Metuchen Schools Open For 2026-27 Year With New Start Times, Bus Tiers

METUCHEN, NJ — Metuchen students returned to class Monday for a half day, opening the 2026-27 school year under the district's new theme, "Curious. Courageous. Connected," Superintendent Vincent Caputo said in a message to families.

The district implemented several changes this year, including new start and end times and new bus routes and stops to accommodate a third tier of bussing and new grade configurations, Caputo said.

"We heard loud and clear that parents wanted bussing at Moss," Caputo said. "We also heard you, Edgar parents, that bussing for middle schoolers is a high priority." The district added bussing for kindergarten through second grade while maintaining it for grades 6-8, according to Caputo.

Traffic around the borough will be affected by ongoing repairs on Main Street and the New Jersey Department of Transportation's Grove Avenue bridge replacement project, which Caputo said is expected to continue through October. The district adjusted bus stops as a result.

At Metuchen High School, the traffic pattern has also changed. Starting Monday, all vehicles will enter the MHS campus via Norris Street, Bulldog Boulevard will operate as one-way in front of the school, and all vehicles will exit onto Mason Street. Caputo said the Metuchen Police Department will have a presence on Grove Avenue and at other schools to assist with the new traffic patterns.

MHS also debuted new field lights this year. The school will host New Brunswick High School for its first game under the lights on Friday, Sept. 4, at 6 p.m.

At Edgar School, renovations were completed over the summer; the building's historic facade on Brunswick Avenue is now the back of the school. Traffic patterns will remain the same as last year until the borough's paving project is complete, at which point the district will adjust arrival, dismissal and parking plans, Caputo said.

The Campbell School field is ready for recess and special activities, according to the district.

Moss School's renovation is also complete, coinciding with the building's 100th anniversary. The school will continue using a valet drop-off procedure, with cars entering via Simpson Street and a new driveway on the right side of the building. Buses will enter from Bounty and Hunt streets and exit via Simpson Street at dismissal. Parents picking up children are asked to park and use crosswalks around the school.

The district also implemented policies required under a new New Jersey law prohibiting student use of personal internet-enabled devices, including laptops, smartwatches, smart glasses and phones, from bell to bell. Students are still required to bring their district-issued Chromebooks each day.

Under another new state law, students are no longer permitted to ride e-bikes to any school other than MHS. High schoolers who do ride e-bikes must follow applicable registration and insurance requirements.

In his message, Caputo acknowledged broader challenges facing the district and the country, citing ongoing wars, disinformation, climate-related disasters and threats to democracy and public education. "This fall promises more chaos," Caputo said. "We need to develop our curiosity skills. We need to find our courage. And we need to stay connected."

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