Pascack Valley will utilize a fully remote learning schedule for Tuesday and Wednesday, according to an email from Superintendent Erik Gundersen. The decision came after the district was “made aware of two social gatherings that took place in Hillsdale and River Vale on New Year’s Eve.” 

“So far, several students who attended these gatherings have tested positive for COVID-19, indicating other students at these events were also exposed,” Gundersen said in the email. “None of the students who tested positive were in the building today.”

While contract tracing is now underway, Gundersen noted that the investigation is being slowed by families who have not been “forthcoming with providing information.” It is because of these delays – as well as the number of people that need to be contacted – that local health officials are “strongly recommending” that PV goes remote for at least two days so the investigation can be completed. 

On Tuesday and Wednesday, PV will follow “A1” and “B1” schedules, respectively. Students will need to virtually check-in to each class, and will be marked absent if not present for a scheduled class Google Meet. 

All in-person co-curricular activities are cancelled through Wednesday as well, and students will not be allowed to enter the building during this time period.

“My hope is that more people are forthcoming with these investigations so we can help identify all who were exposed, assure the health and wellbeing of our students, and safely open the Pascack Valley High School building as soon as possible,” Gundersen said.