December 15, 2020
Message To NB Families
Good Morning,
Thank you for your continued patience the last few weeks as we closely monitored the COVID-19 data. Last evening I reported to the Board of Education updated data on the COVID activity rates in the NB region. The case rate in the region has steadily increased since the beginning of December. In fact, 33% of the active COVID cases in the NB region have occurred in the first two weeks of December. Moreover, I noted that NB delayed our return to in-person instruction after the Thanksgiving break. NB was 100% remote from November 30th thru December 10th. This proved to be a successful strategy to mitigate any potential exposure and as a result, we will follow a similar strategy after the winter break. Our return to in-person instruction in January will also be slow and safe.
Given this information, please be advised that the Board of Education has endorsed pivoting to 100% remote instruction beginning Thursday, December 17th. Our return to in-person instruction is currently scheduled for Tuesday, January 19th.
During this time of remote instruction, classes will continue as they have all year, except there will be no cohorts attending school in person. Winter break will take place while we are remote. That means there will be no office hours the afternoon of December 23 and school will not be in session from December 24 through January 3. Classes will resume virtually on January 4 and we anticipate a return to hybrid instruction on January 19th. (See the calendar for more information.)
Once again, on behalf of the Board of Education and the administration, I would like to extend my sincere appreciation for all you do every day. This has not been easy! I understand the challenges of balancing your health, your families’ health, your career, and your stress during a global pandemic. I recognize all the good work you are doing with your children as they work with their teachers in this remote school environment. I believe it is our responsibility as educators to take actions that will return students slowly and safely to in-person instruction. Let’s continue to seek strategies that will provide improved learning opportunities for our students and let’s continue to work together for the success of all our students. I am confident that this plan will do just that.
Sincerely,
James Sarruda, Ed. D
Superintendent of Schools