Some West Orange Schools Go Virtual, Others Remain In-Person

WEST ORANGE, NJ — In-person or virtual? Depending on their grade level and school, the situation was different for many students in the West Orange Public School District on Monday.

West Orange school administrators had previously expressed hope that the entire district would be in-person on Jan. 10. But as of Monday, many students were attending class from home amid a rise in COVID-19 cases across the township and state.

Here’s the latest update for the week of Jan. 10 to Jan. 14, according to a social media post from the district:

• K-8 will be full day and in-person. A school(s) may pivot to virtual if they cannot be staffed. The notice will come from the school principal and be delivered like a snow day announcement, tailored specific to the school population and addressing those students and their families. The Betty Maddalena Early Learning Center and Kelly Elementary have already notified families of virtual instruction.
• West Orange High School will be providing virtual instruction remotely for all students and plans to return to full day in-person instruction on Tuesday, January 18.
• All extracurricular and evening activities are paused until Monday, January 17.

“Does the middle school still have the option to be virtual?” a commenter asked.

“Yes, virtual options are still available,” administrators replied. “You must reach out to the school main office to make them aware/arrangements.”

Earlier this month, Cascone warned that administrators are preparing for potential staff shortages, including instructional faculty and bus drivers.

“In the event of a school closure due to COVID-related staff shortages impacting instruction and/or transportation, West Orange school families will be notified by 5 a.m. on the day of the school closure,” Cascone said. “We will use the same communication protocol as used for weather-related school closures and instruction will be provided remotely.”

• See related article: Possible Staff Shortages May Force School Closures In West Orange

On Jan. 7, Superintendent Scott Cascone said school may pivot to virtual learning if it can’t be staffed. The decision is made with the recommendation of the school principal and the support of the district administration and board of education, he said.

Cascone added:

“Remember: If you feel sick or have symptoms, stay home. It remains on all of us to each do our part to mitigate the spread of this virus and keep our community safe. In addition to your local healthcare provider, free PCR testing is available at the linked locations as well as on a walk- in basis at the K-Mart located at 236 Prospect Avenue. Appointments are not necessary and results are provided within 24-36 hours, although delays have occurred recently due to the current surge.”

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