Gloucester Township, Black Horse Pike Schools Going Full Remote

GLOUCESTER TOWNSHIP, NJ — Both public school districts in Gloucester Township will transition to full-remote learning schedules amid a spike in coronavirus cases in Camden County.

The Gloucester Township K-8 Public School District will go full-remote from Nov. 23 through Jan. 8, while the Black Horse Pike Regional Public School District will be full-remote from Nov. 30 through Jan. 8.

The decision was made following a meeting between the Camden County Department of Health and superintendents throughout the county Friday afternoon.

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The Department of Health said that due to the rising number of coronavirus cases in the county, Camden County will most likely be in the "Red/Very High Risk category by Thanksgiving. Once that happens, districts will have to go full-remote.

“Our district’s Return to School Plan has consistently followed the guidelines issued by the NJDOH,” Superintendent of Schools John Bilodeau said in a letter to the community. “I have emphasized that school operations will follow the science of this pandemic. The health and safety of our students and staff remain paramount factors in decisions regarding the instructional schedule.”

Principals in the K-8 district will be in touch with families to to provide additional information regarding the instructional expectations during this fully remote period.

“Please note that I will continue to communicate and update all of you in terms of school operations,” Bilodeau said. “On behalf of the Board of Education and its administration I want to commend all of you for your perseverance during this pandemic and thank all of you for your continued support of our great school district.”

In the high school district, the remote-only learning model will follow the same Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday half-day schedule, where all students will log into Google every day and participate in remote, live, synchronous instruction and asynchronous learning every day.
Wednesday will remain the same as a remote, synchronous live schedule as it has been.

On the afternoons of Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, students can receive extra academic support, counseling services, or remote tutoring.

“The Black Horse Pike Regional School District will continue to support co-curricular programs where possible dependent upon health conditions and COVID-19 data,” Superintendent Dr. Brian Repici said. “The NJSIAA has released additional guidance, which delays the Winter Athletic Season as per their schedule. When permitted by the NJSIAA, the Black Horse Pike Regional School District will work with coaches, parents, student athletes, and faculty members so that we can continue participation sensibly as to not contribute to infection rates in accordance with the NJSIAA.

“Obviously, what we know and have learned is that we cannot control a virus if those in the local and larger communities, especially those participating in co-curricular activities, are not responsible about personal hygiene, mask wearing, and social distancing. Those who are advising clubs and other co-curricular programs, except athletic programs, can continue to do so after 2 p.m., so long as there is no contact between participants, masks are worn, social distancing is adhered to, and good personal hygiene are followed. We will inform you if that determination changes.”

Food service will be available to all students even while the school district is operating a remote learning model. The 7-day meal package will be available for students/families to pick up at each school from noon to 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Wednesdays. Anyone with questions or concerns regarding food service or who has a need for delivery should call 856-227-4100, extension 4012.

Technology repair and support services will also be available to students during this remote-only period of time.

“The Department of Health and the Black Horse Pike Regional School District family is urging our students, staff, and those in our communities to continue to be vigilant against the spread of COVID-19,” Repici said. “Remember that transmission can occur even when an individual is asymptomatic (showing no signs of illness). Please wear a mask, wash your hands frequently, and stay socially distant (at least 6 feet).

“Lastly, please utilize the services that are still available to students, even though we will be on a remote learning model. Our school counselors are ready to assist students and parents with college and career planning and providing students with strategies to improve their outlook. We have reading specialists, language arts literacy tutors, math tutors, and over 300 eager teachers to assist students with academic support. As caregivers, please remember to check your child’s grades by logging into the Genesis Parent Portal. Please direct any questions to your child’s teachers, and they will respond in a timely fashion. We believe that both the school and the caregiver are partners in a child’s success. We recognize that what has resulted from this Pandemic has been difficult for families, those working in schools included, and so if we can assist your family in any way, please let us know.”