BRHS Reopens Monday, January 25, 2021

Dear Parents/Guardians and Staff:

 
This letter is to inform you that this past week we were informed that the New Jersey Department of Health had made changes to the recommendations for K-12 schools. The district administration immediately updated and revised our operating protocols with our school nurses. The previous guidance recommended schools suspend in-person instruction when 2 or more cases are identified within 14 days that occur across multiple classrooms, are not linked to exposures outside the school setting, and a clear connection between cases cannot be easily identified. The revised New Jersey Department of Health Guidance now states “2 or more cases are identified within 14 days that occur across multiple classrooms, are not linked to exposures outside the school setting, and a clear connection between cases cannot be easily identified but in-school transmission is suspected”. Once we received this guidance we worked with our local health department officials to re-examine the need to keep the high school closed for in-person instruction.

After working with the local and state health department officials to analyze the facts and circumstances of our most recent cases given the new NJDOH guidance, we have decided that the Bridgewater-Raritan High School will re-open for in-person instruction and extracurricular activities on Monday, January 25, 2021 because in-school transmission is NOT suspected. 

It is important that everyone understands the fluid nature of the COVID 19 pandemic and the New Jersey Department of Health guidance. The district will continue to make decisions based on this guidance and only after consultation with our local health department officials.

As always, we appreciate our community’s support and cooperation.  You can assist us by remaining vigilant, but sensible, in your approach to dealing with this health concern. We ask that parents rely on the school officials for accurate information about COVID-19.  Should you have any questions about this situation, please feel free to contact your child’s building principal. Below are some resources that may be helpful. 
 
Sincerely, 
Dr. Thomas Ficarra
Interim Superintendent of Schools