East Brunswick Adopts Hybrid Model This School Year

EAST BRUNSWICK — East Brunswick Public Schools will be going ahead with its hybrid model for the upcoming school year beginning Sep. 8, superintendent Victor Valeski told Patch.

At a board of education meeting held Aug. 20, teachers from the district expressed their reservations about coming back to school buildings this fall. But Valeski said the district is “ready and worked hard” to bring teachers and students back.

“The return has a lot of emotions tied to it. We are working with staff and addressing all their concerns,” said Valeski.

The hybrid model was developed under the district’s “Restart and Recovery Plan." A survey was conducted among parents and guardians, with 53 percent electing a fully-remote track and 47 percent choosing the hybrid tack, said Valeski.

Some students will learn remotely this semester, as chosen by their parents. Those who opted for the hybrid plan will alternate between being in schools and learning remotely.

Under the hybrid plan, elementary school will have two cohorts, each designed for 50 percent enrollment. Teachers will move to students’ homeroom classrooms to limit student interaction outside the classroom bubble, said Valeski.

Middle, junior and high schools will have four cohorts each, representing 25 percent of enrollment.

Parents can change their options during the quarterly marking period.

Students who opted for all-remote learning will log in at the same time as live sessions. Teachers will later meet with small groups to check their understanding and answer any questions.

Valeski said the board decided to go with the hybrid model after learning that “certain students needed additional support from teachers.”

Cafeteria will not be open, instead students will be served “grab and go” meals.

The district has adopted various measures to ensure a safe environment for teachers, students and staff.

They have purchased a large volume of personal protective equipment (PPE), installed plexiglass barriers and marked sidewalks for orderly movement.

Handwashing stations have been installed at various spots across schools. Teachers and staff will self-screen and students will be given temperature checks before entering buildings.

“We are ready. We worked really hard to get there,” said Valeski.

The district will reassess the situation in schools every week.

Meanwhile, many Middlesex County school districts like Edison, Metuchen, South Brunswick, Woodbridge etc., have decided to begin the school year with all-remote learning.