November 1, 2020 – Updated with information emailed from Brian J. Betze, Superintendent Robbinsville Public Schools

ROBBINSVILLE, NJ (MERCER)–According to an email shared on the Around Robbinsville Facebook group (see below) there was someone associated with the high school was in close contact with someone with a confirmed case of COVID-19 and will be switching to virtual learning for the week. High school sports are also suspended for the remainder of the short school week this week. According to the 2020-2021 schedule the school is in session only 2 days this week for the NJEA convention (Thurs/Friday) and staff professional day (Wednesday).

“Although we are disappointed that we’ve had to close for these three days and suspended sports for the week, we are thankful that we have made it through two months and, unlike many other school districts,  averted school closures to this point.” said  Brian J. Betze, Superintendent Robbinsville Public Schools

“I will always put the well-being, health and safety of staff members and students before anything else when making these decisions. We are working closely with the county health department in making our decisions based on what’s best for all involved.”  Superintendent Betze also said.

As MidJersey.News has learned in the past with other school districts and their action plans that this is normally done out of an abundance of caution to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. For further information see e-mail below.

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One upset parent reportedly has threatened via social media to protest in front of the Superintendent’s house because of the COVID-19 closure. That will not solve anything.

Lets take a look back and listen to what our Mayor Dave Fried said in an August 1, 2020 Facebook post”

“Let’s also support the Robbinsville Township School District and its new superintendent, Brian Betze. This is a very tough time to take on a challenge such as educating our children. We will have some positive cases in our schools at some point it is inevitable. We will need to deal with those just as we dealt with our first cases in town on March 22 – without panic. It will be scary. It will be emotional. But we will get through it together. People have asked me and, yes, both of my children will be going back to school in a live setting. Take care of yourself … and each other God bless you all.” – Mayor Dave Fried

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e-mail posted on the Around Robbinsville Facebook group sent to parents from Robbinsville Schools:

November 1, 2020

Dear Parents/Guardians:

This letter is to inform you that today we learned someone associated with the high school was in close contact with someone with a confirmed case of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). Close contact is defined by CDC as someone who was within 6 feet of an infected person for a culmination of at least 15 minutes starting from 2 days before illness onset (or, for asymptomatic clients, two days prior to positive specimen collection) until the time the patient is isolated.

After consulting the county health department and due to this incident’s circumstances, I am closing the high school and implementing 100% virtual learning for only the high school students, and staff for the remainder of this shorten week and reassess the situation by Friday, November 6. The details around this case also necessitate that our high school sports program be immediately suspended for the remainder of the week out of an abundance of caution. Should contact tracing be warranted, you will be notified by our health department or the Division of Public Health of Mercer County.

We ask that you be on the lookout for the signs and symptoms of COVID-19 in your child. Symptoms can include but are not limited to fever, sore throat, headache, diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, chills, shivers, muscle aches, fatigue, congestion, cough, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, and new loss of smell or taste. Please take cautionary steps since not everyone will get all these symptoms, and please contact the school if you see any signs of infection.

As always, I appreciate our community’s anticipated support and cooperation as we traverse through the particulars of this pandemic. I ask everyone in town to assist our efforts by remaining vigilant, following the guidelines, and acting sensible when dealing with this health concern. Should you have any questions about this situation, please feel free to email me directly at betze.brian@robbinsville.k12.nj.us. Expect an update later this week and an update from RHS administration regarding the schedule later today.

Sincerely,

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Brian J. Betze

Superintendent of Schools

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