Full Letter From the Yeshiva:
Dear Parents and Students,
After communicating with the Department of Health, we were advised that there is no medical reason to close. They are investigating whether the students who were in the minyan with the Rabbi with Coronavirus in West Hempstead have to quarantine themselves. After checking things out, we found it was only one student who was within 6 feet of the Rabbi and he did not shake hands or otherwise have any contact. However, our decision-making process also factors in the realities of the concerns of so many of us.
Many parents have told us that in the interest of extreme caution they are uncomfortable sending their sons to school. Some of their sons were in contact with the boy who sat next to the Coronavirus positive individual in Shul. We confirmed that the other boys that we thought interacted with the Rabbi do not recall doing so.
Others are not sure if their son sat next to the gentlemen.
Given these factors, and in the interest of extreme caution, we have made an internal decision to be extra cautious and we will keep the building closed until Tuesday morning March 17. Students should be back in school on Tuesday, March 17, for 7:55AM Shacharis.
In order to continue our learning and educational program, we will offer all classes remotely using Google Meet as our distance learning platform. As it is integrated with our email platform, it is the easiest way to set up and get started. All you will need to do is click on the link that your teacher will be sending out and you will have joined the video meeting. Please make sure that you are signed into your school email address (@mail.rambam.org).
The schedules, should for the most part, follow the regular school schedule. Click here for the morning schedule and here for the afternoon schedule. All students are required to sign in and participate! All students will be tested on the material covered. We have used this system in the past on snow days, and while it is not ideal for every teacher/class/subject, many Rebbeim/Teachers reported that they covered a great deal of material using this system. Do not fall behind.
As of now, all classes are expected to meet with the exception of all classes taught by Professor Stevens and Mr. Berkowitz. Rabbi Eliach’s classes will not be meeting until Monday morning, March 16.
If any teachers cannot make their regularly scheduled classes they will let you know.
REMINDER: There is regularly scheduled school this Sunday the 15th, periods 1-4.
Before we return, IY”H, on Tuesday, the building will be sanitized twice a day to ensure the safety of our students.
Sadly, the entire Jewish community and ourselves included have been grappling with this issue nonstop. We realize that other schools and Shuls may have different policies. We think that when it comes to issues of health and well-being that one should always be extra cautious. The Halacha has many examples where we are mandated to be concerned about our physical well-being and can even drive to the hospital or pick up the phone on Shabbos to call Hatzalah when there is the possibility of danger. The Coronavirus is, in fact, life-threatening to certain members of our community. We want to do everything that we possibly can to minimize risks.
We join Klal Yisrael around the world in davening for a speedy resolution to this vexing problem.
In the interim we want to remind you to follow the guidelines of the Department of Health, your local physicians, and use common sense to prevent contracting the virus and/or spreading it to others. IY”H, our community will be spared illness and angst in the very near future.
Also, please keep in mind that the situation is a dynamic one and will be constantly evaluated based upon the fact pattern presented.
Thank you for your understanding and be safe.
Sincerely,
