4 Ridgewood Schools Set To Reopen This Week Post-COVID Closure

RIDGEWOOD, NJ — As four Ridgewood schools plan to reopen for virtual learning this week, the district has reported nine additional cases of the coronavirus throughout village schools.

After closing due to positive coronavirus cases after Thanksgiving, Hawes Elementary, Willard Elementary and Ridgewood High School will open Thursday, with Benjamin Franklin Middle School opening Wednesday.

READ MORE: 5 Ridgewood Schools Go Virtual As Coronavirus Cases Continue

On Monday, the district reported an additional coronavirus case at Benjamin Franklin, Hawes, Orchard Elementary, Glen School and two cases at Ridge Elementary.

Another case was reported at Benjamin Franklin, Hawes and Glen School Tuesday, the district reported in a letter.

According to the district, no close contacts were found in any of those instances except at Hawes, school officials said, adding that all contacts have been identified and notified.

In both letters this week, the district offered this statement:

"The District is coordinating closely with public health officials and following CDC, state, and local health department guidance in order to assure the health and safety of our community.

We clean and disinfect our schools daily. The district is also taking precautions to prevent the introduction and spread of viruses and other germs and is cleaning frequently touched surfaces daily. The status of this situation is fluid, and we are monitoring it closely."

Orchard Elementary has also instituted virtual learning, but won't open for in-person learning until Tuesday, Dec. 15.

When asked if the district would consider switching to a fully remote model, Superintendent Daniel Fishbein offered this statement last week:

"All decisions regarding the transition to remote learning are made in consultation with the Village of Ridgewood Health Department on a case-by-case basis according to the guidelines set forth by the New Jersey Department of Health and current public health data for our region."

As of Friday, Fishbein will be retiring from his role as Superintendent of Ridgewood Public Schools. Ridgewood High School Principal Thomas Gorman will step in as acting superintendent.

READ MORE: Ridgewood Board Of Education Names Acting Superintendent

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