October 19, 2020

Dear Kinnelon Families:

This letter is to inform you that another individual at Kinnelon High School has tested positive for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), bringing the total number of cases to six.  The District coordinates closely with public health officials and follows the CDC, state, and local health department guidance to ensure our community's health and safety. Contact tracing is in process. According to the New Jersey Department of Health COVID-19 Public Health Recommendations for Local Health Departments for K-12 Schools, two or more cases that are identified within 14 days which occur across multiple classrooms where a clear connection between cases cannot be identified constitutes an outbreak and we must close school for fourteen days. So as of tomorrow, October 20, 2020, Kinnelon High School will be on virtual instruction for all students.  This virtual instruction period will extend to November 9, 2020, as we are all virtual on Wednesdays and closed on November 5-6 for the NJEA convention.  All other schools in the district will remain on a hybrid schedule.

The school is also taking precautions to prevent the introduction and spread of viruses and other germs and is cleaning frequently touched surfaces daily.   

We understand the level of concern regarding COVID-19. We encourage parents and students to continue following the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention promoted safeguards, such as:

• Staying home when you are sick;
• Washing hands often with soap for at least 20 seconds;
• Covering coughs and sneezes and properly disposing of tissues;
• Limiting close contact with people who are sick and not sharing food, drinks, and utensils;
• Practicing social distancing (staying at least 6 feet apart);
• Wearing a face covering while in school; and
• Continuing to monitor your health for symptoms.

As always, we appreciate our community’s support and cooperation. You can assist us by remaining vigilant but sensible in your approach to dealing with this health concern. Should you have any questions about this situation, please feel free to contact Gary Suda, KHS Principal at 973-838-5500 or Diane DIGiuseppe, Superintendent at 973-838-1418.  Below are some resources that might be helpful.

RESOURCES

NJDOH COVID-19 Information for Communities and the General Public: https://www.nj.gov/health/cd/topics/covid2019_community.shtml

Get the Facts about Coronavirus: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html

Symptoms of COVID-19: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html

Testing: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/testing/index.html; https://covid19.nj.gov/pages/testing

How to Protect Yourself: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/prevention.html

What to Do if You Are Sick: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/if-you-are-sick/steps-when-sick.html

Sincerely,

Diane DiGiuseppe

Superintendent