West Orange Schools Following NJ Guidance For Mandatory Masks

WEST ORANGE, NJ — West Orange’s public schools will be following New Jersey’s lead when it comes to face masks and other key coronavirus policies, Superintendent Scott Cascone recently announced.

In a letter to the school community, Cascone gave an update about the start of the new school year, which kicks off Thursday, Sept. 9 for students. And yes, it will include mandatory masks – as per the state’s recent decision. Read More: New Jersey K-12 Students Must Wear Masks This Fall, Gov. Murphy Says

Cascone wrote Friday:

“The 2021-2022 school year will begin for students on Thursday, Sept. 9. Recently, the New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE) and New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH) issued guidance in The Road Forward: Health and Safety Guidance for the 2021-2022 School Year. Based on that guidance as well as the guidance from Gov. Phil Murphy and local authorities, please review the following information regarding the opening of school.

“Full-time, in-person learning will resume for the 2021-2022 school year.

“As per Executive Order 251 signed by Governor Murphy on August 6, 'all school districts must maintain a policy regarding mandatory use of face masks by staff, students, and visitors in the indoor portion of the school district premises.' There are some exceptions to the rule including: when the individual is engaged in activity that cannot physically be performed while wearing a mask, such as eating or drinking, or playing a musical instrument that would be obstructed by a face mask; when the individual is engaged in high-intensity aerobic or anaerobic activity; or when a student is participating in high-intensity physical activities during a physical education class in a well-ventilated location.

“Social distancing will follow NJDOE and NJDOH guidance in order that the district ‘maintain physical distancing between individuals to the extent practicable. Physical distancing recommendations must not prevent a local district from offering full time, in-person learning.’ “The social distancing rules will apply to lunch as well. More information regarding lunch will be available from specific buildings.

“Exclusion from school of COVID-19 positive individuals will follow the guidelines as established in the Road Forward. Quarantining of unvaccinated close contacts will also follow the guidelines established in the Road Forward.

“A detailed school reopening presentation will be made concerning the 21-22 school year at the August 16 BOE meeting which will be conducted in person at WOHS at 7:30 p.m. in the LMC. These procedures and plans have been informed through community feedback, school reopening committee meetings, and in consultation with the district's health advisory board. Further, those individuals who cannot attend in person may submit questions on both agenda and non-agenda items utilizing the Google form which will be activated Friday evening, August 13 on the district website. The link below will take you to a landing page at which you may obtain access to the form, as well as the instructions for viewing the live stream option (BOE Meeting Information).

“Please know that the district is placing a keen focus on safety, physical well-being as well as social emotional well-being. We will take on this endeavor one day at a time and together. School reopening committee’s and administrators will continue to meet over the next 2 to 3 weeks to further thresh out remaining details and plans. You can expect ongoing communication as September 9 approaches.

“We are excited to welcome back all of our students to a full-year of academic, social, and emotional growth. Specific information about school activities and schedules will be forthcoming from your building principal.”

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