While five staff members at Kingston Elementary School have tested positive for COVID-19, Cherry Hill schools still plan to transition from fully remote model to hybrid, in-person instruction the week of Nov. 9.
The district announced the COVID results in a letter to Kingston families dated Oct. 28. The staff members are currently in self-quarantine.
The letter from Superintendent Joseph Meloche explains that the district first received word of the positive COVID cases among Kingston staff on Saturday. The first case was reported that day with reports of cases on subsequent days adding up to five on Wednesday. All Kingston Elementary staff are currently working remotely through Nov. 4, with the exception of custodial staff. All schools will be closed on Nov. 5 and Nov. 6 for the New Jersey Education Association convention.
“The building will be thoroughly cleaned, room by room, every day throughout the closure and will be ready to reopen on Nov. 9 for the launch of the hybrid learning model,” Meloche wrote in the letter.
Meloche explained that upon learning the news, district officials contacted the Camden County Health Department and are working with it on next steps. Health officials are now interviewing staff and reaching out to anyone who may have been exposed or who were in close contact with the infected individuals, and any family impacted will be contacted.
“We will support the health department in its handling of the process and the appropriate notifications,” Meloche said.
Due to federal health privacy laws, the district cannot release staff members’ identities.
“Please respect the staff members’ privacy during this difficult time,” Meloche urged.
Public Information Officer Barbara Wilson said the letter is the extent of the district’s statement on the situation at Kingston.
Check back at the district’s website www.chclc.org for any updates.
