In a phone message and email that went out to Cherry Hill Public School parents at just past 5 p.m. on Monday, Superintendent Joseph N. Meloche announced the hybrid learning plan that was to launch this week has been delayed due to an increase in school-aged COVID-19 cases in Cherry Hill.
Meloche’s email reads:
“At 2:50 p.m. today, Monday, November 9, 2020, I received a phone call from the Camden County Department of Health, informing me that there are approximately 3 dozen new positive COVID-19 cases in Cherry Hill among children aged 7-18, representing multiple schools in our district. Written confirmation of this information came from the Department of Health at 3:26 p.m.
“As a result, the Department of Health is strongly recommending that we do not open our school buildings to children and that all Cherry Hill Public Schools students remain at home and follow the all-remote learning model until further notice. We are following the department’s recommendation and are delaying the launch of the Hybrid Learning Model until Monday, November 30, 2020. We will continue to communicate daily with the Department of Health to assess the situation for our community. We will communicate any changes to our return date, if they arise, directly with the community.
“I share in the disappointment many of you feel at this news. As a district, our schools and staff are prepared and ready to welcome students back. I ask everyone to take all appropriate measures to minimize the spread of the virus as directed by the Camden County Department of Health, Gov. Phil Murphy, and the CDC. Parents, please continue to screen your children every day and please adhere to the recommended mitigation practices. As a community, we must be diligent in all aspects of the choices that we make and in our interactions.
“Please stay safe. We look forward to being able to welcome students back on November 30, 2020.”
More information will be reported in The Sun as it becomes available.