Positive Case Notice – Letter to the School Community (11/23/2020)

November 23, 2020

Dear Clayton School Community:

This letter is to inform you that an employee at Clayton Public School District has tested positive for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). The District is coordinating closely with public health officials and following CDC, state, and local health department guidance in order to assure the health and safety of our community. Initial contact tracing has indicated that no students have been in close contact with this individual.

The District is cleaning and disinfecting all exposed areas. The school is also taking precautions to prevent the introduction and spread of viruses and other germs and is cleaning frequently touched surfaces daily. The status of this situation is fluid, and we are monitoring it closely.

We understand the level of concern regarding COVID-19. We encourage parents and students to continue following the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention promoted safeguards, such as: Staying home when you are sick;

• Washing hands often with soap for at least 20 seconds;
• Covering coughs and sneezes and properly disposing of tissues;
• Limiting close contact with people who are sick and not sharing food, drinks, and utensils;
• Practicing social distancing (staying at least 6 feet apart);
• Wearing a face covering while in school; and
• Continuing to monitor your health for symptoms.

As always, we appreciate your support and cooperation. You can assist us by remaining vigilant but sensible in your approach to dealing with this health concern.

 Sincerely yours,

Nikolaos C. Koutsogiannis
Superintendent of Schools
NK/rml

Letter from the Superintendent – All Students Remote Learning Starting 11/30/2020

November 18, 2020

Dear Clayton School Community:

Last evening I made the difficult decision to recommend to the Board of Education remote learning for all students. The Board of Education approved my recommendation and a revised District calendar. Therefore, out of an abundance of caution, Clayton Public School District will begin remote learning for all students on Monday, November 30, 2020. We are targeting Tuesday, January 19, 2021, for the return to in-person learning. This return date remains flexible, and we will make a final decision based on the health conditions closer to that time.

The decision for remote learning for all students was made for the health and safety of our school community. In just the past week COVID-19 cases have risen by 49% in New Jersey and 82% in Gloucester County. This surge of COVID-19 cases has forced us to increasingly quarantine and contact trace students and staff members. The upcoming holiday season will only increase the need to quarantine students and staff which, as a result, would cause a major disruption in our learning process and place a burden on our daily operations. Remote learning for all students will provide a consistent educational model for several weeks as we monitor the COVID-19 health risk.

In our Back-to-School Plan, I discussed the “four phases of learning” and the possibility that we would be entering these phases throughout the school year as conditions changed. We will be transitioning to our Phase One, all remote learning model. In this model of learning all students will be required to sign in and be “live on-line” on a daily basis. For grades 6-12, we will be combining our current Cyber School students with our Hybrid students. As we transition to our remote learning model, your Principal will be providing you with additional information and schedules. The health and safety of our students and staff members is always our top priority. I want to thank you for your understanding, support, and flexibility during these unique times. Finally, I want to wish you and your family a safe and happy holiday season.

We remain Clipper strong,

Nikolaos C. Koutsogiannis

Superintendent of Schools
NK/rml

Positive Case Notice – Letter to the School Community (11/12/2020)

Dear Clayton School Community:

This letter is to inform you that an employee at Clayton Public School District has tested positive for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). The District is coordinating closely with public health officials and following CDC, state, and local health department guidance in order to assure the health and safety of our community. Initial contact tracing has indicated that no students have been in close contact with this individual. The District is cleaning and disinfecting all exposed areas. The school is also taking precautions to prevent the introduction and spread of viruses and other germs and is cleaning frequently touched surfaces daily. Based on the current information and the COVID-19 risk matrix, our schools will remain open. The status of this situation is fluid, and we are monitoring it closely. We understand the level of concern regarding COVID-19. We encourage parents and students to continue following the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention promoted safeguards, such as:

• Staying home when you are sick;
• Washing hands often with soap for at least 20 seconds;
• Covering coughs and sneezes and properly disposing of tissues;
• Limiting close contact with people who are sick and not sharing food, drinks, and utensils;
• Practicing social distancing (staying at least 6 feet apart);
• Wearing a face covering while in school; and
• Continuing to monitor your health for symptoms.

As always, we appreciate your support and cooperation. You can assist us by remaining vigilant but sensible in your approach to dealing with this health concern.

Sincerely yours,

Nikolaos C. Koutsogiannis
Superintendent of Schools
NK/rml