Keep Schools Closed -
Protect Teachers and Students
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Dear Friend,
The COVID-19 pandemic has been instrumental in forcing everyone out of their comfort zones, and it has introduced new learning curves. We have become adept at virtual meetings, utilizing cloud-based solutions to work in a shared environment, and changing goals and objectives to match our current and projected situation.
Teachers and students have been no less impacted, and virtual learning has become critical in ensuring that there are no educational gaps. There are many apparent shortcomings to learning and teaching remotely, not the least of which is being able to keep kids engaged and focused. There is the problem of labs and practical coursework that must be completed, research, and social interaction among students.
As the fall semester approaches, there are hard decisions to be made about whether schools should be re-opened or not. No one wants to see schools shuttered and empty come September. However, in light of the uncertainty surrounding the coronavirus and the rapidly rising numbers in some areas of the country, we must be practical and exercise good judgment. If we cannot guarantee the health and safety of our children, our teachers, and the support staff, it is irresponsible to re-open schools in the fall. Everyone has played their part to flatten our curve and drive the number of infections down. However, with numbers spiking in other parts of the country, there are still too many unknowns.
According to the CDC, the risk might seem low for children, but they still get sick, some seriously. Children and teenagers have died. Far too many questions still surround the disease. A significant and valid concern regarding children is the risk of them infecting teachers, parents, and grandparents who could be vulnerable. It isn’t fair to risk the health of so many by re-opening schools. Teachers and staff should not have to fear their workplace or risk death when it is entirely avoidable.
According to the Council of State Chief School Officers, it will cost an estimated $245 billion to equip K-12 schools for the return of students. Those resources could be diverted to ensure that every child has access to a mobile device and Wi-Fi to facilitate virtual learning, and to train teachers for the virtual world of teaching. We know this is not an ideal situation, and nothing will be perfect as long as the COVID-19 virus is still out of control. However, we must consider ALL who will be impacted by the re-opening of schools.
The rising number of infections in various states due to social gatherings is the only trial run we need to understand the outcome of re-opening our schools. We must recognize the reasons behind the quarantine advisories issued for travelers coming from various states. We should treat our classrooms the same way we're treating indoor dining: not open.
There is no scenario where it becomes a good idea to place a large number of children together in an enclosed area for prolonged periods. Under normal circumstances, children spread germs to each other rapidly. What is the expected outcome with COVID-19 still a very viable threat? How do we ask educators to put their lives on the line in this manner? We must exercise common sense and put the health and well-being of everyone first. If we are healthy, we can re-build and catch up on what we missed. Good health and life are irreplaceable. We must err on the side of caution because the consequence is too high a price to pay. We won’t be able to protect our residents to the extent that we want to once schools re-open. Teachers and students will be in close proximity, and our efforts to uphold social distancing will come to a halt.
If we want to protect our students, our teachers, our families, and our community, we must keep schools closed.
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We had the opportunity to talk with a teacher from Neighborhood House. She has been teaching her students virtually since March when quarantine and social distancing began.
Do you think schools should remain closed during the fall?
Yes, I do. Schools should remain closed to protect the well-being of our students and teachers. This virus is silent. At any moment, a person can be carrying it and spread to others, even if that person has no symptoms. Students, like teachers, can transmit the disease from person to person.
How have your students responded to virtual learning during the past few months of the pandemic?
Because the pandemic struck so suddenly, at the beginning of our virtual classes, there was no set routine. Students weren’t prepared to follow instructions in this manner, especially my young students. As time progressed, the children learned to develop a routine to do their work, and now they listen, raise their hands when they want to speak. Each child quietly does their schoolwork during the virtual sessions. I think they will be very prepared for virtual learning in the fall if that is what will happen.
Additional comments:
Although virtual classes have slowly become successful during the last few months, and although nothing compares with in-class instruction, which allows students to bond with others, nothing is more important than the well-being of teachers and students, and ultimately, everyone with whom they come in contact.
Creating One Plainfield. One Future.
