Voluntary Compliance Key As Cinnaminson Schools Battle COVID

CINNAMINSON, NJ — Two Cinnaminson High School students have tested positive for the coronavirus since the district returned to its hybrid format on Jan. 11, according to the school district’s COVID-19 dashboard.

The two positive tests were reported on Jan. 16, according to the dashboard posted on the district website that tracks cases that have been reported throughout the district since Sept. 11.

During Tuesday night’s school board meeting, a parent expressed concern about the possibility of parents who are violating protocols as it relates to sending their children who have been infected to school.

“We can’t hold the kids responsible, but there needs to be consequences or this will continue,” the parent said during the public portion of the meeting.

“It’s an unfortunate situation, but so much guidance from the CDC begs for voluntary parent compliance,” Cinnaminson Superintendent of Schools Stephen Cappello said.

He said the Board of Education doesn’t have the ability to take action against parents. Cappello said all the district can do is reaffirm that compliance is expected, noting that 99 percent of families in the district are in compliance.

Part of the guidelines the district set forth before the school year was that anyone who was experiencing symptoms of the coronavirus, including students and staff, would be expected to stay home.

All students, staff, and visitors will be required to wear face coverings upon entering school buses, facilities, and at all times while on school property. Medical exceptions are considered on a case-by-case basis when supported by a doctor's note and when social distancing can be achieved.

Handwashing, respiratory hygiene, use of hand-sanitizer (greater than 60% alcohol) and the use of other EPA/FDA approved products are accessible in the buildings and are encouraged via daily reminders and consistent signage throughout district buildings. Hand sanitizer will be available on all busses, in all classrooms and in all common areas.

Despite precautions, schools across the state and the country have had to deal with coronavirus cases throughout the year. The response of the school nurses was applauded by the parent, the district and members of the Board of Education.

“We had a COVID incident in our household, and I’d like to commend the nurses at the high school,” Board of Education Member Christine Turner said. “They’re on the phone all hours of the night, and they’re doing a great job keeping parents as comfortable as they can in this situation.”