January 21, 2021

Dear Teaneck Parents/Guardians, Students & Staff,

It has been wonderful to have many of our preschool, kindergarten and special education students and staff return to their classrooms. I loved seeing our children in their respective schools.

Unfortunately, as many of you know, the first two weeks were not without issues. While we were more than sufficiently prepared for a safe return, we cannot control the spread of COVID-19 when our protocols are not properly followed. As a result, we spent more time “contact tracing” than I could have ever imagined - and out of an abundance of caution, we decided to place many students and staff into “quarantine”.

Recognizing this challenge and in consultation with our Board of Education, I have decided to continue our plans to open with a revised phased-in approach for the returning grades:

● On Monday, January 25, we will continue with preschool, kindergarten and special education self-contained, and will move forward with the return of our elementary grades ONLY (grades 1 - 4).
● Middle and high school students will continue with remote learning until the following dates:
○ Monday, February 8 we will bring back our middle school students and staff (grades 5 - 8).
○ If all goes well, then the return of our High School students and staff will follow two weeks after that (Monday, February 22).
● There is no change in schedule for students remaining in a remote learning environment. Above dates for Middle & High School are subject to change
and if changed, you will receive advance notice.

If you have any questions, please contact your building principal.

I realize that this may come as disappointing news to many of you. However, this pandemic is far from over and the number of cases in Bergen County, including Teaneck, are on the rise. We want to see our children back in their classrooms but the health and safety of everyone in our District has, and will remain, my top priority.

The next few months are critical. Please continue to follow all safety protocols - social distance, wear a mask, and wash your hands frequently. We will get through this if we act responsibly and work together.

Thank you.

Dr. Christopher Irving, Superintendent of Schools