Chatham Schools Following ‘Mask-Optional’ Policy For Gym Classes

CHATHAM, NJ — As the school year winds down across the region, some - including the School District of the Chathams - are adjusting their masking policies slightly, with masks an option if the heat is bothersome to students during their physical education classes.

According to an update on Tuesday posted on the district’s website from Superintendent Michael LaSusa, all of the district’s schools will “continue to operate under the same mask, health screening and quarantine protocols outlined in executive orders issued by Governor Murphy.”

LaSusa said masks are currently required in classrooms, per New Jersey Department of Education and Department of Health mandates.

However, he said, “Masks become optional in extreme heat and while exercising, which is why our PE classes have been mask-optional this week.”

Masks will be worn otherwise throughout the remainder of the school year, LaSusa added, “unless there is new guidance issued in the next week or conditions change so as to pose a health risk.”

LaSusa also thanked all of the district employees, as well as families and students, for their tenacity under the trying times over the past school year, because of the COVID-19 challenges.

“I am thankful for everything you have done to keep our schools moving forward this year,” LaSusa said. “It has been imperfect and I do not know anyone who has agreed with every decision I have made over the course of the past 16 months.”

Outside of a one-week closure after December’s break and what he called “a couple of hiccups at the secondary level,” LaSusa said the district remained open otherwise.

“This was possible only through the hard work and understanding of everyone in the school community,” LaSusa concluded.

The School District of the Chathams’ last day of school and graduation are scheduled for Thursday, June 17.

Questions or comments about this story? Contact me at: jennifer.miller@patch.com.