The Herald
Hoboken Public School District
Special Edition of The Herald #2 - March 7, 2020
On March 2nd, I sent out an initial update regarding the Coronavirus 19 (COVID-19). As days pass and the news media continues to report the effects and impact of the Coronavirus, concerns are rising. This 2nd Special Edition of the Herald will provide all Hoboken School District Families with additional information.
On Thursday, March 5th, I held a meeting in my office with our school nurses. We discussed protocols regarding children who present with fevers and the requirements for picking ill children up from school. While I understand that managing an ill child and work can pose a challenge, I cannot stress the following enough:
- If your child indicates that he or she is not feeling well, please do not send him or her to school. It puts every other child and staff member in jeopardy of any illness;
- If your child is running a fever before school, please do not medicate your child to lower the fever and then send him or her to school;
- If your child registers a temperature of 100.5 in school, you will be called to pick up your child. We ask that you arrive within 45 minutes to an hour. Remember, our nurse offices are not medical clinics. Please have a plan for if you are not able to pick up your child.
On Friday, March 6th, I participated in another conference call hosted by the Hudson County Office of the Department of Education. During this call, Superintendents were told that they may be asked at some point to close preemptively or reactively by the New Jersey Department of Education, New Jersey Department of Health, or the local/regional health departments. As a result, all districts were directed to develop plans for 14 to 21 days of instruction and special education services that could be delivered via remote access for students in preschool through grade 12. Each school principal was asked to send home a survey to all families to gain an updated picture of internet and cable accessibility, as well as technological tools that are available in our students' homes. In addition, we were also asked to work with our food service providers to ensure that one school location would be open for the purpose of distributing breakfast and lunch.
The New Jersey Commissioner of Education, Dr. Lamont Repollet, indicated that if the New Jersey Department of Education, New Jersey Department of Health, or local/regional departments of health were to require a school district to close due to the Coronavirus, up to 14 days would count toward the state's requirement of 180 days as long as the district develops and submits a plan for remote education. Districts are not encouraged to close without written notification and if they do so, the days closed will not be counted toward the state requirement of 180 instructional days.
Please note that we have not be asked to close by the New Jersey Department of Education or Health, or the local/regional health departments. However, we are currently working to develop our plan and submit it to the Hudson County Office of Education this coming week for approval.
School Districts in New Jersey have been asked to follow guidelines to stop the spread of respiratory diseases such as COVID-19 set forth by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention and to pass these guidelines on to our district families. You can find links from both agencies below.
The Hoboken School District continues to ensure the continuous and proper cleaning of tables and desktops, doorknobs and handles, and banisters, along with classrooms, bathrooms, locker rooms and cafeterias. All of our school principals and preschool providers have been informed that it is critical to have all soap and hand sanitizing dispensers full at all times. Our facilities department has proactively ordered supplies and we are currently well stocked. While the schools will follow these practices, parents and teachers are asked to remind one another and children of the steps to avoid the spread of respiratory diseases such as COVID-19. The flyer below will be reviewed in our schools and preschool locations and posted in multiple locations. I cannot stress enough that you review these good practices at home.
We continue to be vigilant about bullying or targeted actions against any student whose ethnic origin or background is of a nation identified by the CDC to have travel restrictions. I have also asked each of our school principals to work closely with their nurses and guidance counselors to help assist any child who exhibits any anxiety or fear regarding COVID-19.
Remember, there is no question that you should be concerned about asking. Our school nurses are extremely knowledgeable and willing to answer any health related questions that you may have. We will continue to work with the New Jersey Department of Education and the City of Hoboken as we plan and prepare. Please feel free to reach out to me to ask any logistical or policy related questions. I will update you again when more information is available.
Sincerely,
Superintendent Johnson
Hoboken Public Schools - A District Dedicated to Rigor, Relevance, and Relationships
Our Vision
The Hoboken Public School District will be recognized as a premier educational choice and widely known as a best-practice model for academic growth, high quality instruction, innovative and equitable programs, engagement, facilities and personalized pathways that are essential for college, career and life-preparedness in our ever-changing, interconnected global society.
Our Mission
The Hoboken Public School District will prepare confident and resilient graduates who value academic achievement, embrace challenge, honor diversity, appreciate collaboration, and respectfully contribute to their local and wider communities.
Our District Goals
The Hoboken Public School District will implement a rigorous, relevant and responsive curriculum that meets the needs of all students, fosters personalized pathways for learning, and ensures continuous academic growth.
The Hoboken Public School District will support its diverse staff in professional growth, encourage them to serve as role models, and empower them to provide the highest quality of instruction for our students.
The Hoboken Public School District will develop and implement unique and innovative programs that promote global learning, ensure equitable access, and foster the social, emotional and academic growth of each student.
The Hoboken Public School District will engage and communicate with families and the wider community to bridge understanding and advance partnerships.
The Hoboken Public School District will operate well-maintained and safe facilities that respond to our growing student enrollment, support our academic and co-curricular programs, and promote pride across the city.
Email: district@hoboken.k12.nj.us
Website: www.hoboken.k12.nj.us
Location: 158 4th Street, Hoboken, NJ 07834
Phone: (201) 356-3600
Facebook: www.facebook.com/HobokenPublicSchoolDistrict/
Twitter: @HobokenSchools