Millburn Has 'Health And Wellness Day' Instead of Remote Classes

MILLBURN, NJ – This Friday won't be a regular day for distance learning in the Millburn Public Schools.

According to Superintendent of Schools Dr. Christine Burton, since Friday is part of Mental Health Awareness Month, the day will be a Health and Wellness Day in the schools.

In a distance learning update, Burton encouraged students to complete activities related to art and physical and mental health, and more fun activities, like taking a Virtual Field Trip to a museum or acquarium, or another country.

"While teachers will not be providing live meets or office hours on Friday, students will be offered a variety of health and wellness learning opportunities to do during the day," she wrote in the update.

She encouraged the students to check various Virtual Learning links on the school and district webpages.

For more information on the day and on health and wellness resources, click here.

Graduation update

Burton had previously announced a week ago Friday that the district is discussing how to hold a graduation celebration in line with state social distancing mandates.

Last week, Gov. Phil Murphy signed an executive order to allow public gatherings in cars, including graduations and religious ceremonies, under certain guidelines.

Executive Order 142 specifically permits "car gatherings for the purpose of drive-through and drive-in events."

Burton wrote, "The high school administration is working with the senior class officers, Senior

Celebration Committee and staff to plan a virtual graduation ceremony for the class
of 2020 on June 24, per the current state orders. want to share that I truly understand how difficult these times are for families of seniors who are not able to commemorate their graduation with all of the traditional pomp and circumstance."

She added, "I have a senior in college who will not be wearing her cap and gown to accept her diploma on graduation day. This is a very significant time for our graduates to celebrate their notable accomplishments and therefore, we will plan to make it a celebration worthy of remembering. We are continuing to make plans for alternate live celebrations should the restrictions be loosened or lifted at a later date. Dr. Miron shared the current and future planning with senior students and parents in a letter this week. We are all hopeful that we will be able to provide some of the typical activities to celebrate the achievement."

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