School Security, Unit Lunch, Block Scheduling Update In Bridgewater

BRIDGEWATER, NJ — As the school year gets underway, updates on the latest school security, rotating block schedule, and unit lunch were shared.

Security

After a back and forth between the township and school board over security in the district, the Council voted to approve an ordinance that amends the table of organization for the police department to allow up to 10 Class III police officers and up to three School Resource Officers at its Sept. 8 meeting.

"Just because the ordinance allows it doesn't mean we are going to hire and or deploy the officers in there," said Mayor Matthew Moench at the meeting. "As we have ongoing discussions regarding school security now or in the future, we have increased flexibility to provide additional staff."

Bridgewater-Raritan Superintendent Dr. Robert Beers acknowledged the ordinance at the Board of Education's Sept. 13 meeting.

"Bridgewater-Raritan Regional School District has far more coverage, is a far more secure place than we were a year ago, 2 years ago, 3 years ago," said Beers at the school board meeting.

He added that the district looks forward to the partnership with the Bridgewater and Raritan Police Departments.

Moench had previously proposed having a township police officer stationed at every school in the district. Read More: Police Officers In Every Bridgewater School? Mayor Submits Proposal

Councilman Filipe Pedroso thanked Moench "for his vigilance on behalf of the thousands of children attending school in Bridgewater."

Beers previously outlined the district's efforts to enhance school security throughout all 11 of its schools. The school board's plan included the hiring of a District Coordinator of School Security, an Assistant Coordinator of School Security and four campus monitors during the 2021-22 school year. They add to the district's current force of two School Resource Officers and three Class III officers paid for via an agreement with Bridgewater Township. Read More: New Security Team Unveiled At Bridgewater-Raritan Schools

Rotating Drop Block Schedule

The schedule implemented this school year drops the number of classes for students from eight a day to six. Additionally, classes rotate throughout the morning and afternoon sessions so that students are not having the same subjects at the same time each day.

"You can have Math first thing in the morning or English the last class of the day. So you can learn your subject areas at different times throughout the day," said Beers.

Two courses are also dropped each day. Those courses instead meet three out of the four days which helps with homework loads.

"If you look at student wellness, the schedule lightens the load on students on a day-to-day basis," said Beers.

Unit Lunch

While there was some "noise" on social media about how Unit Lunch was handled in the district, Beers said that within a few weeks all students and staff should get used to it.

Beers reiterated the benefits to switching to a Unit Lunch where all 2,800 students have lunch at the same time for 55 minutes each day.

This structure gives students more freedom to use the library if they choose or play in the gym or eat outside with their friends, said Beers.

Students who were socially isolated during COVID can also be together with friends, said Beers.

"It builds a social aspect as well," said Beers.

Issues with long lines have since died down as staff is directing students to the other lunch stations throughout the building.

The gym has also been opened for students to sit in the bleachers or play.

"From my view, there have been some challenges but kids are handling it. Teachers are doing a great job, and administrators are doing a great job. And each day is getting a little bit better and that's all we can hope for," said Beers.

The district will continue to monitor the Unit Lunch moving forward.

"It is a valuable opportunity for the students and the teachers," said Beers.

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