Dear Members of the Elisabeth Morrow Community,
I hope this finds you safe and well and digging out from the storm. I am writing to update you on the situation at Elisabeth Morrow.
As of Wednesday morning, October 31, the school remains without power. Due to the tireless work by our maintenance department, we are ready to open school as soon as power is restored. I will be in touch as soon as that occurs. If we are able to open up this week, we will hold regular school on Friday, November 2 and will work to reschedule conferences as necessary. Please plan accordingly.
Last night, I was able to attend the Englewood City Council meeting, where the Mayor and Council spoke about the situation in Englewood and reported on the results of their call with the President of PSE&G. I was also able to speak with representatives of PSE&G during the day yesterday. As you may have seen on the news, over 1.4 million customers (customer is defined as an account, so the number of people affected is much greater) were without power in New Jersey in the wake of Hurricane Sandy. Over 60% of Englewood is also currently without power. PSE&G is telling all customers, from the city to individuals to large accounts like EMS, that power could be out until Monday November 5. In reality, some power will be restored before Monday and undoubtedly others will be without power beyond next Monday. PSE&G will spend the bulk of the day Wednesday working on switching stations and substations, as those need to be in working order before other problems are addressed. Afterwards, others without power are serviced in an order of priority, with schools coming after water, hospitals, fire and police stations, and some other municipal buildings. They do not yet have a time scheduled to begin working in our area. As a result, I think that school will most likely be closed for the remainder of the week. As mentioned, should power be restored earlier, I will communicate that fact immediately.
Once power is restored and we are able to open school, I will communicate alternate plans for parent-teacher conferences, potential effects on the Book Fair, and other scheduling changes. Until then, stay warm, be safe, and enjoy the unexpected time with your children. For those near Englewood, the public library is open and has power and internet (I am writing this from the library while my children stock up on books and we charge our various devices.)
I wish you all continued safety and a speedy return to power if yours is out.
My very best,
