COVID-Related Staff Shortages Force Switch To Virtual In Basking Ridge

BASKING RIDGE, NJ — COVID-related staff shortages have caused all Bernards Township Schools to close in-person instruction and switch to all-day virtual.

The change will be in effect for Friday, Jan. 7 where all students and staff will work from home, announced Superintendent Nick Markarian on Thursday.

To allow students and staff time to prepare for the virtual day, the district will follow the times of its delayed opening schedules:

• Ridge will begin at 9:35 a.m.
• William Annin at 9:45 a.m.
• Elementary Schools at 10:45 a.m.
• The school day will end at the usual times.
• There will be no before/after care services.

Coaches will advise athletes regarding their scheduled events. Parents are asked to monitor their email as Principals and Teachers will be following up with families with additional details about Friday's all virtual school day.

Prior to the Thursday announcement, Markarian said staffing had been difficult but teachers were covering for each other with the help of 20 to 25 substitutes.

"We are closely monitoring our health status and have every intention and desire to return to in-person instruction on Monday, Jan. 10," said Markarian.

Additionally, with the anticipated snowstorm for Friday morning, any district students attending out-of-district schools are advised that transportation services are on a two-hour delay.

A winter weather advisory has been issued for Basking Ridge along with the rest of New Jersey ahead of a snowstorm that is predicted to dump 3 to 5 inches of snow on the township.

Snow is expected to start falling in the township overnight on Thursday with most snow falling between 1 a.m. and 7 a.m. on Friday, according to the National Weather Service. Read More: How Many Inches Of Snow Is Basking Ridge Getting, And When?

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