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Mantenga las escuelas cerradas -
Proteger a los maestros y estudiantes
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Querido Plainfield,
La pandemia de COVID-19 ha obligado a todos a salir de sus zonas de comodidad, y ha introducido nuevas curvas de aprendizaje. Nos hemos convertido en expertos en reuniones virtuales, utilizando soluciones basadas en la nube para trabajar en un entorno compartido y cambiando metas y objetivos para que coincidan con nuestra situación actual y proyectada.
Los maestros y los estudiantes no se han visto menos afectados, y el aprendizaje virtual se ha vuelto crítico para garantizar que no haya brechas educativas. Hay muchas deficiencias aparentes en el aprendizaje y la enseñanza de forma remota, entre las cuales se encuentra la capacidad de mantener a los niños interesados y enfocados. Existe el problema de los laboratorios y los cursos prácticos que deben completarse, la investigación y la interacción social entre los estudiantes.
A medida que se acerca el semestre de otoño, hay que tomar decisiones difíciles sobre si las escuelas deben reabrirse o no. Nadie quiere ver escuelas cerradas y vacías en septiembre. Sin embargo, a la luz de la incertidumbre que rodea al coronavirus y el rápido aumento de los números en algunas áreas del país, debemos ser prácticos y ejercer un buen juicio. Si no podemos garantizar la salud y la seguridad de nuestros niños, nuestros maestros y el personal de apoyo, es irresponsable volver a abrir las escuelas en el otoño. Todos han jugado su parte para aplanar nuestra curva y reducir la cantidad de infecciones. Sin embargo, con el aumento de los números en otras partes del país, todavía hay demasiadas incógnitas.
Según el CDC, el riesgo puede parecer bajo para los niños, pero aun así se enferman, algunos en serio. Niños y adolescentes han muerto. Demasiadas preguntas aún rodean la enfermedad. Una preocupación importante y válida con respecto a los niños es el riesgo de que infecten a maestros, padres y abuelos que podrían ser vulnerables. No es justo arriesgar la salud de tantos al volver a abrir las escuelas. Los maestros y el personal no deberían tener que temer a su lugar de trabajo o correr el riesgo de morir cuando es completamente evitable.
Según el Concejo de Directores de Escuelas del Estado, costará aproximadamente $ 245 mil millones para equipar a las escuelas para el regreso de los estudiantes. Esos recursos podrían ser desviados para garantizar que cada niño tenga acceso a un dispositivo móvil y Wi-Fi para facilitar el aprendizaje virtual y capacitar a los maestros para el mundo virtual de la enseñanza. Sabemos que esta no es una situación ideal, y que nada será perfecto mientras el virus COVID-19 aún esté fuera de control. Sin embargo, debemos considerar a TODOS los que se verán afectados por la reapertura de las escuelas.
El número creciente de infecciones en varios estados debido a reuniones sociales es la única prueba que necesitamos para comprender el resultado de la reapertura de nuestras escuelas. Debemos reconocer las razones detrás de los avisos de cuarentena emitidos para los viajeros que vienen de varios estados. Deberíamos tratar nuestras aulas de la misma manera que tratamos las comidas en interiores: no abiertas.
No existe un escenario en el que sea una buena idea colocar a un gran número de niños juntos en un área cerrada durante períodos prolongados. En circunstancias normales, los niños se propagan gérmenes entre sí rápidamente. ¿Cuál es el resultado esperado con COVID-19 siendo una amenaza muy viable? ¿Cómo les pedimos a los educadores que arriesguen sus vidas de esta manera? Debemos ejercer el sentido común y poner primero la salud y el bienestar de todos. Si estamos sanos, podemos reconstruir y ponernos al día con lo que nos perdimos. La buena salud y la vida son insustituibles. Debemos ser cautelosos porque la consecuencia es un precio demasiado alto para pagar. No podemos proteger a nuestros residentes en la medida en que queramos volver a abrir las escuelas. Los maestros y estudiantes estarán muy cerca, y nuestros esfuerzos para mantener el distanciamiento social se detendrán.
