We are hopeful you have been enjoying your summer, and offer apologies for interrupting earlier than usual with thoughts of returning to school and work.

On June 24, 2021 the district submitted the BOE approved plan for a Safe Return to In-Person Instruction and Continuity of Services. The plan to return to full-day in-person instruction beginning Tuesday, September 7, 2021 remains unchanged. This includes a return to both before and after-care with the district’s Extended Day program.

However, as COVID cases continue to surge once again, Governor Murphy has issued Executive Order 251 mandating that masks are not optional and must be worn by all New Jersey students, educators, staff, and any visitors inside all school buildings regardless of vaccination status, effective August 9, 2021. The governor made the decision “due to the recent and rampant spread of the delta variant, the fact that no child under the age of 12 is yet eligible to be vaccinated, and the reality that too many older students and their parents remain unvaccinated.”

This is a change to our stated plan that is required based on this new directive, once again removing district discretion. At this time, the New Jersey Department of Education has remained consistent with its guidance that no virtual instruction option will be reinstated for the coming school year.

We will still be revisiting and reviewing the Re-entry Plan with all stakeholders in the coming weeks as previously scheduled, including the opportunity for public comment via email and at the August 23, 2021 BOE meeting so everyone understands the expectations as we return in September.

Please stay safe and healthy as you enjoy these August days.