As we begin the spring season, it provides an opportunity to reflect on what we have accomplished over the past year. One year ago this week, we were just finishing up our second week of remote learning. During this time, we learned a lot about ourselves and about our students. Some lessons learned:

  • Our students are amazing and continue to show us the way through hybrid and remote education. They have proven to be incredibly resilient and what they have accomplished is nothing short of astounding.

  • We have fantastic teachers, staff, and administrators who have done an unbelievable job working, teaching, and supporting our students.  They have risen to every challenge presented and their efforts are truly appreciated.

  • The support of parents and the Board of Education has enabled us to achieve so much over the past year.  We are forever indebted to them for their continued support, feedback, and direction.

The past year has been trying for all of us, but I remain hopeful that as things improve,  we will continue to work together to make the very best of this time. 

REMINDERS: 

  • Schools are closed from March 29 - April 2. 

  • All schools will follow a remote learning schedule on Monday, April 5-9, 2021. 

  • In-person learning for hybrid students returns on April 12, 2021

Please see the NJ/HVRSD travel and COVID testing updates below. These are updated from those previously shared on March 16.

We wish you and your family a nice spring break.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

New Jersey Travel Policy (updated March 24, 2021)

All travelers (including essential workers such as healthcare personnel) should continue to follow all New Jersey and CDC travel recommendations, including the recommendations for testing pre- and post-travel and for quarantine post-travel, INCLUDING: 

  • Individuals who are fully vaccinated, OR

  • Persons who clinically recovered from COVID-19 in the past 3 months. A more conservative approach is taken regarding travel due to the concern of travelers spreading variant virus strains from one area to another. Some variant strains may be more transmissible and could result in an increase in the number of cases, more strain on health care resources and possibly an increase in hospitalizations and deaths. Other variants may be of concern if they cause more severe illness, are not detectable with existing tests, if they don’t respond to therapeutics, or if they impact on the effectiveness of vaccines. For all of these reasons, non-essential travel is discouraged and if travel is necessary, testing and quarantine are recommended.  

 

Summary of Travel Recommendations (all travelers) 

  •  If you must travel, take steps to protect yourself and others:

  •  If you are eligible, get fully vaccinated for COVID-19. 

  • Before you travel, get tested with a viral test 1-3 days before your trip. 

  • Wear a mask over your nose and mouth when in public. 

  • Avoid crowds and stay at least 6 feet/2 meters (about 2 arm lengths) from anyone who did not travel with you. 

  • Get tested 3-5 days after your trip and stay home and self-quarantine for a full 7 days after travel, even if your test is negative. If you don’t get tested, stay home and self-quarantine for 10 days after travel. 

CDC Travel Recommendations: 

HVRSD COVID Testing

In an effort to prevent the spread of COVID in and around our community, particularly around Spring Break, no cost COVID testing* will be available for students, staff, and community members after Spring Break on:

  • Friday, April 9th, 2021, 12pm-5pm (5 days after the break).

Location: Hopewell Valley Regional School District Central Office, 425 S. Main Street

Pennington NJ 08534. If you are interested, please sign up here.

If possible, please let your school nurse know if your child has been tested.