Westfield's School Reopening: 3-Foot Distancing, More Amid COVID

WESTFIELD, NJ — The Westfield schools, whose new superintendent took over Aug. 1, have now joined other districts in releasing their school reopening plan amid the rise of the Delta variant of COVID. And as with other districts, officials noted that the plan will be adjusted amid evolving guidance from the state. READ MORE: NJ K-12 Students Must Wear Masks This Fall, Murphy Says

Among highlights of the Westfield plan: As opposed to districts that have announced strict requirements for quarantining after domestic travel and completing daily COVID forms, the district is counting on parents to do home screenings and keep kids home if they have symptoms.

Among the highlights of the plan:

• Distancing: Students will maintain 3-foot social distancing in the classroom, when possible.
• Travel: Students who travel in the U.S. don't have to quarantine unless they are showing symptoms of illness. Those traveling internationally who aren't vaccinated will be required to quarantine. While school is in session, non-essential travel is "discouraged."
• Meals: At lunch (where masking is difficult), students will use alternative dining areas, like classrooms and outdoors, when possible.
• Masks: In keeping with current state guidance, masks must be worn.
• Screenings: Parents will screen kids at home, rather than filling out a school form, but must fill out a form committing to home screenings.
• Remote Learning: The state has said no to remote learning this year, but there are exceptions, such as students quarantining because of international travel, close contacts, or symptoms.

To see aspects of the plan, click the page numbers in the table of contents. Also double check the district website to get the most current protocol.

The district also has advised parents to check with school principals for specifics.

As far as quarantining after travel, some districts have asked for a PCR test before students return from states outside those contiguous to New Jersey. READ MORE: Will Fall Travel Plans Mean Remote School? In Some NJ Districts, Yes

As for distancing, now that the state has banned remote learning, many districts will see an increase in students in the buildings, and must find ways to keep students safe, such as eating meals outside.

The Westfield schools reopen for students on Thursday. Sept. 9. See the Westfield school calendar and major holidays here.

The next school board meeting will be held at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday in the Board Room of the Administration Building, 302 Elm St. All attendees must wear masks. The board will move immediately into private session to discuss confidential matters, and the public portion of the meeting will open at 7 p.m.

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NEW: Westfield Pediatric COVID Roundtable Now Available Online

Related Stories: COVID, Delta, And The Schools

• Gov. Murphy Says School Staffs Must Get Vaccine Or Weekly Testing
• NJ K-12 Students Must Wear Masks This Fall, Murphy Says
• Rise In Child COVID Hospitalizations Prompts Vaccination Plea
• Will Fall Travel Plans Mean Remote School? In Some NJ Districts, Yes
• NJ Hospital Preps For COVID Surge As Kids Set To Return To School
• Hoboken Mom Urges: Listen to COVID 'Long-Haulers'
• 4 Things To Know About The Delta Variant Of Coronavirus In NJ
• Hoboken Says: Get Vaccinated Or No Spaghetti For You
• 200 Students And Teachers In Florida County Have Virus In First Week Of School

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