Westfield Releases School Reopening Plan Amid COVID

Westfield NJ

26 August, 2021

11:01 AM

Description

WESTFIELD, NJ — The Westfield schools, whose new superintendent took over Aug. 1, have now joined the other New Jersey districts in releasing their school reopening plan and COVID precautions. And as with other districts, officials noted that the plan will be adjusted amid evolving guidance from the state. READ MORE: NJ K-12 Students Must Wear Masks This Fall, Murphy Says Among highlights of the Westfield plan: As opposed to districts who have announced strict requirements for parents regarding domestic travel and daily COVID forms, the district is counting on parents to do their own home screenings, and keep kids home if they display symptoms. Among the highlights of the plan: Distancing: Students will maintain 3-foot social distancing in the classroom, when possible.Travel: Students who travel in the U.S. don't have to quarantine unless they are showing symptoms of illness. Those traveling internationally who aren't vaccinated will be required to quarantine. While school is in session, non-essential travel is "discouraged."Meals: At lunch (where masking is difficult), students will use alternative dining areas, like classrooms and outdoors, when possible.Masks: In keeping with current state guidance, masks must be worn.Screenings: Parents will screen kids at home, rather than filling out a school form, but they must fill out a form committing to home screenings.Remote Learning: The state has said no to remote learning this year, but there are exceptions, such as students quarantining because of close contacts, or exhibiting symptoms. To see aspects of the plan, click the page numbers in the table of contents. Also double check the district website to get the most current protocol. The district also advises parents to check with school principals for specifics. As far as quarantining after travel, Westfield's guidance is more permissive than some North Jersey districts. Maplewood has required a week's quarantine for those vacationing outside of states contiguous to New Jersey. Some districts have asked for a PCR test before students return from most states. READ MORE: Will Fall Travel Plans Mean Remote School? In Some NJ Districts, Yes As for distancing, now that the state has banned remote learning, many districts will see an increase in students in the buildings. The Westfield schools reopen for students on Thursday. Sept. 9. See the Westfield school calendar and major holidays here. The next school board meeting will be held at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday in the Board Room of the Administration Building, 302 Elm St. All attendees must wear masks. The board will move immediately into private session to discuss confidential matters, and the public portion of the meeting will begin at 7 p.m. NEW: FDA Approves Pfizer Vaccine NEW: Westfield Pediatric COVID Roundtable Now Available Online Related Stories: COVID, Delta, And The Schools Gov. Murphy Says School Staffs Must Get Vaccine Or Weekly TestingNJ K-12 Students Must Wear Masks This Fall, Murphy SaysRise In Child COVID Hospitalizations Prompts Vaccination PleaWill Fall Travel Plans Mean Remote School? In Some NJ Districts, YesNJ Hospital Preps For COVID Surge As Kids Set To Return To SchoolHoboken Mom Urges: Listen to COVID 'Long-Haulers'4 Things To Know About The Delta Variant Of Coronavirus In NJHoboken Says: Get Vaccinated Or No Spaghetti For You200 Students And Teachers In Florida County Have Virus In First Week Of School Don't miss Westfield breaking news alerts when they are announced, or get a free daily newsletter each morning with Westfield news. Sign up with your preferences here. Got news? Email [email protected]. Got photos? Please include express written permission from the photographer for us to use them. To be the first to get free news alerts with breaking stories in your town, or to get a free local newsletter each morning, sign up for Patch breaking news alerts or daily newsletters.