Remote Learning In Gloucester Schools Continues Through June 16

GLOUCESTER TOWNSHIP, NJ — Gov. Phil Murphy announced Monday that schools will close for the rest of the academic year because of the coronavirus outbreak. Schools will continue with their remote learning plans, with the projected end of the school year in the Gloucester Township K-8 Public School District set for June 16.

“While many of us anticipated this decision, it still comes as a setback to our entire educational community,” Gloucester Township Superintendent of Schools John Bilodeau said in a letter to parents. “On behalf of the Board of Education, the Administration, and staff, we are saddened to come to the realization that our traditional school program will not return for some time.”

“Even though this is not optimal and saddens us to know that we will not be able to see our students in the halls, we, the educators of our district are still here for you,” Black Horse Pike Regional Schools Superintendent Brian Repici said in a statement on the district’s website. “We will be reaching out to students and hope that you will continue to reach out to us.”

Murphy announced during his press conference on Monday that remote learning will continue through June. Private schools that have a longer academic year will remain closed until at least June 30. Read more here: New Jersey Schools Closed For Rest Of Academic Year: Gov. Murphy

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Schools have been closed since March by order of the state in order to help stem the spread of the coronavirus. The decision on whether to reopen has always rested with the state and not the local boards of education.

While many people expected schools to be closed for the rest of the year, confirmation came on Monday. The spring sports season has also been cancelled.

“In the coming weeks additional communication will be provided from school principals to explain several issues as they pertain to school events, cherished traditions, recognition ceremonies, promotion exercises, yearbook distribution, trip refunds, school-issued Chromebooks, and more,” Bilodeau said. “Over these last seven weeks, I am very proud of how our community has responded and have supported each other. Our students, parents, and staff have all done an amazing job in adapting to the constraints imposed upon them by the Coronavirus. Please continue to have both patience and perseverance during this challenging period. I have every confidence in the great character of everyone associated with Gloucester Township Public Schools that when this crisis ends we will be a stronger and better community.”

“We hold dear the times we can talk with you, even if it is remotely, and we look forward to working with you for the remainder of the school year,” Repici said. “Students, please know that there is not a day that goes by that we do not think of you and wish we could be back in schools. Remain healthy, keep your communities safe, and continue to do your best in the remote learning environment. "

Murphy previously said he would make a decision on schools by May 15, but he moved up the timetable. Last week, a coalition of education organizations around New Jersey sent a letter to Murphy with one request: Don't reopen the schools this year. Read more: Keep NJ Schools Closed, Education Groups Tell Gov. Murphy

Read more: NJ Coronavirus Updates: Here's What You Need To Know