Dear Shamong Families:
I hope this letter finds you well and enjoying your summer. This communication is to provide you with information regarding school plans for the fall. Updates and more specific/building level plans will be communicated as guidance is received. As of July 29, 2021:
In-Person Learning:
The State of New Jersey released their guidance requiring all districts to provide 5 full days per week of in-person instruction in the fall. The Shamong School District will be in session 5 full days including kindergarten.
Snow Days and Emergency Closures:
The District has 2 make-up days for emergency closings reflected on our approved district calendar for the 2021-2022 school year. These days are made available to provide flexibility in case weather or other emergency conditions prevent us from opening our schools. Schools cannot move to remote learning unless an emergency is declared for more than 3 days. Therefore, a switch to virtual days will not be allowed for school closures.
Masks:
According to the State of New Jersey, masks are currently a local decision. The option to mask students will be a decision for the family and therefore masks are optional for students. Please know if local authority is removed, we will need to follow mandates for mask wearing. It is the expectation of the district that adults who are non-vaccinated will wear a mask inside the school building.
Ventilation:
The district maintains adequate ventilation, including operational heating and ventilation systems in all indoor facilities. Filter(s) for ventilation units will be maintained and changed according to manufacturer recommendations. Fresh intake and distribution will be physically inspected and adjusted to provide maximum fresh air circulation. For the 2021-2022 school year, each classroom ventilation system will have “I-Wave” air purifiers installed.
Preventative Measures:
- The district will continue to physically distance to the greatest extent possible.
- Students will be assigned seats in classrooms and the cafeteria in order to contact trace, should the need arise.
- The district will continue to maintain adequate supplies to support healthy hygiene behaviors, including soap and hand sanitizer. Staff will continue to reinforce the importance of frequent hand washing and sanitizing.
- Enhanced cleaning/sanitizing protocols will continue.
Contact Tracing and Quarantine:
The district will continue to follow the guidance of the NJDOH and BCDOH regarding contact tracing and quarantine. If the district becomes aware that a person who tests positive has been in our buildings, we will contact trace to identify close contacts. Close contacts will need to quarantine as per guidelines. Vaccinated individuals will not need to quarantine based on the current guidance.
Board of Education Meetings:
The Shamong Township Board of Education will resume in-person meetings beginning in August, 2021 as indicated on the district website.
Thank you for your continued support as we continue to strive to provide the safest and healthiest of environments for our children to learn.
Sincerely,
Christine Vespe
Christine Vespe, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools
