Dear Parents, Staff, and Community Members:
I am pleased to report to you that power was restored to Cherry Hill High School West today. Malberg is still without power and the students who attend Malberg will be attending classes at High School East on Friday, Nov. 2.
It is important to note that Malberg also serves as the administration building and for our district and telephone lines into and out of our building are not operational. Otherwise, all of our buildings are back in operation.
I cannot adequately express my appreciation to our Facilities, Buildings and Grounds, Custodial, and Technology staff. Their tireless, round-the-clock efforts throughout the storm enabled us to keep a watchful eye on all of our facilities and to address problems immediately.
I also want to thank our local emergency management officials, police, fire, and EMS, and township public works staff who have worked hard to ensure public safety for all both during and after the storm.
I am very appreciative of the open communication from the Mayor’s office and the district offices here. And finally, I want to thank you — parents, teachers, principals, staff, and all — everyone — for being patient, flexible, and understanding.
Many of you have asked about makeup days and how we will be addressing those. We were notified today that the New Jersey Education Association has canceled its annual convention, which was scheduled to be held next week in Atlantic City.
After careful consideration with our Board of Education leadership, I have decided to open our schools on Thursday and Friday, Nov. 8 and Nov. 9.
State statute requires that New Jersey school districts allow their teachers time off to attend this annual convention; with no convention for our teachers to attend — and the winter season still before us– I believe it is prudent to use these days that are have become available. We have confirmed with our bus companies and Aramark that transportation and food services can be provided on both of those days.
Therefore, all Cherry Hill Public Schools will be in session on Thursday, Nov. 8 and Friday, Nov. 9.
We are not going to use Nov. 6 as a makeup day because this is a Presidential election and voter turnout is likely to be very high. This results in significant traffic around our schools and a steady stream of people into and out of our buildings.
I recognize that the decision to use Nov. 8 and Nov. 9 will be welcome news to some and a disappointment to others. I ask for your understanding in light of the extraordinary circumstances that we have faced as a community this week.
I hope you and your families — be they here in Cherry Hill or elsewhere on the East Coast — have safely weathered the storm. Those who have suffered devastating damages remain in our thoughts.
Sincerely,
Maureen Reusche
Superintendent of Schools
