Belleville Schools Go Virtual For Day Amid Heat Wave

BELLEVILLE, NJ — Belleville public school students had a virtual day of learning on Tuesday due to a local heat wave, officials said.

Belleville School Superintendent Richard Tomko posted the following message about the decision:

“Due to excessive temperatures over the past two days, [we are] concerned that the soaring numbers will create an unsuitable environment for learning in the majority of classrooms tomorrow. Therefore, June 8 will be a virtual day for all students in the Belleville Public Schools District.”

MASKS IN NEW JERSEY SCHOOLS

Gov. Phil Murphy recently said that masks are optional for school districts in extreme heat.

“As a reminder to all school officials, our current masking requirements do include exceptions for cases of extreme heat in outdoor settings and for situations indoors or outdoors where wearing a mask would inhibit the individual's health,” Murphy said.

“School officials are empowered to relax masking among students and staff in their buildings given extreme weather conditions, and we hope they will make the right calls for their educational communities,” the governor added.

• See related article: Storms, 40-MPH Wind, Heat In Forecast As Schools Drop COVID Masks

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