I M P O R T A N T

FROM THE OFFICE OF THE SUPERINTENDENT …

To: Parents of Merritt Memorial School

From: Charles V. Khoury

Date: May 5, 2006

Re: Events of today

This memo comes to you in response to this morning’s events at Merritt Memorial School.

At approximately 11:00 a.m. this morning, a small fire broke out in the central section of the sub-basement in Merritt Memorial School. The fire was quickly extinguished, and the Cresskill Police and Fire Departments immediately responded. Our fire alarm system worked, and all children were evacuated from the building on the first report of the fire. Our evacuation plan was successful. Children were relocated to the borough hall, the library, and to the Congregational Church.

Because of the conditions in the tunnel, the district brought in an air quality testing company to test the air in the school following the direction of the Hazmat team that responded. We will receive the test results later today or early tomorrow morning.

No students or staff were permitted to return to the building pending the outcome of the test. As soon as we receive the test results, I will broadcast the message over our emergency calling system to the parents at Merritt Memorial School. At this point we are planning to hold classes at Merritt School on Monday. However, if test results indicate otherwise, a plan will be developed and communicated to parents this weekend.

As always, the safety of your children and our staff is paramount in our minds. I thank you for your patience and cooperation.

While there is no evidence of any student exposure to any particles of smoke, I feel it is necessary to relay the advice of the Cresskill Police and the Bergen County Hazmat division to all parents. As a precaution, they advise that as soon as children return home, they change their clothes, their clothes are washed, and they take a quick shower. I would encourage you to follow this advice.