New Milford Public Schools Closed for Two Days After Member of School Community Tests Positive for COVID-19

In a letter to the New Milford Public School community this evening, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Paul Smotas reported that a member of the school district has tested positive for COVID-19 and as a result, school will be closed for the next two days. Please read this important message below"

On Wednesday, September 9, 2020, we were notified that a member of the school community tested positive for COVID-19. The individual was asymptomatic and sought COVID testing based on other family members positive test result.

We have not received any other reports of staff or students who have experienced symptoms or signs of illness. In partnership with the District, New Milford's Department of Health will conduct contact tracing as part of its protocol. Through investigation and consultation with the affected individual, the Department of Health and New Milford Public Schools feel that the best course of action is to close school for the next two days. All students will revert to remote instruction at their homes. Teachers will implement remote learning from their homes as well. 

School and health department officials will reach out to any staff and the parents/guardians of children who may have had the potential for close contact. Close contact is defined as being within six feet of an infected person for more than fifteen minutes.

We will continue to monitor closely the health conditions of our students and staff. Our priority is the health and safety of all members of our school community. We want to remind families to continue to conduct daily health screenings before sending students to school.

Thank you again for all of your efforts as a community.

Sincerely,

Dr. Paul Smotas-Superintendent and Alisha DiCorpo-Assistant Superintendent of Schools

Dear Parents and Community Members:

This letter will serve as a follow up to the first alert regarding NMPS school closings. 

Please understand that closing schools is a decision that I take very seriously. During this pandemic we operate on the premise that all students and staff must be kept safe from any and all possible contagious environments. Due to the multiple schools, staff members, bus company employees and students involved, it will be a significant period of time before contact tracing is completed by the New Milford Public Health Department along with the New Milford Public Schools. Once that process is complete, we will notify you via email and phone messaging that schools are ready to be reopened.

It is my sincere hope that we will reopen schools sooner rather than later.