By NANETTE LoBIONDO GALLOWAY
All Downbeach schools will close on Tuesday, March 17 to mitigate the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus. Students will not report back to school until April 20.
According superintendents of the Margate and Ventnor school districts, several Atlantic County school districts met with the Atlantic County Department of Health and Atlantic County Executive Superintendent Robert Bumpus on Saturday following Gov. Phil Murphy's assessment that closing schools across the state was imminent.
The closure will last until Thursday, April 9 and be followed by Spring Break, April 10-17. Students will return to school on Monday, April 20.
According to Ventnor Superintendent Eileen Johnson, the district will review all available data on March 27, at which time the district will update and possibly revise the plan.
Students will report to school Monday, March 16 to receive guidance and reassurance from their teachers about the unprecedented closure.
The Margate City Board of Education maintains its office on the third floor of the William H. Ross Elementary School.
It is our hope that this additional day will help provide the time you need to make arrangements for your child's care during the closure, Margate Superintendent Thomas Baruffi said.
Johnson said teachers will send home contact and other information. Students will take home their belongings and other materials, and information about how to obtain free/reduced meals during the closure. Parents will receive additional directions regarding students who have medication at school.
We realize there are many different opinions about school closures. Know that this decision to close was made with much deliberation and consultation, Johnson said in her letter. Our staff continues to be committed to the safety and well-being of your children.
In Margate, meals for eligible students will be available for pickup 10-11:30 a.m. at the William H. Ross School. Parents should call 609-703-4100 in the morning between 8:30-9:30 a.m. to order lunch.
During remote schooling sessions, teachers will be available by email for questions and assistance with assignments, Baruffi said in his letter. Parents can obtain Chromebooks if needed.
The Main Office will be open to parents 8 a.m. to noon, Monday through Thursday, followed by cleaning and disinfecting, he said.
Superintendents advised parents to refer to their district's website for additional updates and information.
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