Si queremos proteger a nuestros estudiantes, nuestros maestros, nuestras familias y nuestra comunidad, debemos mantener cerradas las escuelas.
Tuvimos la oportunidad de hablar con una maestra de Neighborhood House. Ella ha estado enseñando a sus alumnos prácticamente desde marzo, cuando comenzó la cuarentena y el distanciamiento social.
¿Crees que las escuelas deberían permanecer cerradas durante el otoño?
Sí. Las escuelas deben permanecer cerradas para proteger el bienestar de nuestros estudiantes y maestros. Este virus es silencioso. En cualquier momento, una persona puede llevarlo y propagarse a otros, incluso si esa persona no tiene síntomas. Los estudiantes, como los maestros, pueden transmitir la enfermedad de persona a persona.
¿Cómo han respondido sus alumnos al aprendizaje virtual durante los últimos meses de la pandemia?
Debido a que la pandemia golpeó tan repentinamente, al comienzo de nuestras clases virtuales, no había una rutina establecida. Los estudiantes no estaban preparados para seguir las instrucciones de esta manera, especialmente mis jóvenes estudiantes. A medida que pasaba el tiempo, los niños aprendieron a desarrollar una rutina para hacer su trabajo, y ahora escuchan y levantan la mano cuando quieren hablar. Cada niño hace su trabajo escolar en silencio durante las sesiones virtuales. Creo que estarán muy preparados para el aprendizaje virtual en el otoño si eso es lo que sucederá.
Comentarios adicionales:
Aunque las clases virtuales se han vuelto exitosas lentamente durante los últimos meses, y aunque nada se compara con la instrucción en clase, lo que permite que los estudiantes se unan con los demás, nada es más importante que el bienestar de los maestros y estudiantes, y en última instancia, todos con quien entran en contacto.
Creando un Plainfield, un Futuro
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Ex-CDC Chief Sounds Warning on Reopening Schools too Quickly
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A.W.A.R.E.ness March 2020
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The mission of the A.W.A.R.E Organization (Plainfield) is to
Awaken communities
With
Awareness by building diverse and inclusive
Relationships and
Educating them about social issues that impact their neighborhoods and schools.
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Farmer's Market Vouchers for Seniors |
Cupones del mercado de agricultores para personas mayores
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The Union County Aging and Disability Resource Connection is distributing fruit and vegetable vouchers to Union County residents ages 60 and over.
Vouchers are available on a first come, first served basis. Please complete the application in its entirety, sign and mail as soon as possible to:
Union County Division of Aging
10 Elizabethtown Plaza, 4th Floor
Elizabeth, NJ 07207
Instructions along with the application are provided below in both English and Spanish.
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La Conexión de Recursos sobre Envejecimiento y Discapacidad del Condado de Union está distribuyendo vales de frutas y verduras a los residentes del Condado de Union de 60 años o más. Los cupones están disponibles por orden de llegada. Complete la solicitud en su totalidad, firme y envíe lo antes posible a:
Union County Division of Aging
10 Elizabethtown Plaza, 4th Floor
Elizabeth, NJ 07207
Las instrucciones junto con la solicitud se proporcionan a continuación en inglés y español.
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Living a Life of Purpose
with Natalie Wambui
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Who is Natalie Wambui - Author and International Speaker
12 year old
Natalie Wambui
has already written 3 books at an early age and is an international speaker who inspires girls and young women to be the best version of themselves.
She has already met world leaders from different continents and shares her story and her dreams whenever possible.
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COVID-19 Testing for Plainfield Residents Available Tomorrow - July 18
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IMPORTANT REMINDER - COVID-19 testing will be available tomorrow July 18th from 8:00am to 3:00pm in Parking Lot #7 (behind Scotts Drugs). Please arrive early to ensure that you are tested.
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RECORDATORIO IMPORTANTE: las pruebas de COVID-19 estarán disponibles mañana 18 de julio de 8:00 a.m. a 3:00 p.m.en el estacionamiento # 7 (detrás de Scotts Drugs).
Llegue temprano para asegurarse de que le hagan la prueba.
