Any student, staff member, or other individuals who experience symptoms associated with COVID-19 should contact their health care provider immediately. If you have any questions, please call NJ COVID-19 & Poison Center Public Hotline at 1-800-962-1253 or 1-800-222-1222 or visit the CDC website orthe NJ DOH.

As a reminder, the Center for Disease Control always recommends everyday preventive actions to limit the spread of respiratory viruses, including:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

• Stay home when you are sick.

• Wear an appropriate face covering.

We must all contribute to keeping our school community and the broader Glen Ridge community safe and healthy. We will continue to provide all Glen Ridge families with information about COVID-19 cases reported in our schools. Please remember we must do so while respecting the confidentiality of our students and staff.

 

Sincerely,

Dirk Phillips

December 16, 2021

Glen Ridge School Community,

It has come to our attention that a video is circulating on various social media platforms, including TikTok and SnapChat, warning of nationwide school shootings on December 17th. At this time, the New Jersey Regional Operations and Intelligence Center is unaware of any specific, credible threats to New Jersey schools.

We have discussed the situation with the Glen Ridge Police Department. Tomorrow there will be an increased police presence on and around our schools as a precaution. If there are any additional updates from the state or local authorities, you will be notified.

The health and safety of our students and staff are of paramount importance.

Sincerely,

Dirk Phillips

December 16, 2021

Glen Ridge School Community,

The District has been notified of two (2) new positive Covid-19 cases at Ridgewood Avenue School. We are working closely with our local health department, following our contact tracing protocols, and informing our school members who had close contact with the individuals.

Parents should contact their child’s school nurse if their child tested positive, is symptomatic, or has potential close contact with a positive individual.

Any student, staff member, or other individuals who experience symptoms associated with COVID-19 should contact their health care provider immediately. If you have any questions, please call NJ COVID-19 & Poison Center Public Hotline at 1-800-962-1253 or 1-800-222-1222 or visit the CDC website orthe NJ DOH.

As a reminder, the Center for Disease Control always recommends everyday preventive actions to limit the spread of respiratory viruses, including:

 

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

• Stay home when you are sick.

• Wear an appropriate face covering.

We must all contribute to keeping our school community and the broader Glen Ridge community safe and healthy. We will continue to provide all Glen Ridge families with information about COVID-19 cases reported in our schools. Please remember we must do so while respecting the confidentiality of our students and staff.

 

Sincerely,

Dirk Phillips

December 15, 2021

Glen Ridge School Community,

This week, the District has been notified about six (6) positive Covid-19 cases. One case is at Forest Avenue School, two at Ridgewood Avenue School, and three at Glen Ridge High School. We are working closely with our local health department, following our contact tracing protocols, and informing our school members who had close contact with the individuals.

Parents should contact their child’s school nurse if their child tested positive, is symptomatic, or has potential close contact with a positive individual.

Any student, staff member, or other individuals who experience symptoms associated with COVID-19 should contact their health care provider immediately. If you have any questions, please call NJ COVID-19 & Poison Center Public Hotline at 1-800-962-1253 or 1-800-222-1222 or visit the CDC website orthe NJ DOH.

As a reminder, the Center for Disease Control always recommends everyday preventive actions to limit the spread of respiratory viruses, including:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

• Stay home when you are sick.

• Wear an appropriate face covering.

We must all contribute to keeping our school community and the broader Glen Ridge community safe and healthy. We will continue to provide all Glen Ridge families with information about COVID-19 cases reported in our schools. Please remember we must do so while respecting the confidentiality of our students and staff.

Sincerely,

Dirk Phillips

December 13, 2021

Glen Ridge School Community,

There have been two updates to pandemic protocols. The updates result from CDC revising their travel guidelines and our region’s CALI score, which elevated to the High-risk level.

Travel Guidelines (NJDOH Travel Guidelines)

The CDC and NJDOH adopted new travel guidelines based on increased international Covid-19 cases and new variants. The CDC recommends delaying all domestic and international travel until individuals are fully vaccinated. International guidelines are updated, while domestic guidance remains the same.

International (December 8)

• Regardless of vaccination status, all international air passengers must show a negative COVID-19 test taken no more than 1 day before travel to the United States.

