For Hazlet Schools, 5 Days Of In-Person Classes On The Horizon

HAZLET, NJ - Students at Hazlet Public Schools may be returning to increased in-person class time following winter break, according to school officials.

In a Friday morning video update, Superintendent Dr. Scott Ridley detailed the chances of middle and high school students transitioning to in-person classes five days a week starting in January. Elementary school students will follow soon after, the superintendent said.

“Regarding what the school day will look like moving forward, we are hopeful that, after the winter break, come January, both our middle and high school will return to five days in real-time with early dismissal,” Ridley said. “Similar to this schedule, our other six schools are currently following. With the recent uptick in reported cases and renewed warnings from the governor, we are moving cautiously in this direction and hope to have a definitive answer for the community by early December.”

The official assured community members that all decisions will be vetted by up-to-date medical protocols and include the input of parents, staff and relevant stakeholders in the school district.

Ridley also discussed travel over November break and the following holidays, announcing a new document listing expectations and responsibilities on the district website and Facebook page.

Specific questions regarding travel can be directed to school principals and nurses.

“Please, should you travel to a restricted state or out of the country, honor the in-place statewide protocols by quarantining for the required time and transitioning your child to virtual learning during that period,” the superintendent said.

Earlier this month, the school district announced a two-week all-virtual period of instruction set in place following November break. According to the initial message, school officials called for all-remote classes for two weeks in November due to out-of-state travel concerns over the extended vacation. However, the decision was overturned within 24 hours as parents rallied to get their students in the classrooms again. Read more: Hazlet School District Rescinds All-Virtual November Decision

Watch the full video message below:

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