Scotch Plains-Fanwood School Reopening Plan: Masks, COVID Testing

SCOTCH PLAINS, NJ — The fall school year is set to start in two weeks and Superintendent Dr. Joan Mast highlighted some of the things students can expect when they return in-person to the Scotch Plains-Fanwood Regional Township School District.

"We learned much over the past 18 months about COVID-19, mitigation strategies, and how to safely operate schools. The District is committed to safely providing our students with as much normalcy as possible that supports their academic, social and emotional needs," said Mast in a letter to the community.

School days:

• Open 5 full days for in-person learning starting Sept. 9

Lunch:

• Lunch periods are being adapted to safely support serving meals during the school day.

Masks:

• Per Gov. Phil Murphy's Aug. 6 mandate, masking is mandatory for all students, staff and visitors regardless of vaccination status.

Remote Learning:

• Remote instruction will ONLY be provided to students who test positive for COVID-19, or are required to quarantine due to exposure.

Social Distancing:

• The district will maximize social distancing.

COVID Screening:

• The Daily Symptom Screening form will be replaced by a Monthly Screening form.
• Parents are required to notify the school of potential COVID-19 exposure or positive COVID-19 test result.

Lockers:

• Gym and hallway lockers will be used at the high school level.
• Hallway lockers will be used at the middle school level.

Transportation:

• Will resume with universal masking, assigned seats, social distancing, and open windows.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

• Will run as close to normal as possible.

Cleaning:

• Extensive clearing and hygiene protocols will continue.
• Air quality is continuously being monitored.

Vaccinations:

• Teachers, Staff - Gov. Phil Murphy signed an executive order on Monday stating that all pre-K-12 school personnel must be vaccinated or undergo regular testing for COVID-19 at least once or twice a week. Read More: NJ Teachers, State Employees Must Be Vaccinated Or Face Testing

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