Moorestown Friends School Considering Full In-Person Return

MOORESTOWN, NJ — Moorestown Friends School is planning to return to school five days a week in person, with the understanding that it may have to adopt a remote learning plan in the event of another outbreak of the coronavirus.

It is also offering a tuition credit due to the unpredictable nature of the 2020-21 school year, according to the Return to School plan posted on the school’s website.

The school posted its plan on the website as Gov. Phil Murphy announced that school districts may begin their academic year using a full-remote option if needed. Read more here: NJ To Offer Remote-Learning Option For Schools Amid Coronavirus

New Jersey Coronavirus Updates: Don't miss local and statewide announcements about novel coronavirus precautions. Sign up for Patch alerts and daily newsletters.

Families with children in preschool through fourth grade will receive a 10 percent credit, while families with children in Grades 5-12 will receive a 5 percent credit. It will also issue credits and refunds for any unused portion of transportation fees, extended day contract fees and lunch contract fees if the school must close due to another outbreak of the coronavirus.

The school district will also offer a 100 percent remote option in accordance with Murphy’s previous mandate. This option will combine direct learning with teachers and independent learning by students. Read more here: NJ To Offer Remote-Learning Option For Schools Amid Coronavirus

The first day of school for all students in the Lower School will be Sept. 9, with some Middle and Upper school students returning Sept. 9 and 10, and the first full day for all students set for Sept. 11.

Classrooms are being arranged to meet social distancing standards, and students will be expected to wear masks when social distancing can’t be maintained. All staff and visitors will be required to wear masks unless it is detrimental to their health. The school will provide masks to all students at the start of the year, but families will be advised to purchase their own masks for their children.

The school will follow cleaning practices and protocols and install plexiglass shields where there is frequent face-to-face interactions. Water fountains will not be in use and capacity in bathrooms and locker rooms will be limited.

Students who show symptoms of the coronavirus will not be able to attend school, and separate spaces will be established for anyone who becomes ill while at school and is waiting to go home.

Recess will be staggered, and gym class will focus on low-impact activities that don’t involve getting changed. Students will eat lunch in their classrooms, and the school is examining options for clubs and performance arts.

Overnight and field trips have been canceled through the end of January. On Monday, Gov. Phil Murphy said no decision has been made whether there will be a fall high school sports season. Read more here: NJ Decision Awaits On Resuming High School Sports: Here’s Why

Each day, students learning from home will have two live classes with an MFS@home teacher who will be in contact with grade-level teachers for students’ education. Students will also be able to tune into their classroom for social and community activities. School will begin on Oct. 9, and students must select a six-week learning block as follows:

• October 13-November 24;
• November 30-January 22;
• January 25- March 5;
• March 9-April 30; and
• May 3-June 11.

For more on the school’s plans, visit mfriends.org.

See more stories about New Jersey's coronavirus recovery.