West Orange School To Close; 3 COVID Cases Confirmed: Officials

WEST ORANGE, NJ — An elementary school in West Orange will shut down for 14 days after three cases of the coronavirus were confirmed among staff and students, officials announced Thursday.

Superintendent Scott Cascone wrote a letter to the community explaining the situation at Washington School. He said:

“This correspondence serves to inform you that there have been three confirmed cases of COVID-19 amongst staff and students who have been present in the building. As these cases have occurred across multiple classrooms and without a clear connection between the cases, effective today, Oct. 8, the Washington School facility will be shut down for 14 days pursuant to guidelines from the New Jersey Department of Health. The building will be sanitized, and we anticipate the functions of the building will resume on Oct. 21.”

“We were looking forward to welcoming back our preschool students in Ms. Kenny and Ms. Sinisi’s classes at Washington Elementary School on Monday, Oct. 12," Cascone said.“However, due to the current circumstances, students in both classes will remain virtual. Now, the anticipated return date for our preschool students at Washington Elementary School is Wednesday, Oct. 21.”

The superintendent continued:

“Although the building will be closed and not occupied by staff, the building administration and faculty will continue to deliver virtual instruction and be available to parents and students online and via email communication. Daily food service pick-ups will continue to be offered and will be available through a mobile distribution station in the parking lot, similar to that which occurred during the school closures last spring and over the course of the summer. We thank you in advance for your attention and understanding as we work to ensure the highest level of health and safety for our students and staff.”

The West Orange Public School District was one of several in Essex County that chose to start the year with all-online classes. The plan was to start the year with virtual classes, then transition to a “hybrid” model that includes in-person learning.

Parents who want to keep their children home can opt out and stay with the all-virtual model.

• See related article: West Orange Students Will Start School Remotely Amid Coronavirus

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