Orange County issues recommendation closing all Orange County schools from March 16 to 27; Minisink Valley schools are closed beginning Monday, March 16

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Today, March 13, Orange County Executive Steven Neuhaus issued a recommendation that all Orange County schools will be closed for two weeks, beginning Monday, March 16 through Friday, March 27.

Effective Monday, March 16, all Minisink Valley schools will be closed.

Unless there are further recommendations, directives or guidance issued, all schools will reopen on Monday, March 30.

Please note, this recommendation includes all school activities, including athletics.  

Minisink Valley supports the County Executive’s recommendation and will continue to follow the guidance provided to us — and all school districts — and will follow any additional mandates that may be issued.

We will be finalizing materials and meaningful activities for our students to help them maintain their skills while school is not in session.  Our faculty will be on campus this Monday, March 16 to finalize those plans, which include the methods for which those materials will be distributed.  We will follow-up with you on Monday regarding the specifics of how this will happen, however some K-2 students will be coming home today with paper packets of materials.

We are also finalizing plans to ensure the students who are part of our free and reduced lunch program have access to “grab and go” meals beginning Tuesday, March 17.   Those plans are being finalized and we will follow-up with information  once this is completed.

We want to stress again that our federal, state and local health professionals continue to reinforce to all of us that most people in the United States have little immediate risk of exposure to the virus that causes COVID-19.   We do understand everyone’s concern and we are grateful for the ongoing patience and understanding that you’ve shown to us as we all navigate our way through this very fluid situation.

Please visit the district’s Coronavirus Preparedness page on this website for useful information and resources.

We will continue to reach out with any updated information when needed. Thank you for your ongoing trust in safeguarding the health, safety and security of your children.

Sincerely,

Brian C. Monahan
Superintendent