Hazlet Schools: Virtual Learning ‘Likely’ For Fall Classes

HAZLET, NJ – Webcams and virtual classrooms may be as much of a schooltime staple as lunchboxes and textbooks in the fall for certain school districts come September. In a video update to district families on July 14, Superintendent of Hazlet Schools Dr. Scott Ridley stated that virtual learning “is still likely to play a role” in the fall (watch below):

The superintendent will be sharing video briefings on Tuesdays and Fridays throughout the summer.

“All of you know that, come September, it won’t be business as usual,” said Ridley. “I assure you, we would like nothing better than a complete return to five full days a week – though presently, such a scenario might not be possible. We are beholden to the New Jersey Department of Education, and more specifically, the governor and his executive orders.” Read more: New NJ Coronavirus Concerns: Young People And Schools

Ridley stated that the district intends to be as “prepared as possible” and will prioritize staff and student safety by following CDC guidelines. District families can expect social distancing, face masks, plexiglass guards and one way hallways to be major players in the reopening conversation during the next few weeks. Read more: NJ Teachers Develop Possible Coronavirus Back-To-School Rules

In order to better inform district decisions, a survey was sent to district families last week regarding reopening measures. While 1500 replies have been submitted as of date, Ridley stressed the importance of collecting as much data as possible. The deadline to submit survey responses is Wednesday, July 15 at 5 p.m. To take the survey, click here.

“Your voice matters, and the more voices we hear, the better it enables us to prepare for school’s return,” said Ridley.

“Given the nature of this virus, virtual learning is still likely to play a role,” said Ridley, “Though hopefully in a reduced capacity as we continue to strive toward getting kids back into their classrooms with their teachers in real-time.”

While Ridley did not mention when fall classes are slated to begin, at least one school district in New Jersey has already pushed back its start date due to the anticipated time it will take to prepare. Read more: Moorestown Set To Push Back 1st Day Of School Due To Coronavirus

The superintendent also announced the formation of a districtwide restart committee, composed of the Board of Education, administration, parents, teachers and middle and high school students. Each school will also have its own pandemic response committee made up of parents and teachers, chaired by the principal. Committee meetings will commence Thursday, July 16.

“We don’t have all the answers. No district does,” he concluded. “But I promise you: we’re asking the right questions and we’re not at all reluctant to make the hard decisions,” the superintendent said. “We are all in this together, and together we will craft a plan that supports real learning and authentic teacher-student interaction.”

Have a news tip? Email nicole.rosenthal@patch.com.

Click here to get Patch email notifications, or get breaking news alerts sent right to your phone with our app, download here. Follow Holmdel-Hazlet Patch on Facebook.