Bernards Twp. Schools To Close Early To Prepare For Coronavirus

BASKING RIDGE, NJ — Bernards Township Schools will close early on Wednesday to prepare for any potential future impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19).

Superintendent Nick Markarian sent out a letter to parents on Friday with an update on how the district is preparing. All families in the district are also being asked to fill out the Community Preparedness Survey. The survey is ensuring families have internet access at home in case the schools are shut down and home instruction strategies need to be implemented.

"Providing home instruction to students remotely when schools are closed as a Non Pharmaceutical Intervention (NPI) presents many challenges, however our district is positioned reasonably well to do so through the use of technology. We have already begun planning for this possibility at our end. We were able to begin the process during our teacher in-service on Wednesday, March 4, however given the breadth and complexity of the challenge, we are going to need more time to work with our staff," Markarian said.

Another early dismissal for in-service may be needed, Markarian said.

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Not all of the courses, services and programs can be managed remotely and if there is a lengthy school closure the district will release updates.

As for school activities or field trips there are currently no plans to cancel. However, it may well be possible that they could be canceled in the future with little notice, Markarian warned.

In regards to spring break vacations the district is strongly discouraging any travel outside of the United States.

"Any staff or students that take a trip outside of the United States must contact the school nurse before returning to school. Depending on the travel taken, staff or students may be instructed to self-quarantine for 14 days," Markarian said.

The district is also continuing with additional cleaning procedures. They are also distributing as much hand sanitizer as possible and providing teachers with disinfecting wipes to use throughout the day.

For more information check the district's website for updates at bernardsboe.com.

The number of new coronavirus cases in New Jersey nearly doubled since Sunday now that 5 additional cases were identified. The state's overall number is now 11. (See Related: NJ Coronavirus Cases Nearly Double: 11 Confirmed)

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