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COVID-19 Testing Procedure
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Plainfield Must be COUNTED!
Complete the 2020 Census
It Will Shape Our Future for 10 Years
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Stacey Abrams on the Importance of the 2020 Census | The View
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105 Days Left for Plainfield to be COUNTED!
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Plainfield residents we need your HELP! If we are not COUNTED in the 2020 census we will lose millions of dollars in federal funding for the next 10 years.
We will lose access to programs and resources our community needs and depends on.
Currently our response rate is trending 10+ points lower than the national, state and county rates.
As of 7/17/2020:
National - 62.1%
New Jersey - 64.1%
Union County - 66.0%
Plainfield - 53.1%
If you haven't yet done so complete the census to ensure that Plainfield is COUNTED! Encourage your family members, neighbors and friends to PARTICIPATE. We are in this TOGETHER!
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¡Quedan 105 días para que se cuente Plainfield!
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¡Residentes de Plainfield, necesitamos su AYUDA! Si no estamos CONTADOS en el censo de 2020, perderemos millones de dólares en fondos federales durante los próximos 10 años. Perderemos el acceso a los programas y recursos que nuestra comunidad necesita y de los que depende.
Actualmente, nuestra tasa de respuesta tiene una tendencia de más de 10 puntos por debajo de las tasas nacionales, estatales y del condado.
A partir del 7/17/2020:
Nacional - 62.1%
Nueva Jersey - 64.1%
Condado de Union - 66.0%
Plainfield - 53.1%
Si aún no lo ha hecho, ¡complete el censo para asegurarse de que Plainfield esté CONTADO! Anime a los miembros de su familia, vecinos y amigos a PARTICIPAR. ¡Estamos en esto juntos!
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Summer Meals Program |
Programa de comidas de verano
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The City of Plainfield in partnership with Plainfield Public Schools is again providing free meals during the summer months to kids 18 years and under from June 22nd to August 31st at the following 4 locations:
Hannah Atkins Playground - 508-52 West 3rd Street
Clinton Elementary School - 1302 West 4th Street
Plainfield High School - 905 Park Avenue
Emerson Elementary School - 302 Emerson Avenue
The program for the month of June has distributed 51,738 meals.
The Hunger Heroes Campaign is again asking for your help in promoting this service. At each location there will be free tee shirts available and anyone who takes a shirt commits to sharing a photo at the location on your social media platforms in an effort to reach 100 people each as demonstrated by the recreation team this week.
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Emerson Elementary School
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Clinton Elementary School
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COVID-19 Relief | Daily Lunches
Alivio COVID-19 | Almuerzos diarios
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City Hall - COVID-19 - Modified Schedule
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Skip the Trip to City Hall - Do Business Online!
Omita el Viaje al Ayuntamiento -
Hacer negocios en línea
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Additional Resources to Navigate
Through COVID-19
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Federal Stimulus Check Update
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The situation with the Coronavirus changes rapidly and we want to ensure that you are aware of all resources available to you. Please click on the below button for a COVID-19 resource Guide
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Emergency Food Providers & Resources
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The Importance of Wearing a Face Mask as it Becomes a Requirement
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The CDC is recommending that everyone wear a face mask or cloth covering when they go out in public along with continuing social distancing and other preventive measures.
A cloth face covering is not intended to protect the wearer, but may prevent the spread of virus from the wearer to others. This would be especially important in the event that someone is infected but does not have symptoms. A cloth face covering should be worn whenever people must go into public settings (grocery stores, for example).
As the State and local municipalities continues to re-open it is vitally important that we continue to flatten the curve and prevent the further spread of COVID-19.
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The Science Behind Wearing a Face Mask and Why it's Important
| WKYC Channel 3
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Proper Disposal of Face Masks & Gloves
and the Importance of Hand Washing
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July is National Recreation and Parks Month
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National Recreation and Parks Month is celebrated annually each July. It's the perfect time of year to enjoy the great outdoors. The national observance was created in 1985, and has since been sponsored and celebrated every year by the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA).
