April 17, 2020

Dear Parents/Guardians, Students and Staff,

I hope you were able to enjoy your spring break under these difficult circumstances. We have just completed our first week of “Virtual Learning: Phase 2” and I am hearing that most are adjusting well to the new schedule. If you are experiencing any challenges, you should contact your child’s teacher or school principal. For our families, a friendly reminder that your child’s go-forward lessons and how to access Google Classroom are now posted on our COVID-19 Update section of the website (green button on home page – then select the “Student Resources” drop down). Although they are not using district-provided Chromebooks, this section does include lessons for our pre-k and kindergarten children: https://www.teaneckschools.org/StudentResources.aspx. If you need more information on using Google Classroom, our Director of Technology has created a very helpful district video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qOJ7FPrUY-s&feature=youtu.be

Additionally, our district’s media specialists and our friends at the Teaneck Public Library have put together lists of extremely useful resources, which I recommend that everyone take time to review: https://www.teaneckschools.org/HomeschoolResources.aspx

I am also extremely proud to announce that through the collaborative efforts of our staff (led by our Science Supervisor, Mr. Rolando Monserrat), a 10th grade student (Elias Sanchez), and our Teaneck community including our PTO’s, our district created 340 face shields for Teaneck’s healthcare and emergency personnel. These face shields were created using 3D printers and were recently donated to Holy Name Medical Center. You may have seen this story in The Record/NorthJersey.com or during Governor Murphy’s April 15th press conference. If not, I invite you to learn more by visiting our YouTube page: https://youtu.be/22sv7Fftbhw .

As we move forward, there are a few important updates regarding grading, report card distribution, and our mental health services that we provide for all grade levels. However, I want to begin with Governor Murphy’s recent announcement regarding school closures.

1.	Governor Murphy on School Closures Beyond April

On Thursday, April 16, Governor Murphy announced that all school buildings will remain closed through May 15. Any decisions beyond this date will continue to be assessed by health and education officials.

2.	Grading and Report Card Distribution

Attached you will find important information regarding grading and report card distribution for the 3rd marking period. Please review this information and if you have any questions, please contact your child’s teacher or your school principal. Additional information regarding grading for the 4th/current marking period will be provided to you from your school.

3.	Mental Health Services

a. Elementary & Middle Schools – The Mental Health Services initiative that I announced back in February for students and their families will resume providing support to students in grades k-8. Parents can access these services by sending an email to your student’s counselor or building principal.

b. Middle and High School – Our School Counselors are available to meet with students via Google Meets during school hours. In addition, counselors will also have Google Classrooms to share helpful tips, mindfulness activities, etc.

These are unprecedented times and we are all feeling the loss of our freedom – and even more devastating, the loss of loved ones. There is no shame in needing to have someone to talk to which is why I truly hope that you will take advantage of our mental health services available to you and your child/children.

Finally, it is critical that we continue to practice social distancing and all of the health guidelines that are now in place in order to keep everyone safe and healthy. Remember that anyone who wants to receive a boxed lunch for your children can visit us at Teaneck High School every workday from 11 am – 1 pm (drive-up on the Cranford Avenue side.)

For those who have lost someone or know someone who is ill and fighting this disease, know that the Teaneck Public Schools community will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.

Sincerely,

Dr. Christopher Irving, Superintendent of Schools