Dear Minisink Valley parents/guardians:

Today, Oct. 2, the district was advised an individual who tested positive for COVID-19 had direct contact with a staff member at Minisink Valley Elementary School. That staff member has been tested and the results are that this person is negative for COVID-19.  However, per health mandates, the person is now self-quarantining for 14 days.

Additionally, the individual who tested COVID-19 positive had direct contact with members of a non-district youth group which is within district boundaries. Those students must now quarantine for 14 days. Those affected have been notified.

We have followed and will continue to follow all health and safety protocols as mandated by the Orange County Department of Health, and have reached out to the DOH to determine if any further action steps are required. We will advise you if this is the case.

We also wish to advise you that all necessary cleaning and disinfection procedures were completed at the school early this morning.  Because of our meticulous sanitization procedures, the building was cleared for use by staff and students.

Please remember: The primary symptoms of COVID-19 include shortness of breath, coughing, and fever or chills. Other symptoms include congestion, sore throat, diarrhea, abdominal pain, body aches, and loss of taste or smell. Anyone who needs medical care should call their healthcare provider to report an illness or exposure to COVID-19 prior to seeking care. Please notify your child’s school if your student begins to experience symptoms.

This is also an important opportunity to remind everyone of the importance of wearing masks, staying six feet apart from others and regularly washing your hands.

Again, if necessary, we will provide updates if any further steps are required. Please visit our school website, www.minisink.com.

If you have questions or need to report a positive case of COVID-19, please do not hesitate to contact your child’s building principal.

Thank you for your attention to this important information. The health, safety, and well-being of our school community remains our top priority.

Sincerely,

Brian Monahan
Superintendent