June 16, 2020
Dear Parents/Guardians:
Re: Extended School Year (ESY) 2020 – Updates and Survey
On May 19, 2020, I shared with you that the district’s plan was to move our 2020 ESY program to a full virtual model due to the limitations that had been set forth by the State of New Jersey and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and lack of guidance regarding reopening schools. Just like you, we wanted nothing more than to be physically back to school.
As you may be aware, on Monday, June 15, 2020, Governor Murphy issued a new Executive Order (EO 149) describing how the state would modify restrictions on certain businesses and activities, with adherence to strict health and safety guidelines. Among the Stage Two phased-in activities is the operation of in-person summer camps that “provide daily multi-hour programming for youths.” Permissible summer programming includes educational programs run by school districts and receiving schools, such as Extended School Year (ESY) programs on or after July 6, 2020.
Consequently, our district is considering remote, a combination of remote and in-person, or in-person instruction in accordance with the New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH) COVID-19 Youth Summer Camp Standards. Please see the document attached below. https://www.nj.gov/health/ceohs/documents/phss/Youth_Day_Camps_Standards_COVID-19.pdf
Some of the standards pertain to infection control, hand washing practices, personal protective equipment (PPE), COVID-19 signs and symptoms, screening for fever or signs of COVID-19 illness prior to being permitted to enter the building, at a minimum, wearing cloth face coverings during the day and on the bus, except where doing so would inhibit that individual’s health.
Our district’s Extended School Year will be in session from July 6, 2020 – July 31, 2020 from 8 a.m. till 12 p.m., Monday through Friday. We encourage you to provide early written confirmation and indicate your preference for us to try to accommodate needs and make arrangements accordingly.
Kindly complete the following Extended School Year Survey 2020 and submit no later than Thursday, June 18, 2020 – https://forms.gle/5LbVMERmovQMS1uh9
We cannot thank you enough for your continued support.
Sincerely,
Zulejka Baharev, Ed. D.
Director of Special Services