FLORHAM PARK — Dr. Steven Caponegro reopening update July 17, 2020.
Dear Parents/Guardians and Staff,
RE: Reopening Update
First and foremost, I would like to thank each of you for your patience and understanding during these uncertain and unprecedented times as the district formulates a September reentry plan. Since Governor Murphy released The Road Back: Restart And Recovery To Education on June 26 outlining the guidelines and recommendations for schools to reopen, the district has been hard at work to meet the elements of the 104-page plan. We were especially excited to have had the opportunity to provide a proper graduation ceremony to celebrate the accomplishments of our 8th graders.
The district continues to examine varying situations, State guidelines, health department recommendations, staff/student/parent surveys, and available resources, all of which are necessary to determine a reopening plan that meets the health and safety needs of Florham Park staff and students alike.
The District has participated in multiple meetings with various stakeholders, including, but not limited to the following:
- Community stakeholder groups and individual Florham Park families representing varying interests and needs
- Neighboring districts, Morris County districts, district/school-based committees and NJDOE representatives
- Local health department, FP-Office of Emergency Management (OEM), and EH/FP/Han.Township OEM
- District Advisory Reopening Subcommittees – consisting of members from the Board of Education, Administration, Florham Park Education Association (FPEA) representatives, teachers, nurses, counselors, child study team staff and service providers, special education staff, instructional specialists, Parent-Teacher Association (FPPTA) members and Education Foundation (FPEF) representatives
- Work-Family Connection personnel and other local childcare providers and
I understand that each family’s situation and childcare needs vary and philosophical differences exist; therefore no re-entry plan will satisfy everyone’s unique situation. I assure you that when a reopening plan is determined, the health and safety of the students and staff, followed by sound and rigorous instructional delivery, will be the two primary considerations guiding the chosen plan. The plan will meet State reopening guidelines and will have been reviewed by our local health department, Office of Emergency Management, and various stakeholders.
It is in everyone’s best interest to have this plan communicated shortly in order for both the district and parents to plan accordingly. Therefore, the July 27th Regular Public Board of Education meeting has been rescheduled to Tuesday, July 21st with Executive Session beginning at 6:30 p.m. followed by the Public Session beginning promptly at 7:00 p.m. It is anticipated that the District’s September re-entry plan will be presented at this meeting. Details of the plan such as AM drop-off procedures, availability of sanitizer, classroom layouts, virtual options, etc., will soon follow. Due to the fluidity of the current healthcare situation, any plan chosen is subject to change based on future state and local recommendations.
As always, the health and safety of students, staff, and community remain paramount when making these difficult decisions and we appreciate your patience and understanding as we finalize our reopening plan.
Sincerely,
Dr. Steven Caponegro
