September 9, 2020

Dear Teaneck Parents/Guardians, Students & Staff,

I know that many of you have reached out to me regarding our decision to place a moratorium on our athletics program - particularly fall sports.  Without timely guidance from the State or the NJSIAA, we made a difficult decision to cancel out of concern for the health of our student athletes and our coaching staff. Although reversing this decision could still have consequences, I have decided that by following the latest CDC and State health guidelines, we will proceed with fall varsity level sports only, provided that the student athlete receives their parent/guardian’s permission to participate. 

Our student-athletes should now contact their head coaches regarding meetings that will take place prior to the start of the varsity season. They should also ensure that they have registered on FamilyID and filled out the necessary COVID-19 paperwork. Additionally, all varsity student athletes and coaches will be required to have a COVID-19 test prior to participating in any practices. 

To that end, I am pleased to announce that our district will be providing a COVID-19 nasal swab testing service - provided by ACCU Reference Medical Lab - on September 11 & September 18.  Our student athletes, coaches and any district staff who will be required to come into work through November 12, are also eligible to take advantage of this free testing opportunity. Our “Drive-Up and Walk-Up COVID-19 Testing” will be available at Benjamin Franklin Middle School - 1315 Taft Rd, Teaneck, NJ 07666 (Rear Parking Lot).   Registration is required prior to visit - please go to: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScKAt0n_XCOurVn2ue1zPGwvFpIFIRh86JCnb-8kuvQY0Ioww/viewform

September 11, 2020 Schedule
8 am - 9 am (Safety Officers, Operations & Maintenance Staff)
9 am - 12 pm (Staff Required to come to work) 
12 pm - 4 pm (Student-Athletes, Coaches & Contracted Employees). 

September 18, 2020 Schedule
8 am - 12 pm (Open to All District Staff, Contracted Employees)
12 pm - 4 pm (Accepted Drop-in Program Students *)
* Students who receive an acceptance & placement email for the Drop-in childcare program will need to have a COVID test before starting the program.

Finally, I would like to share three important reminders:
1.)	The District is providing our students with free breakfast & lunch as well as technology support services (if needed).  For more information on dates and locations, please see the flyer below. 
2.)	Today is the final day to enroll in the Drop-in or SACC fall programs.  Please submit your child’s application by 8 pm this evening:  https://forms.gle/eH4MvyGYW9fHAcWg7). 
3.)	Please continue to follow our district website (www.teaneckschools.org) and district Facebook page (@TeaneckPublicSchoolDistrict) for updates throughout the year.

We are off to a great start and I am confident that this school year will be a successful one as long as we remain steadfast in our efforts to stay healthy and safe.

Sincerely,

Dr. Christopher Irving, Superintendent of Schools