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UNION COUNTY: Union County Freeholders Announce COVID-19 Relief Grant Program
for Small Businesses
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UNION COUNTY
- The Union County Freeholder Board today announced the initial-round launch of the Union County Covid-19 Relief Grant Program for small businesses that have been impacted by the health emergency.
The grant program will make available a total of $2 million in CARES Act relief funds. Out of this funding, the program will provide grants up to $20,000 to eligible small businesses to cover three month’s rent, property mortgage, utility and insurance expenses. The grant will be available to small businesses located within the boundaries of Union County with 25 or less employees prior to the COVID emergency.
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“Union County’s small businesses are the life-blood of our communities and our downtowns,”
said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella
. “These businesses, which contribute so much to our quality of life as a whole, have been devastated by the COVID-19 emergency and need our assistance. The survival of these businesses is vital to Union County, and we encourage our small businesses to apply for a grant once the program is available.”
The Union County Covid-19 Relief Grant Program is funded by the COVID- Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act Federal relief fund. The County of Union will begin accepting applications for the program through an online portal beginning Thursday at 10 a.m., July 16
th
at
www.ucnj.org/covid-grant
Questions about the County’s grant programs can be sent to
dmesaros@ucnj.org.
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FROM THE GOVERNOR'S OFFICE:
Governor Murphy Unveils Plan to Address Digital Divide Ahead of 2020-2021
School Year
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IRVINGTON, NJ --
Governor Phil Murphy today unveiled his Administration’s plan to address unmet pre-K-to-12 student technological needs in New Jersey schools, commonly referred to as “the digital divide.” Efforts to ensure reliable internet connectivity and access to one-to-one digital devices are critical as we look ahead to the 2020-2021 school year and the reopening of schools, many of which are preparing reopening plans employing a hybrid schedule of both in-person and continued remote learning due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
“One thing the 2019-2020 school year taught us is just how resilient and innovative our students and educators can be, particularly in times of crisis,”
said Governor Murphy
. “By taking these steps to close the digital divide and equip students in need with personal device access and internet connectivity, we can ensure that students continue to succeed in these unprecedented times.”
The Administration’s approach to closing the digital divide is three-pronged and consists of the following:
- The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) released today a Request for Information (RFI), seeking information and ideas to bridge the digital divide for New Jersey’s pre-K-to-12 students, including philanthropic support from companies and organizations to help close the digital divide in public schools. The RFI is available here and interested parties will have until July 31, 2020 to respond. District information from the New Jersey Department of Education (DOE) will help connect school districts in need with identified philanthropic partners and potential solutions.
- The DOE will offer a one-time $10 million formula grant using a portion of the State’s federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) funds. This funding will be disbursed to public school districts to purchase digital devices and internet connectivity for one-to-one student use based on need and the availability of philanthropic donations. Districts will be required to submit an application to DOE, which will be released next week, and demonstrate a plan for appropriate use of funds.
- After philanthropy and ESSER Fund grants have been exhausted, the Administration will redirect Coronavirus Relief Fund (CRF) funds to close any remaining gap and fill the unmet digital device and internet connectivity needs of New Jersey students. Up to $44 million in CRF funds will be available for this purpose, with an additional $6 million available for nonpublic schools. Because of the ongoing and unparalleled financial strain the COVID-19 pandemic has created across the board in the State, is critical to exhaust philanthropic opportunities and CARES Act funding prior to filling remaining gaps with CRF funds. This will ensure that CRF funds can be efficiently directed to address as many critical needs as possible.
Schools in New Jersey were closed to in-person instruction in March 2020 when Governor Murphy signed
Executive Order 104
to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. While school closures were necessary to protect public health, the DOE estimates that more than 230,000 students across the state have been impacted by the digital divide. Last month, the DOE released
guidance
to assist schools in preparing for the upcoming school year and establishing a learning model that includes the possibility of employing both remote and in-person learning, meaning that students will need continued access to the internet and digital devices. After considering other available district funding sources and estimating need based on June 2020 survey data and low-income enrollment data, the DOE estimates that the cost to close the digital divide is approximately $54 million.
