March 24, 2020
Dear Ridgewood School Community,
The number of reported confirmed COVID-19 cases is rising in the state, the county, and Ridgewood. This escalation is the direct result of increased testing, and it speaks to the need to continue social distancing. We are starting to receive reports from Ridgewood families, alumni, and school employees about confirmed and suspected cases of COVID-19. There are many rumors circulating about who has COVID-19, and I hope that as a community we do not add undue work to the Health Department.
This past weekend, COVID-19 testing began at Bergen Community College (BCC). These tests are being processed, and the results will be shared with the individuals. When there is a positive result, it is communicated to the Health Department where that person resides. They will conduct the investigation and notify the district. If it is necessary for me to communicate any information concerning confirmed results, I will do so. Health Departments are working around the clock to conduct these investigations as quickly as possible.
If you feel sick with COVID-19 symptoms, you should contact your physician. The physician will be able to assist you and provide the next steps. Additionally, the NJ Department of Health (NJDOH) has set up the following to answer your questions:
-
Call: 2-1-1
-
Call (24/7): 1-800-962-1253
-
Text: NJCOVID to 898-211
-
Visit https://covid19.nj.gov/ or nj.gov/health for additional information
Reminder: Governor Murphy’s Executive Order 104 is open-ended, and we will only re-open when public health officials deem it safe. This means we will most likely be closed next week, if not longer. The week of April 6-10 is our spring break. Please start thinking about how you will handle being together without the new school day structure.
This week, we will be having an instructional day on Friday, March 27th instead of a professional development day. Please note this change on your calendar. Professional development days are extremely important, but the Ridgewood Education Association (REA) and I agree that the continuity of instruction is more important. The REA has been very supportive, and I appreciate their partnership during these historic times.
SOCIAL DISTANCING: By now, I am sure many, if not all of you, have heard about or know people who have been impacted by this virus. Some people are experiencing severe symptoms. I ask you to stay diligent.
REMINDER: Use the links below for important information from the Village and the district.
-
Sign up for Village E-Notice System – https://www.ridgewoodnj.net/village-info/enotices-and-alerts-registration.
-
Twitter Accounts – @RwdPub Schools and @RWDSupt
-
District Facebook Page – @RidgewoodPublicSchools.
ANNUAL SCHOOL ELECTION: The Annual School and Municipal Election will be held on Tuesday, May 12. All registered voters will be receiving vote-by-mail ballots, and there will be no polling places in the May 12, 2020 elections. For more information, click here to visit the website of the Bergen County Clerk’s Office. You can still register to vote if you have not done so already. Information can be found here.
CENSUS 2020: Don’t forget to send your redacted “receipt” to your principal. RHS is in the lead! Let’s see which school has the highest percentage of completed questionnaires. If you have multiple children in a school, each one counts. If you have children in multiple schools, send it to each principal because each student counts. The link below is a public address commercial
-
Fill out the Census online at https://my2020census.gov/
-
Or you can respond by phone at 844-330-2020.
NJSLA TESTING: Governor Murphy has announced that the NJDOE will apply for a waiver from state testing for our students this year. The Federal DOE is granting waivers. Good news!
TODAY’S GAME SUGGESTIONS:
-
Scrabble and Uno
Other things you can do:
-
Keep moving! Today is a cardio and push-up day. It is a nice day so you should be walking, running, or biking. Do it as a family, but don’t meet up with anyone.
-
Something new: Books being read by RHS students. 9th Grade English book. The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind Start your own online book group. This is a great book!
-
These tweet feeds are addicting. Here are some really cool NEW Twitter feeds. Here is one for art @ArtItNow! and @UniverCurious. Check them out!
-
What is the most-watched television show in history? Answer at the bottom of the letter.
-
Baked goods: Circa 2005, the Hawes HSA put together a cookbook of family recipes. My wife, who I married for love, not cooking skills, put together our family recipe. It was titled The No Pots and Pan Special. Ingredients include paper plates, utensils, napkins, and a phone. We then listed our favorite take-out restaurant including phone numbers — Hunan Villa (I have a funny story when you see me), Sicilian Sun, Fireplace, Kosher Nosh, Boston Market, and a Hawes teacher’s favorite, Johnny and Hanges. Now my adult children, except for one, would never eat at most of these places. Long story for a short recipe. Take a small bite-sized square pretzel, place on waxed paper with a Rollo on top, and microwave for 30 seconds. If you want to be fancy put an M&M on top after it comes out and then press softly with a spoon. Let cool or you will get “hot pizza mouth.” Another no pots and pans special.
-
Today is the day you cleanse your mind, body, and soul. Not that kind of cleanse…no more elective procedures at this time. But remember to reschedule when this social distancing is over. Today, you will be cleaning out your email inboxes. I am told it is cathartic. If you are an online shopper and can sort by name, you can get rid of thousands. AB, thanks for the tip!
-
Remember the Ridgewood Public Library has online resources. https://www.ridgewoodlibrary.org
-
Call someone you have not talked to in a while. They will appreciate it. If you can make a video call, that’s even better for face-to-face connection.
