Moorestown Schools To Dismiss Early Monday For Coronavirus Prep

MOORESTOWN, NJ — The Moorestown Public School District will have an early dismissal on March 16 as the district prepares for the possibility of home-based learning due to coronavirus.

The early dismissal will give teachers time to develop lesson plans that include a hybrid of traditional and technology-based learning materials in the event schools must close, Superintendent of Schools Scott McCartney said in a letter to parents on Wednesday.

“The district will also submit a district-level plan to the County Office of Education,” McCartney said. “Instructional delivery is likely to be a hybrid of traditional and technology-based materials.”

After the district develops a plan on March 16, it will send detailed information to parents, so they can be aware of what’s happening and help with implementation, McCartney said.

“Please check our website regularly and be attentive to any district telephone, e-mail, text or social media broadcasts,” McCartney said. “We will provide routine updates to keep you informed.”

The schools will also receive a deep clean on Friday, when the district was already scheduled to be closed. In the next couple of days, the school district will send a survey about internet access and availability to parents, McCartney said.

“We must provide educational services for students with disabilities as well as child nutrition needs to ensure the alternative school day counts toward the required 180 school days,” McCartney said.

The announcement came after a county-wide meeting with school superintendents, the Department of Education and the Department of Health, in which school districts were asked to consider options for possible closures.

“Based on the information and direction that we received at our meeting yesterday, district operations remain intact and all scheduled activities and events are moving forward as planned,” McCartney said. “Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact my office, your school administration or the school nurse.”

The announcement came one day after it was revealed that two Burlington County residents tested presumptive positive for new coronavirus. Read more here: 2 Presumptive Positive Burlington County Coronavirus Cases Reported

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The New Jersey Department of Health has partnered with the New Jersey Poison Information and Education System to open and operate a call center (1-800-222-1222) for public use regarding questions, concerns, and other information related to coronavirus spread in New Jersey. More information is also available on the state's coronavirus webpage.

See related: NJ Coronavirus Updates: Here's What You Need To Know