Full In-Person Return Planned At Bridgewater-Raritan Schools

BRIDGEWATER, NJ — As the first day of school for students in Bridgewater and Raritan approaches, the district is continuing to prepare for a full, in-person return to the classroom. A virtual or hybrid option is currently not being allowed by state officials.

The district will continue to adhere to social distancing guidelines which will require three feet distancing between students in the classroom setting as well as in cafeterias and lunch rooms when possible, according to district officials.

In addition, parents and caregivers will be required to monitor students for signs of illness and should continue to check for symptoms before they leave for school. Students who are sick should not attend school, district officials said. Parents will not, however, be required to complete daily health screening forms for their students.

Masks

Masks are still undecided at this time in the district as the delta variant spurs a sharp increase in COVID-19 cases across the country.

Currently, the Bridgewater Raritan district said it "is not ready to share a final decision yet" regarding masks. Like last year, these policies could change any time before the first day.

Despite no set decision, masks will be required on all school buses across the district regardless of the vaccination status of passengers, officials said.

Last week, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Tuesday recommended that people who are vaccinated and in areas at high risk for the coronavirus wear masks indoors.

Gov. Phil Murphy and state Health Commissioner Judy Persichilli also followed the CDC's recommendation and announced last Wednesday they "strongly recommend" masking in indoor settings for both vaccinated and unvaccinated residents due to increased risk. Read More: NJ Updates Mask Guidance After CDC Announcement

The next Board of Education will be held on Aug. 24 at 7:30 p.m. in person. The district is also hosting a live video feed on Aug. 11 for parents on Preparing your child for the new school year.

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