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Olga Hugelmeyer
Superintendent of Schools

November 23, 2020

Dear Elizabeth Public Schools Families:

The first two guiding principals Elizabeth Public Schools put in place for the decision of when and how to reopen its schools are exceeding minimum expectations to put health and safety first for our learning community and providing high-quality instruction to our students.

Elizabeth Public Schools recently opened its doors to in-person learning for the first time to a limited number of students based on metrics at that time and guidance from health officials. In the two weeks since that opening took place on November 9, those metrics have shown a rapid increase in coronavirus cases within the greater community and beyond.

In consultation with local health officials, the school district will be working remotely beginning tomorrow, November 24, 2020 through Friday, December 4, 2020. Elizabeth Public Schools team members will then transition to an indefinite staggered schedule beginning Monday, December 7, 2020. District instructional team members will begin working remotely five days a week effective tomorrow, November 24 as part of our efforts to reduce the number of people inside our school buildings and to, once again, exceed minimum expectations of putting health and safety first for our learning community.

Our district instructional team members have continued to do an excellent job of ensuring students are receiving high quality instruction while students have been home for remote instruction during the 2020-2021 school year. You, our families, have also been doing a tremendous job with making sure your children continue to grow and learn by being active participants in the teaching and learning process. We are very confident that this strong partnership will continue to yield positive results as we change course to adapt to the everchanging circumstances brought on by the pandemic.

Slowing the spread of the virus is a responsibility we must take on collectively as a community. The fast rise in recent coronavirus cases makes taking these proactive actions all the more important. As individuals, we also can take actions that can go a long way to help our community remain as safe and healthy as possible. I encourage you all to stay safe and healthy by following the current directed health measures, including wearing face coverings, maintaining a 6-foot distance from people outside your household, and avoiding gatherings when possible.

Thank you for your patience and support as we work together during these challenging times. Stay safe and be well.

Sincerely,
Olga Hugelmeyer