January 3, 2022
Dear Springfield Public Schools Community:
We have continued to be in consultation with our local health department and state officials around the numbers of positive COVID-19 cases in our community, and out of an abundance of caution, we are extending early dismissal through the remainder of the week, making Tuesday, January 4, 2022 through Friday, January 7, 2022 early dismissal days. We are making this choice to avoid the lunch periods where students are most likely to be unmasked for significant periods of time, and to minimize the need for the additional staff needed for lunch periods. In addition, this week’s weather forecast is further challenging our ability to offer outdoor mask-breaks and recess periods.
Breakfast will continue to be offered at FMG and JDHS, and grab n’ go lunch will be available for pickup from JDHS between 11:30 am and 1:30 pm in the rear parking lot. All students are eligible for the free lunch program.
Beginning Tuesday afternoon, teachers will offer optional opportunities for virtual support during afternoons for students.
At James Caldwell Elementary and Thelma L. Sandmeier Elementary, before-care will run as regularly scheduled, and after-care will conclude at 3:30 pm on Tuesday. Starting Wednesday in all elementary schools, before-care will run as regularly scheduled, however after-care will conclude at 3:30 pm. Additional information will be provided by the school principals.
In addition, non-athletic extracurricular activities may take place virtually, and athletic programs will be allowed to continue, with specific precautions in place.
Please know that we continue to monitor the rapidly changing information and guidance from the NJDOH and local health officials, and we will provide additional updates on our status as it is available.
As a reminder, if your child will be absent due to COVID-like symptoms or a positive COVID-19 test, please report that using the COVID-19 Health Status Form. It is essential that your child’s status be recorded on this form in order for us to provide options related to virtual instruction. Based on your feedback, we have made adjustments to the form to better support the communication.
Thank you to those families that have already provided this information, it has been critical to our decision-making process.
Thank you for your continued support during these challenging times.
Sincerely,
Rachel Goldberg
Superintendent of Schools