Dear Long Beach Families,

As you know from my prior emails, we have had a large number of positive COVID cases in our District since Christmas (well over 40). In addition, the 7-day increase in positive cases on the barrier island is the highest in the County right now. We are also concerned about an increase of cases following New Year’s Eve. With this in mind, we are going to shift to fully remote for all schools next Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday (1/4, 1/5, and 1/6).

We are well aware that keeping students home is a real inconvenience for some families and is certainly not ideal for our students. With that in mind, we did not make this decision lightly. Keeping our buildings shut for just those three additional days gives us a full week between New Year’s Eve and opening, which we hope will ensure that any holiday-related cases will already be identified and quarantined. We are hoping that closing for three days now will prevent us from having to close buildings for longer periods later.

At the elementary level, school staff will be in touch regarding pickup of devices if needed, and about the virtual schedule for next week.

Have a safe and enjoyable remainder of the holiday week, and many blessings in 2021. I look forward to seeing our students on January 7th!

Warm regards,

Dr. Jennifer Gallagher

Superintendent of Schools