A task force has been convened to monitor, evaluate and respond to the latest information being shared surrounding COVID-19. In addition to monitoring the sources linked above, the COVID-19 Task Force, headed by head of school, Sergio Alati and School Pandemic Coordinator, Dan Weber is in close communication with local health agency officials from both Jersey City and Hoboken municipalities. They have shared resources with with the team and will keep the school up to date on any news or changes in our local areas. The Task Force is also consulting with the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS), New Jersey Association of Independent Schools (NJAIS) to follow best practices for schools.

In addition, the Task Force is collaborating and working with the Heads of All Saints School, Hudson School, and the Mustard Seed School to share resources and planning documents, and to closely communicate about any information. 

At present, Stevens is focusing our efforts on general illness prevention. We are working hard to help contain viral illnesses by regularly deep cleaning classrooms. We have provided our cleaning companies in each building with cleaning supplies as recommended by the CDC. These cleaning solutions are hospital grade and safe to be used in our classrooms. While school is in process, our cleaners are tasked daily to use these cleaning solutions to clean tables, desks, classroom kitchen areas, restrooms, and floors. During the school's extended closure, these same solutions were used to deep clean all of our facilities, which includes wiping down every aspect of the classrooms and offices, disinfecting all parts of doors, handles and walls, shampoo washing the carpets, and more. Faculty and staff access to our buildings is currently prohibited. 

• Stay home.
• Use gloves and a cloth mask or scarf, per the CDC guidelines, if/when you must leave your house for essentials.
• Wipe down grocery cart handles before use.
• Wipe down your steering wheel and door handles.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

Call ahead to a healthcare professional if you: (1) develop a fever and symptoms of respiratory illness, such as cough or difficulty breathing or (2) have been in close contact with a person known to have COVID-19. Tell your healthcare professional about your symptoms or contact. Your healthcare professional will work with public health officials to determine if you need to be tested for COVID-19. If you are at higher risk of getting very sick from COVID-19, follow the updated recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

• Remote learning plans have been developed using a wide array of resources and various technology platforms, and keeping in mind the various age groups.
• Remote learning for our younger age groups has required more of the family’s support and involvement than for our older students. In preparing these plans, we are followed the Department of Education and NJ State remote learning guidelines and best practices.

There have been reports from around the world about an increase in xenophobia and anti-Asian discrimination in relation to COVID-19. As an institution which includes diversity and inclusion as one of its four guiding pillars, hate speech and other forms of discrimination will not be tolerated. Please reach out to Head of School Sergio Alati directly if you hear of or feel your child(ren) is a target of any of these behaviors. You may also reach out to our Director of Student Services and Equity, Rhiannon McElwee or our school counselors, Melynda Murphy and Ali Fantl.

Sergio Alati, Ed.D
Head of School

Dan Weber
School Pandemic Coordinator and Auxiliary Programs Director

Shehla Ghouse
Principal, Newport Campus

Kimberly Johnson
Incoming Early Childhood Director

Josh Marks, Ed.D
Principal, Hoboken Campus

Cara Natale
Early Childhood Director

Ali Fantl
School Counselor, Newport Campus

Melynda Murphy
School Counselor, Hoboken Campus

Nicholas Cacchiola
Chief Financial Officer

Russell Chavez
Director of Information Technology

Francine Delgado
School Nurse

Arielle Newcombe
Marketing and Communications Director

Victor Martinez
Facilities Manager

Anney Sousa
Assistant to Head of School