Holmdel Schools Consider Hybrid Schedules, Temperature Detectors

HOLMDEL, NJ – Holmdel students, dust off your webcams: virtual learning, to at least some degree, will be a likely prospect as the district examines an in-person “hybrid” model of learning for September, according to Holmdel Public Schools’ interim superintendent Dr. Leroy Seitz.

According to the district leader, officials are considering a reopening plan using social distancing models as recommended by state health officials, a model that cannot accomodate the entire student population for five days a week at a full-time rate. Maintaining six feet between desks will reduce the district’s capacity to about 50 percent, per Seitz, which “forces [officials] to consider a hybrid schedule” for all grade levels.

The proposed hybrid schedule may see students attending every other day or set days twice per week, with one day serving as a virtual day for all students. Half-day and full-day scheduling options are also being considered at this time. For our the district’s most at-risk students, daily attendance is under consideration.

The announcement of such preparation comes amid plans from the Murphy administration to provide a remote-learning option to schools across the state. Read more: NJ To Offer Remote-Learning Option For Schools Amid Coronavirus

Current plans for the district include the use of face masks by all students and staff as mandated by the state Department of Health, as well as intensive cleaning procedures. While Seitz stresses that no final decisions have been made as of yet, reopening plans must be submitted to the state by Aug. 14.

A meeting to approve the reopening plan is slated for Aug. 12. Upon approval, the plan will be sent to the state.

“Changes of the magnitude that we faced in March, and now again in September, usually take about two years to develop and implement and involve a review of research, direct staff input, surveys, modeling, piloting, and training for staff,” wrote the superintendent. “Because of the directive from the State to reopen in September, we do not have the opportunity to follow the normal process.”

In a release posted to the district website on July 17, interim Superintendent of Schools Leroy Seitz announced that the board of education has partnered with Spiezle Architectural Group, Greyhawk Construction Management and Consulting and Schiller and Hersh Associates to complete a districtwide assessment pertaining to the reopening of schools come September.

Over the next four weeks, district administrators and the consulting team will be assessing facilities and developing guidelines based on those assessments. Individual plans related to scheduling, athletics and food services will be considered for each school.

According to Seitz, reopening plans made by administrators and the consulting team will result in physical measures and additions as well as policies adapted from regulations issued by Gov. Phil Murphy’s executive orders, Center for Disease Control and Prevention recommendations and the New Jersey Department of Education's Restart and Recovery Plan for Education. Holmdel Public Schools also maintain a presence in weekly meetings with the Monmouth County Office of Education and superintendents in Monmouth County to weigh considerations for school reopenings.

According to a release, current considerations for Holmdel Public Schools include:

● Implementing UV-C lighting for disinfecting after hours

● Installing bipolarionization filtration units in HVAC systems

● Installing site signage and parking limitations

● Installing signage at school entries

● Installing thermal temperature detection devices at entries

● Installing physical barriers (such as sneeze guards) at vestibules, in main offices and in nurse offices

● Installing antimicrobial coatings on commonly used surfaces, such as doorknobs, push bars, railings, bathroom fixtures and playground equipment

● Installing directional decals on floors to separate hallways and indicate directions of travel for students, teachers and visitors

● Installing hand sanitizer dispensers in each classroom and key locations

● Adjusting the spacing of classroom and nurse office furniture for physical distancing

● Maintaining new, enhanced cleaning procedures

● Installing urinal partitions in men's and boy's restrooms

● Installing automatic paper towel and soap dispensers

● Providing “necessary and appropriate” PPE

In a separate release, Seitz described that a professional service will be used to sanitize playgrounds for students. A three-stage system of cleaning will be used to protect play surfaces, including the use of high-pressure water, biostatic antimicrobial coating and a pump misting system to distribute sanitizer.

“Unfortunately, to meet the established deadline, we are going to be rushed, and in my experience, when we rush, some people are unhappy that the process was rushed and not more inclusive," wrote Seitz. "This is completely understandable and please know that we are seeking involvement to the greatest degree possible under this very limited and restrictive directive.”

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