February 4, 2021

Dear Teaneck Parents/Guardians, Students & Staff,

Despite the snowstorm this week, our return to school approach is going fairly well and I am satisfied with our progress to date. Our teachers, students, and parents are becoming more accustomed to the new school day; and I want to thank everyone for your cooperation and patience over this past month.

At this time, I am pleased to announce that beginning Monday, February 8, we will continue with our phased-in approach and welcome back our middle school students and staff to their respective schools.

As I said in my communication last Friday, COVID-19 transmission rates remain very high and will continue to remain high in the U.S. for the next few months. Although there is hope for greater vaccine availability by spring, if we want to keep our schools open, then we must do our part to follow safety guidelines - especially while present in our school and district buildings. I am confident that if we follow protocols and act responsibly, we will be able to keep our schools open for the remainder of this school year.

For our middle school parents who have children returning to in-person instruction, you will be receiving a communication from your school principal to ensure everyone is aware of our expectations which includes COVID-19 safety protocols - such as wearing a mask. If your child is eligible to receive bus transportation, you should have already received a letter and phone call last month from your transportation provider.

Additionally, I want to inform you that our Preschool Applications for the 2021-2022 school year will become available on Tuesday, February 16. If you are interested in having your child attend one of our preschools this September, you will find more information here:https://www.teaneckschools.org/protected/ArticleView.aspx?iid=6YIPGPI&dasi=4GBPB NOTE: Parents of children already in our preschool do not need to reapply.

Finally, we will continue to monitor our overall progress before making a decision regarding the return of our high school students and staff. However, I am cautiously optimistic that this will occur in the next few weeks.

This pandemic has not been easy and I know that everyone is being asked to do more and to work harder. Let’s remember that we are doing so on behalf of the children we serve. They need us now, more than ever.

Sincerely,

Dr. Christopher Irving, Superintendent of Schools