Since last March, Renaissance students have not been eating lunch in Madonna Hall. On January 27, the Superintendent’s office sent a letter to the parents of Renaissance students updating them about the situation.
The text of the letter follows.
January 27, 2009
Dear Parents, Guardians, and Caregivers:
Renaissance School has not been using Madonna Hall since last March, due to renovations to the facility. Although the construction work is complete, Immaculate Conception will not allow the district to use Madonna Hall for lunch or any other activity, including parent meetings, unless the Montclair Board of Education absolves them from any current or future environmental requirements that may arise if it is characterized as an “educational facility.”
The attorneys for the Montclair Board of Education have advised the district that we cannot release Immaculate Conception from their responsibilities as the owner of the building. Therefore, we will not be using Madonna Hall for lunch or any other school related activities at this time.
Although we will have to continue using classrooms for lunch, we can be creative in our use of classroom space at lunchtime. As with other aspects of the educational program provided at the Renaissance School, an alternative approach to lunch will be required. I will direct Dr. Charles Cobb, Principal, to work with the faculty and parents in designing and implementing a lunch period that will be unique and allow students the ability to interact with each other.
Please feel free to forward any ideas and/or suggestions to Dr. Cobb. Central Office staff will work closely with Dr. Cobb to ensure acceptable solutions.
Sincerely,
Frank R. Alvarez, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools
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