• Fully vaccinated: Travelers who are fully vaccinated should get tested with a PCR or antigen test 3-5 days after travel and self-monitor for symptoms.

• Not fully vaccinated: Travelers who are not fully vaccinated should get tested with a PCR or antigen test 3-5 days after travel and self-quarantine for a full 7 days upon returning, even with a negative test result.

Domestic

• Unvaccinated individuals who travel should get tested 1-3 days before their trip and 3-5 days after travel. Even if they test negative, the CDC recommends unvaccinated individuals stay home and self-quarantine for 7 days after domestic travel and 10 days if they are unable to test.

 

Quarantine (NJDOH School Guidelines page 12)

The CALI score, CALI Report, at the High-risk level changes the quarantine periods from 10 days to 14 days. Unlike the Moderate-risk level, when a region is at a High-risk level, there is no opportunity to reduce the number of quarantine days with a negative PCR test for an individual who is a close contact.

 

Moderate

High

Covid -19 Positive

Exclude according to COVID-19 exclusion criteria Identify and exclude school-based contacts for 10 days (in absence of testing) from last exposure and report to the local health department.

Identify and exclude school-based contacts for 14 days from last exposure and report to the local health department.

 

Close Contact

Close contacts of a COVID19 case who are not fully vaccinated should be excluded for 10 days (in absence of testing) from the date of the last contact.

Close contacts of a COVID19 case who are not fully vaccinated should be excluded for 14 days from the date of the last contact.

 

Vaccines

Students between the ages of five and eleven are eligible for the Covid-19 vaccine, NJDOH Vaccine FAQ. Those vaccinated do not need to quarantine for close contact or travel if they are symptom-free. The district has received evidence of over 400 students vaccinated in this age group. It will continue to collect proof of student vaccination throughout the school year.

 

Please contact your child’s school nurse if you have any questions or concerns.,

Dirk Phillips

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November 15, 2021

Glen Ridge School Community,

The District was notified of a positive Covid-19 case over the weekend at Linden Avenue School. We are working closely with our local health department and following our contact tracing protocols. The individual did not have any close contacts within the transmission period; therefore, there are no school-related close contacts associated with this case.

Parents should contact their child’s school nurse if their child tested positive, is symptomatic, or has potential close contact with a positive individual.

Any student, staff member, or other individuals who experience symptoms associated with COVID-19 should contact their health care provider immediately. If you have any questions, please call NJ COVID-19 & Poison Center Public Hotline at 1-800-962-1253 or 1-800-222-1222 or visit the CDC website or the NJ DOH.

As a reminder, the Center for Disease Control always recommends everyday preventive actions to limit the spread of respiratory viruses, including:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

• Stay home when you are sick.

• Wear an appropriate face covering.

We must all contribute to keeping our school community and the broader Glen Ridge community safe and healthy. We will continue to provide all Glen Ridge families with information about COVID-19 cases reported in our schools. Please remember we must do so while respecting the confidentiality of our students and staff.

Sincerely,

Dirk Phillips

November 8, 2021

Glen Ridge School Community,

The District was notified of a positive Covid-19 case over the long weekend at Linden Avenue School. We are working closely with our local health department and following our contact tracing protocols. The individual did not experience any symptoms within 48 hours of being at school; therefore, there are school-related no close contacts associated with this case.

Parents should contact their child’s school nurse if their child tested positive, is symptomatic, or has potential close contact with a positive individual.

Any student, staff member, or other individuals who experience symptoms associated with COVID-19 should contact their health care provider immediately. If you have any questions, please call NJ COVID-19 & Poison Center Public Hotline at 1-800-962-1253 or 1-800-222-1222 or visit the CDC website or the NJ DOH.

As a reminder, the Center for Disease Control always recommends everyday preventive actions to limit the spread of respiratory viruses, including:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

• Stay home when you are sick.

• Wear an appropriate face covering.

We must all contribute to keeping our school community and the broader Glen Ridge community safe and healthy. We will continue to provide all Glen Ridge families with information about COVID-19 cases reported in our schools. Please remember we must do so while respecting the confidentiality of our students and staff.

 

Sincerely,

Dirk Phillips