March 5, 2020
Dear South Orangetown Families and Staff,
The District has been in ongoing communication with the Rockland County Department of Health (DOH) regarding Coronavirus (COVID-19). Last night, the District was notified that the children of a Tappan Zee High School staff member attend a school in Westchester County which has been closed as a precautionary measure due to the confirmation of three cases of Coronavirus. The staff member contacted the District immediately; although neither the staff member nor their children are experiencing symptoms, the staff member has consented to self-quarantine. The DOH believes that the risk to our students and staff is minimal and advised that Tappan Zee High School operate as usual.
Beyond the enhanced cleaning measures instituted, the District has taken further precautionary measures, including deep cleaning and sanitizing rooms in which the staff member has been present, as well as bathrooms, offices, and common areas. Our nurses and building administrators will continue to monitor student and staff attendance and will be on the lookout for any symptomatic indications. The District’s administrative team and I are closely monitoring this situation as it evolves.
Over the last several weeks, the District has been reviewing protocols and procedures should it become necessary to cancel after school activities or close schools. At this time, all activities will proceed as scheduled.
In the meantime, if you or a member of your family is asked to self-quarantine by an employer or organization with which you are associated, please notify the District immediately. Families should call their children’s School Nurse; staff should contact Director of Staff Relations Dr. Joseph Lloyd.
William O. Schaefer Elementary School | School Nurse Riva Fisher, RN: (845) 680-1304
Cottage Lane Elementary School | School Nurse Karen Fitzgibbons, RN: (845) 680-1508
South Orangetown Middle School | School Nurse Margaret Keane, RN: (845) 680-1130
Tappan Zee High School | School Nurse Patricia Shalvey, RN: (845) 680-1647
Director of Staff Relations Joseph Lloyd: (845) 680-1030
We appreciate your partnership in keeping our school community healthy and safe. Please refer to our website for previous communications for guidance regarding preventative hygiene measures and resources for discuss Coronavirus with your children.
Sincerely,
Robert R. Pritchard, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools