The list of Ocean County, Jersey Shore and New Jersey schools voluntarily closing down continues to grow amid concerns over the Covid-19 coronavirus spreading throughout the state.

Schools at this point are not being forced to close but Governor Phil Murphy hinted in a press conference on Friday that it's a matter of days before every district will be closed.

Red Bank Regional, Hazlet, Berkeley Township, Jackson and Barnegat are among other Jersey Shore school districts closing their doors to clean and keep their community safe.

Pinelands Regional Schools have now followed in their footsteps with Superintendent Dr. Melissa McCooley announcing the decision to close with a letter to the school community.

PRSD/LEH School Families:

After much consideration and guidance from Governor Murphy we will be closing school effective immediately. The intent of closing school is to promote social distancing and thereby limit the spread of the coronavirus to our highest risk populations. The highest risk populations are our senior citizens and those with underlying health conditions. We fully understand the impact of closing school and have put into place plans that will allow us to continue effectively educating our students. At this time our plan is to be closed for two weeks (March 16 - March 27) but it is possible that this closure will extend past that time. More specific information will follow to give you guidance as we navigate through these unusual circumstances.

Please note, the school district has sent a school closure plan to the County and is fully prepared for this event. All activities will be closed during this time period. Access to our schools will be limited to essential personnel only. We will continue to communicate with families via Blackboard, Facebook, OnCourse and district websites. Students are to participate in the online distance learning activities that have been prepared by teachers. If you need access to this information please contact the main office of your child’s school.

This proactive decision was made to limit exposure to the Coronavirus outbreak by preventing large gatherings in public places. The PRSD/LEH school districts must comply with this action taken in an abundance of caution by our county health department to comply with the recommendations of health experts in the Center for Disease Control (CDC). Currently, the PRSD/LEH school districts have no reported Coronavirus cases; we take these recommended actions in the hope of maintaining our current status.

Child Study Team meetings that have been previously scheduled will take place via telephone conferences.

Bagged meals will be available for pick-up between the hours of 10:30-12:00 at Pinelands High School, in the front foyer area. If you are unable to pick-up and require delivery, doorstep drop off will be arranged. Students that qualify for free or reduced lunch will be contacted to determine if lunch will be picked up or if delivery is needed.

Board meetings will be held as scheduled however, board members will have the option of participating remotely. The meetings will be live-streamed for the public.

More information will be shared as we receive it. Please check the district website for updates and announcements. Thank you for your support and cooperation during this unprecedented and difficult time.

Sincerely,
Dr. Melissa McCooley
Superintendent of Schools
mmccooley@lehsd.org
mmccooley@prsdnj.org

Mr. John Acampora
Director of Curriculum and Instruction
Little Egg Harbor School District
Jacampora@lehsd.org

Ms. Gina Frasca
Assistant Superintendent
Pinelands Regional School District
Gfrasca@prsdnj.org

Erin Lichtenwalner
Director of Special Services-PRSD/LEHSD
Elichtenwalner@lehsd.org
Elichtenwalner@prsdnj.org

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