May 9, 2020

Dear Nutley Parents, Students, and Staff, 

As you know, Governor Murphy officially closed school buildings for the remainder of the academic year, and on Wednesday, May 6, extended the public health emergency stay-at-home order for an additional 30 days, until June 5. Therefore, virtual learning will continue for the remainder of the school year, until our last day of the school year on June 19.  

In the coming weeks, we will share plans for our regular year end-tasks including placement and scheduling, procedures to allow students and staff to retrieve personal belongings they may have left in the buildings, and a schedule for the safe return of seniors’ school-issued Chromebooks, as well as musical instruments and textbooks.

These past weeks have been challenging on many levels, while many of us are struggling with the illnesses of family and friends and numerous cancelations. We all share a feeling of frustration caused by the unknowns we are all dealing with and we feel a sadness that the year cannot conclude as we had hoped.  

This week, Governor Murphy released a new executive order prohibiting graduation parties, ceremonies or gatherings for the class of 2020.  The order also prohibits recreational and entertainment activities within the facilities of public, private, and parochial preschool programs, or elementary and secondary schools, including charter and renaissance schools that remain closed to students. The order is to take place immediately.

While we continue to work on alternative programming and some fun surprises, I can promise you caps and gowns, creative ceremonies, and the celebration of the accomplishments of the class of 2020, as well as acknowledging the milestones of our students from PK-11. Please try to be patient, stay home and stay healthy. It is the only way to move forward, and to return to being together again. We will share specific information with you as soon as we are able.

Thank you to our students for continuing to work hard at learning, our faculty and staff for their dedication to making virtual instruction the best it can be for our students, and for the on-going support of the parents and community.  While we could never have envisioned a quick transition to virtual learning, cancelation of the spring sports season, or even the closing of parks and playgrounds, you have been resilient, and continue to persevere. Once again, you are proving Nutley is stronger together.