Delaware Valley schools to close until March 30

Acting on the order of the governor, Delaware Valley schools closed last Friday and will not reopen until March 30.

Additional measures are in place through April 30, including the cancellation of Adult Community Education classes and indoor community events, such as fundraisers, meetings, and PTA activities. Group assemblies of 100 or more students will also not be held at the school until at least April 30.

"As we approach that date, we will decide whether we will resume normal activities on May 1 or continue in this mode until school ends in June," says a message from Superintendent John Bell. "We love our schools being the hub of community activity. However, our primary mission is keeping our students healthy and getting them their 180 days of education."

Bell said no decision has yet been made about public crowds attending plays at Delaware Valley High School and Dingman Delaware Middle School in mid-April.

"Sports will continue as scheduled until further notice," Bell said. "Thankfully, all spring sports except boys’ volleyball play outdoors. The prom involves students who are already around each other every day so I don’t see any issues with that as of now."

The school district was open for a few hours on March 17 to distribute food and to allow students to sign-out Chromebooks if needed.

Pike County has two coronavirus cases as of Wednesday, March 18.

SUNY Orange extends spring break

At SUNY Orange, President Dr. Kristine Young said the college will extend its spring break an extra week for students to allow the college time to develop plans for providing alternative distance learning formats and alternate modes of operations.

SUNY Orange’s spring break is scheduled for March 16 to 20 but students will receive an extra week off. They are expected to return on Monday, March 30.

Young said the decision to give students the extra week is in keeping with guidance from Governor Andrew Cuomo and SUNY Chancellor Kristina Johnson. School facilities will get a deep cleaning while students are away, she said.

Editor's note: This story has been updated from the original.