“The digital divide leaves too many students in need at a severe disadvantage in gaining equal opportunities in education and much more needs to be done,”
said Senate President Steve Sweeney
. “Reading, writing and arithmetic are not enough without a laptop. The coronavirus and resulting school shutdowns have exposed how punishing this divide is for students who just can’t afford computers and other modern technologies that are considered a basic supply in most communities. Let’s take advantage of the lessons we are learning from this crisis to help close the divide and give our students the technological supplies they need.”
“This pandemic has brought into sharp focus the educational consequences of students going without adequate access to technology at home,”
said Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin
. “While we cannot predict whether schools will again need to close, we must be better prepared. No student should be going without access to the tools and educational resources the vast majority of their peers have been able to enjoy. By bridging this digital divide, we can secure educational equity for students in New Jersey not only now, but in our future beyond this crisis.”
"There are thousands of kids around the state who, after three months of virtual instruction, still do not have access to the internet or a tablet, preventing them from connecting with their teachers or interacting with materials,"
said Senator Teresa Ruiz, Chair of the Senate Education Committee
. "This use of funding, to connect every single New Jersey student to online learning by the time school starts in the fall is critical to preventing further learning loss and ensuring we are prepared for what is to come in September and throughout the remainder of the school year. The pandemic has exacerbated and illuminated the divide in our educational settings and this is a meaningful first step towards bridging those gaps and achieving equity across our districts as we deal with this public health emergency and beyond."
“Remote learning has been tough on every aspect of our educational system, especially our students of color,”
said Senator Ron Rice
. “Our urban students are falling behind other students around the state due to a lack of technology. We have not yet seen the second wave of COVID-19 in New Jersey and must be prepared for our students to be taught remotely again to start the school year. In order to prevent lower levels of educational attainment, we must utilize federal funds to vastly shrink the technological divide plaguing our urban students of color.”
“To close the gap in educational opportunity and prevent this pandemic from further exacerbating disparities, it’s imperative we address the growing digital divide,”
said Assemblywoman Pamela Lampitt, chair of the Assembly Education Committee
. “At the end of this past school year, seven percent of our public-school students still didn’t have access to the technology they needed. We have to address this problem before the fall. We cannot accept a reality where any child is left behind.”
“The pandemic created an unforeseen and unprecedented reality for Irvington, one that saw many of our students struggle due to lack of access to digital devices and the internet,”
said Irvington Mayor Tony Vauss
. “On behalf of the parents, educators, and students in our city, I would like to thank Governor Murphy for taking these steps and helping students not only in Irvington but around the state have the tools they need to ensure a successful school year.”
“At the onset of this pandemic, many of our students were without computers and Wi-Fi,”
said Dr. April Vauss, Superintendent of Irvington Public Schools
. “While my staff worked diligently to meet this unparalleled task of remote learning and to replicate our standards for engaging and quality instruction, we still lacked the ability to fully close the gap in technological access. I know the challenges our district has faced in terms of the digital divide, and I fully support Governor Murphy’s initiative as we continue working to bridge the gap in student needs and as we look ahead to reopening schools throughout New Jersey.”
“In March, schools throughout New Jersey did an extraordinary job of shifting instruction for their entire student population to a system of remote learning,”
said Kevin Dehmer, Interim Commissioner of Education
. “However, it also became clear that we need to address the digital divide among the students who lack access to technology. Our plan will help put structures in place to help districts focus on families with the greatest need.”
“Building a stronger, fairer New Jersey economy starts with ensuring all students have equitable access to the high-quality education they need to obtain good jobs, grow businesses, or launch new companies. Right now, that means helping students access the devices, internet connectivity, online resources, and other tools they need for effective remote learning when it is necessary due to COVID-19,”
said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan
. “The RFI issued today will not only benefit students, but will also benefit all New Jersey residents by facilitating a responsible and fair economic restart and recovery.”
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Please have family and friends sign up to receive these important weekly updates. They can sign up by calling
908.753.3015
or emailing
communications@plainfieldnj.gov
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One Plainfield. One Future
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